The ACLU-DC is a non-partisan, non-profit public interest organization devoted to protecting civil rights and civil liberties of those who live and work in the District of Columbia. Our 22 staff members work daily to achieve this mission through advocacy before the D.C. Council, litigation, public education, and organizing in all eight wards of D.C. ACLU-DC is an affiliate of the national ACLU, the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The ACLU works in communities, in the legislature, and in the courts to defend and expand individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.  

The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-DC) seeks a D.C. Statehood Campaign Strategist to conceptualize, plan, and execute high-impact campaign communications products to increase the visibility of our policy and advocacy work on D.C. statehood. The D.C. Statehood Campaign  Strategist will work under the supervision of the Organizing Director and in close collaboration with the Organizing department, as well as with the ACLU national office, local coalition partners, and community members. This is a  full-time, salaried position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In close collaboration with the Communication department, develop and execute strategic, measurable campaign plans to promote, advance, and support the ACLU-DC’s D.C. statehood advocacy and legislative priorities by:

• Developing campaign goals, plans, strategies, and tactics to achieve outcomes on D.C. statehood, in conjunction with Director-level staff; contribute to developing and managing campaign budgets.
• Advocating for and track national legislation, as well as coordinate ACLU messaging, testimony, legal analyses in response to Congressional bills and counterarguments.
• Gathering and telling community stories to help inspire the country to make D.C. the 51st state.
• Employing constituent and/or voter targeting, develop advertisements (TV, radio, print), polling, and develop creative campaign tactics for earned media or other purposes
• Developing field plans for D.C. statehood campaign including consulting with the ACLU-DC organizing staff on local events.
• Working in coordination with other D.C and national stakeholders, ACLU state affiliate staff, and ACLU national staff.
• Working to incentivize and partner with strategic communities outside of D.C. and state affiliates to support D.C. Statehood when it is not naturally on their list of priorities.
• Helping facilitate on-the-ground meetings, planning, and campaign events in priority jurisdictions, as needed.
• Managing press events and in person or virtual press conferences.
• Drafting messaging and talking points for D.C. Statehood for different stakeholder audiences.
• Writing and disseminate press releases, statements, op-eds and letters to the editor on D.C. Statehood.
• Pitching stories to targeted reporters, and arrange interviews with ACLU-DC and/or coalition spokespersons.
• Attending coalition meetings with local and national partner organizations and support coalition communications and outreach work.
• Collaborating with the Digital Communications Strategist to create social media posts, graphics, and toolkits; manage microsite, action alert landing pages, emails to supporters, and other web-based assets.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• At least five years of experience and demonstrated success in managing national or multi-state-level campaigns, preferably in the nonprofit or government sector.
• Commitment to centering civil liberties, particularly racial justice in statehood advocacy.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills; ability to translate complex ideas into understandable messages that inform and engage targeted audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively both within and outside the ACLU-DC, and a personal approach that values and respects individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
• Strong, demonstrated commitment to the ACLU's mission, including racial justice, and its issues.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage details, work independently, and follow through minimal  direct supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with fellow ACLU-DC staff and outside contractors, while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands with a diplomatic touch.

Desired:

• Knowledge of national lobbying regulations and procedures.
• Familiarity with local D.C. government and its unique relationship to the federal government.
• Understanding of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizational structures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Asana, and Slack.
• Lived experience in the District and deep understanding of its people, history, and culture.

Compensation and Benefits:  

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include paid time off, generous paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, 401K plan with employer matching, life insurance, and income replacement during illness through a combination of annual sick leave, short-term and long-term disability insurance. 

TO APPLY :

Applications must be submitted via the SmartRecruiter application page linked on our website at acludc.org. If you have a disability/ies and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact us at operations (at) acludc.org. To complete the application, you will need to upload:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position as detailed in the job description  

• Current resume  

• A brief writing sample of no more than 2-3 pages, ideally related to a previous campaign (may be redacted if necessary) 

• Names and contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification).  

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; applying sooner is encouraged. The position will remain open until filled.

The ACLU-DC is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-DC encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by the D.C. Human Rights Act or federal employment law.