New York Civil Liberties Union — Director of Communciations

Director of Communications

Salary Range: $100,000-120,000 - Salary will be based on experience and qualifications. The NYCLU has a generous and competitive benefits package.

Location: 125 Broad Street, New York, 10004

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's leading advocates on behalf of constitutional rights and liberties. Founded in 1951 as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with nearly 200,000 members and supporters and eight offices statewide. We work in the courts, in the legislatures and on the streets to advocate for the full range of civil rights and civil liberties, including racial and economic justice, free speech, freedom of religion, privacy and equality before the law for all New Yorkers. For more information please visit our

website: www.nyclu.org

The NYCLU is seeking an experienced, mission-driven professional to lead the Communications Department and spearhead its public-education work, oversee all contact with the press, launch multi-media advocacy campaigns, publish reports, run the organization’s websites and support cross-departmental communications.

MAJOR DUTIES

The Director of Communications creates strategies that employ communications tactics such as press outreach, online advocacy, social networking, and, publications. The Director supports the Executive Director through the cultivation of strategic media relationships, preparation on rapidly changing and controversial issues, and drafting talking points, summaries and speeches. The Director manages, motivates and mentors a team of communications professionals and works closely with other departments and statewide staff to reach the organization’s goals. Roles and responsibilities include:

• Strategic planning for communications
• Overseeing public education and media relations
• Supporting the Executive Director
• Maintaining brand standards and organizational identity
• Managing online communications and social media
• Creating and releasing publications
• Managing, developing and mentoring Communications staff

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal Candidates

• The ideal candidate for this position flourishes is a fast-paced, deadline driven environmen They excel at project management and can take ideas and develop work plans, collaborate with other staff members, and direct projects through launch. They are analytical, strategic, and big-picture thinkers, with the proven ability to understand complex ideas and articulate them clearly and concisely in a digestible way, using anecdotes, analogies, stories, etc. They are able to work across multiple departments and with various staff members, and connect the work that happens across the organization. They understand and appreciate policy and politics and use sound judgment in messages to key audiences. And they have a diplomatic touch and a sense of humor.
• Fluency in another language and additional experience in journalism, online organizing, marketing or legal advocacy are desirable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates for the position must have at minimum:

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public relations, preferably in an advocacy or nonprofit organization (in some cases, relevant graduate education [e.g., law degree] may be credited as experience);
• Understanding of a broad range of civil liberties issues and advocacy strategies;
• Media relations experience working with media outlets at national, regional or local levels;
• Writing and editing skills
• Experience in working with diverse audiences, including elected officials, community leaders, coalition partners and the public;
• A profound and well-articulated commitment to social justice and to the preservation and enhancement of individual rights and liberties;
• Project management and collaboration experience including interdepartmental or multi-disciplinary projects and shepherding projects from inception to completion; and

• Leadership, supervisory or project management experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send your resume and cover letter to settleson@gmail.com, subject line: NYCLU – Director of Communications

Please submit a resume with a cover letter describing:

1. Your communications related experienc
2. Your unique qualifications for this position.
3. Where or how you learned of this job posting.
4. Your salary require.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed immediately. Qualified candidates will be asked to submit additional information, including performance samples and references from people you have worked with in the past.

The NYCLU is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages all applicants regardless of race, sex, gender identity, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or record of arrest or conviction. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and have a workforce that reflects the population that we serve.