PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Application Deadline: July 15, 2007
(Inquiries welcome after deadline)
Start Date: August 15, 2007

The ACLU of Northern California seeks a Program Assistant to provide support to the Policy Department. The Program Assistant will perform administrative duties, conduct policy research, and will work closely with the Associate Director and policy attorneys. This position requires the ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound independent judgment, and take initiative.

About the Policy Department of the ACLU of Northern California:
The ACLU of Northern California (ACLU-NC) was founded in 1934 and is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU-NC, the largest affiliate in the nation, has more than 55,000 members, 22 all-volunteer chapters, a 45-member Board of Directors and a staff of 50.

The Policy Department consists of the Associate Director, three attorneys, working in the areas of racial justice, police practices, and the death penalty, and the Program Assistant. The Department primarily utilizes non-litigation strategies such as organizing, lobbying, public education, and coalition building to achieve policy reforms, and also works in coordination with the legal, communications, and field departments.

Principal Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, will be highly organized, detail oriented and accurate, and will be able to multi-task, prioritize, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced office environment. It is essential that the Program Assistant communicate effectively with representatives of other organizations and a diverse spectrum of groups and individuals. The position has significant administrative responsibilities in addition to research and program support responsibilities.

Administrative responsibilities include:

• Drafting, formatting, and mailing letters and faxes;
• Organizing, filing, and photocopying materials;
• Reviewing and responding to correspondence;
• Drafting internal department reports;
• Formatting policy reports; and,
• General administrative support.

Research/program responsibilities include:

• Conducting research using the Internet and Westlaw on various policy issues and writing memos summarizing that research;
• Organizing meetings and events with coalition partners;
• Following up with government agencies on public records act requests;
• Conducting initial factual investigation of complaints;
• Overseeing intern/fellowship recruitment and program; and,
• Drafting content and coordinating posting of policy-related material for affiliate website.

Qualifications:
Applicant must be a college graduate and have experience in public interest or social justice advocacy work. Excellent oral and written skills and sophisticated use of technology are required; administrative experience is a plus. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is essential; experience with Microsoft Access Database is a plus. Must be able to use mail merge, tables, and charts. Position requires strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively, as well as personal enthusiasm and optimism, along with a sense of humor. Candidate must have demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights and support for the goals of the ACLU. Bilingual skills a plus.

Compensation:
Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation, medical, vision and dental insurance for staff members and their dependents and domestic partners, pension plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and twelve paid holidays.

Application:
Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing the applicant's interest in this position to the attention of :

Human Resources
ACLU of Northern California
39 Drumm Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
or e-mail to HR-Program@aclunc.org.

The ACLU-NC is proud to be an affirmative action employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or intersex are particularly urged to apply.