JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Director will craft and execute the communications strategy behind the programmatic work the ACLU-VA does to protect Virginians’ civil rights and civil liberties. This role is crucial to building and engaging a strong supporter base, amplifying our advocacy, and driving impactful messages that resonate with diverse audiences. To support the ACLU-VA’s integrated advocacy model – which includes litigation, legislation, grassroots organizing, and public education – a successful Communications Director will leverage digital, editorial and traditional media to expand ACLU-VA’s impact in the fight for a more just Virginia.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including to racial justice and civil rights issues and a passion for the role communications plays in achieving it.
• 7+ years of experience in public relations, communications, social media and digital, marketing, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience with advocacy communications, including experience developing and executing communications campaigns.
• Experience managing and executing public relations strategies, including track record of building strong media relationships and using paid public relations tools and metrics.
• Experience managing and executing digital strategies, including track record of measurable success on social and digital platforms (Meta, TikTok, X, etc).
• Experience creating and producing editorial content, including hands-on experience as a photographer, videographer, writer, or other creator.
• Proven ability to manage and coach a high-performing team.
• Willingness and availability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Virginia, and occasionally to other states.
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, to refrain from unlawful discrimination and to comply fully with all applicable laws; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity and national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, and ability to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experience proactively building relationships with diverse audiences, including reporters and editors, community leaders, coalition partners and the public.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson for campaigns or organizations.
• Understanding of best practices and emerging trends within communications landscapes.
• Curious and ambitious brand thinker and storyteller.
• Strong multi-tasker with the ability to prioritize and provide clear direction for staff on how to meet competing, simultaneous deadlines.
• Diplomatic collaborator with strong interpersonal communications skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to have constructive conversations about difficult issues.
• Team-player with a “yes, and” approach who enjoys working with diverse communities and people, and influences through the power of ideas, not force.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and detail-obsessed.
• Excellent judgment, written and oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Comfort with and even excitement about ambiguity, nuance, and finding opportunity without all the answers.
• Deep enthusiasm for learning, growing, and finding better ways to do things.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong media relationships in Virginia.
• Experience with legislative sessions in Virginia.
• Experience working at an organization with an integrated advocacy model where legal, legislative, education and advocacy tactics are used collaboratively and cohesively to achieve results.
• Experience working with design software like Adobe Creative Cloud and CMS systems like Drupal, Wordpress, etc.
• Experience in managing and coaching staff in a diverse workforce.
• Experience in the non-profit sector.
• Experience with audio, video, and digital production.
• Ability to speak and/or write in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic or other language spoken by a language minority in Virginia.
• Access to reliable transportation.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer, phone, copier, printer
  DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this job description restricts the Executive Director’s right to assign other duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.
  The ACLU of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, bi- or multi-lingual (including Indigenous languages) speakers, multi-cultural individuals, members of the LGBTQ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated or are currently under supervision, and other people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We seek to build a diverse team and an inclusive organizational culture. All qualified applicants who share our vision and who have a desire to contribute to our mission are encouraged to apply