NOTICE OF JOB OPENING FOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR
ACLU OF FLORIDA ORLANDO OFFICE

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (“ACLU”) is seeking a person to direct its Central Regional Office located in Orlando.

The ACLU of Florida Central Office serves a multi-county area and works with several local chapters in the region. The Orlando office is one of six offices throughout the state and is staffed by the regional director who may be (but need not be) an attorney and another professional. The ACLU of Florida, which is the state affiliate of the national ACLU, works in the courts, legislatures, and, through public education programs, in communities to defend and expand the individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Regional Office Director will work under the direction of the ACLU of Florida Executive Director to implement the priorities of the state affiliate, including all phases of management, public policy advocacy, public relations, membership, fundraising and community organizing in the Orlando office. S/he will work closely with the affiliate’s senior staff located in Miami, and will be responsible for directing ACLU activities in the Central region, including public speaking, media appearances, contact with public officials, and managing the office. The Regional Director also will assist the volunteer officials of chapters located in neighboring counties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Director must have a well developed understanding of constitutional issues and familiarity with the policies and goals of the ACLU. Significant experience managing and implementing programs that address civil rights and civil liberties issues in community settings is important. Knowledge of the Orlando community and the surrounding area is important, as well as the ability to work with diverse communities, coalitions, and grass roots organizations. The position calls for demonstrated supervisory and management skills. Good writing, public speaking and people skills are a must. S/he also will help develop a civil liberties and civil rights docket in conjunction with the ACLU of Florida legal staff and the affiliate legal director. The Regional Director, along with the volunteer leaders of the local ACLU of Florida chapters, will also represent ACLU in public education efforts and to the media to advance the goals of the state affiliate. Fundraising skills also are essential. The person must have the ability to work independently with flexibility for travel, including some evenings and weekends. S/he must have transportation.

Although attorneys are encouraged to apply, being a lawyer is neither a prerequisite nor a preference in filling this position. Rather, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, who possess the attributes necessary to run a regional office, and who will exemplify the ACLU’s principles in interaction with the public and governmental officials. If the applicant is an attorney, s/he must be admitted to practice law in Florida, and have practiced law for a minimum of three years. A familiarity with civil liberties issues and a commitment to the goals of the ACLU in defending and advancing civil rights and civil liberties is essential.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is comparable to managerial positions at other public interest law firms in the area and will be set depending upon experience. The ACLU provides excellent benefits including health and dental insurance with generous vacation, holiday and sick leave policies.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please send résumé and cover letter to:

Howard L. Simon, Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Florida
4500 Biscayne Boulevard - Suite 340
Miami, FL 33137-3227

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before January 30, 2008.

The ACLU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities and lesbians and gay men and transgendered persons are particularly encouraged to apply.