AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATE COORDINATOR-Oklahoma

The ACLU of Oklahoma is a non-profit, public interest organization devoted to protecting civil liberties and civil rights. Oklahoma is one of 5 states being targeted this election season by an anti affirmative action organizations. This group is headed by Ward Connerly who is determined to end affirmative action state by state. The ACLU of OK continues to support affirmative action and equal opportunity programs and knows that these programs benefit all of Oklahoma.

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Affirmative Action Organizer/State Coordinator is a temporary 9-month position that begins in March 2008. The Affirmative Action Organizer reports directly to the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop an organizing and advocacy strategy for defending affirmative action in Oklahoma;
• Organize a local communications team and implement a communications plan that includes conducting focus groups, producing public education materials and organizing press briefings;
• Facilitate regular contact with ACLU members and the general public through email and other means
• Mobilize ACLU membership base and allies;
• Create partnerships with affinity organizations and recruit unlikely and non-traditional allies;
• Organize workshops, presentations and other events on the importance of saving equal opportunity in Oklahoma;
• Coordinate communication with coalition partners;
• Convene a roundtable of experts on affirmative action;
• Establish a speaker’s bureau on affirmative action; and

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent leadership skills to facilitate communication and collaboration;
• At least four years in developing and coordinating successful political, legislative, or activist campaigns, or similar experience;
• Experience with on-line organizing and communication;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a public spokesperson and advocate;
• Ability to work effectively with lawyers and other professional staff; comfort with analyzing and articulating legal concepts and other complex issues and communicating them to a variety of audiences;
• Ability to keep organized in a fast-paced environment, to manage several projects simultaneously, and to adjust to frequently changing demands. Proficient in using Microsoft Office software;
• Experience in motivating volunteers and working cooperatively with groups and in coalitions representing diverse constituencies;
• Familiarity with and a demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights;
• Ability to work occasional overtime or irregular hours, to attend evening meetings, and to travel within the state.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary is commensurate with experience, within the parameters of the ACLU-OK compensation scale.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
By no later than February 22, 2008, interested persons should submit a letter of interest, including desired salary range, a resume and names and phone numbers of three references to:

Program Director
Tamya Cox
ACLU of OK
3000 Paseo Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73103

THE ACLU OF OKLAHOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOR, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, LESBIANS AND GAY MEN TO APPLY.