Communications Director

**Applications NOT accepted through LinkedIn. Please follow directions below for your application to be considered.**

POSITION OVERVIEW

Full-Time, Exempt

The ACLU of Idaho is seeking an experienced, skilled, mission-driven applicant for the position of Communications Director to join our team.  

The Communications Director will be someone looking for a meaningful opportunity to be part of a vibrant organization that makes profound differences in the lives of individuals. With rampant attacks on the LGBTQ community, reproductive rights, racial justice, free expression, and immigrants’ rights, the Communications Director will be at the center of a dynamic and cohesive team committed to safeguarding justice and promoting liberty in Idaho and nationwide. In addition, the Communications Director will be part of a team committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.   

Through an integrated advocacy approach, the Communications Director will work closely with the organization’s legal, advocacy, administrative, and philanthropy departments, as well as collaborate with ACLU National staff.  

The Director will provide visionary and strategic leadership and is responsible for top-level strategic communications planning and execution. In addition, they will take the lead on drafting and copyediting all public facing written materials, including press releases, op-eds, talking points, action alerts, blogs posts, newsletters, reports, and more. The Director will also manage and work in partnership with the Communications Strategist. 

This position is full-time, reports to the Executive Director and must live in Idaho prior to starting employment. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Direct, manage, and supervise the ACLU of Idaho’s Communications Department and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national news outlets.  
• Partner with the Executive Director to advance the mission and vision of the organization via strategic communications.  
• Develop and implement an annual communications plan, strategy, and benchmarks. 
• Create and manage the budget for the Communications Department in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Administration. 
• Ensure accurate, consistent, clear, and responsible publications that represent and communicate the ACLU of Idaho and its positions in a compelling and convincing manner. 
• Lead drafting, copyediting, and production of persuasive, public facing written materials, including press releases, op-eds, talking points, action alerts, blog posts, and more. 
• Manage and maintain the highest editorial standards for publications originating from the Communications Department and work collaboratively across departments to develop or revise content for message consistency and maximum impact for written products and content. 
• Provide guidance and support to the Communications Strategist in the development of communications department internal protocols, processes and systems.  
• Collaborate with the Communications Strategist to ensure regular and relevant content across social and web platforms in line with ACLU of Idaho messaging and branding. 
• Produce and manage talking points and internal media guidance in collaboration with the Communications Strategist and other programmatic staff.  
• Actively monitor news media channels to identify emerging stories, trends, and rapid response moments, and regularly share press developments to internal stakeholders. 
• Oversee productions for recurring publications and print materials originating from the Communications Department with support from the Communications Strategist. 
• As necessary, conduct and/or support media trainings for staff, affiliate partners, coalition partners, experts, and organizational ambassadors, including on-air/camera interviews.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• At least five years of professional experience in a communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism role.  
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and copy-editing skills, with a keen, creative eye for design and presentation. Proficiency in AP Style. 
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and speaking skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and precisely and to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.  
• A creative and strategic thinker with a passion for stories that move public opinion. A talent for distilling complicated narratives, issues, and data sets into values-based, human-centered stories that inspire people to take action. 
• Experience in supervising and mentoring staff and volunteers.  
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.  
• A track record of leadership through strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building, with an eye toward shared responsibility and credit 
• Knowledge of working with communications related software, such as: Asana, Slack, Cision, Meltwater. Experience with all aspects of digital media, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and website related work. 
• Patience, emotional intelligence, and cultural competency, including the ability to participate in, create, and sustain inclusive and engaging spaces for people with a wide range of races, ethnicities, language proficiencies, abilities, genders, ages, backgrounds, interests, skills, concerns, personalities, and geographies. 
• Clear, strong, and proven commitment to racial justice, civil liberties, public interest work, and the mission of the ACLU of Idaho. 
• Valid driving privileges and willingness to travel across Idaho and occasionally to other places in the United States. 
• Ability to attend in-person meetings and events. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Proficiency in Spanish preferred.  
• Experience working with state and local policymaking processes. 
• Experience with graphic design software.  

COMPENSATION: 

The salary for this position is between $75,000-$80,000, which is re-evaluated on an annual basis and is subject to adjustment in connection with an organization wide adjustment of compensation. We offer excellent benefits, including 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) plan with an employer match, life and long-term disability insurance, sabbatical eligibility after at least five years, and generous paid holidays.  

ACLU of Idaho will provide up to $3,000 to support relocation expenses.  

TO APPLY: 

(1) Compile the following into a single PDF file: 

• Résumé. 
• A cover letter, no more than two pages, explaining how your background and experience prepare you for this job.  
• A professional writing sample (for example a press release or similar communications document). 
• Contact information for three references.  

(2) Send to [email protected].  

Please reference “Communications Director” in the email subject line and indicate in your cover letter where you found this job listing. 

Review of applications will begin on Thursday, September 28th, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.  

If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying, please e-mail [email protected]. If we select you for an interview, you will receive more information about how to request accommodations for the interview process. 

ACLU of Idaho