Career Opportunity
Media Relations Liaison [COMM-23]
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
Communications Department, NY

OVERVIEW:
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a national not-for-profit public interest organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights, invites applications for the full-time position of Media Relations Liaison to work in its Communications Department.

The Media Relations Liaison is a member of a team of media relations professionals based in the ACLU National Office in New York City and the legislative office in Washington, DC. The ideal candidate for this position is an individual who is interested in developing a fine-tuned sense of “what sells” in the news business and wants to learn how a professional media department functions daily. We are seeking a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced environment, responds well to multiple demands, and is comfortable as the first line of interaction with a variety of audiences including senior staff and reporters affiliated with major broadcast outlets.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond quickly and accurately to a high volume of press calls.
• Draft press materials as well as general departmental correspondence.
• Review and edit press releases submitted by affiliates for posting on the website.
• Manage and coordinate press conferences, including logistics and materials.
• Gather and distribute organizational cites in the press.
• Develop and maintain systems to track senior staff media appearances.
• Maintain a finely tuned series of reporter lists.
• Disseminate press releases via the internet and e-mail, including timely posting to the organization’s web site.
• Provide support to the Director of Media Relations.
• Proofread all media documents.
• Other duties as may be required by the Director of Media Relations.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year professional public relations or media experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education required.
• Strong media judgment and instincts.
• Related professional experience in a fast paced work environment.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Excel, MS Word, Outlook and Vocus preferred.
• Excellent word processing, database, and Internet research skills.
• Interest in civil liberties and civil rights and experience with advocacy campaigns preferred.

COMPENSATION:
The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLU compensation scale.

HOW TO APPLY:
If you are a proactive and resourceful team player with a passion for public interest issues, please send a cover letter (with salary requirements),a resume, names and phone numbers of three references and a writing sample that does not exceed three pages by email to hrjobs@aclu.org reference [COMM-23/WACLU] in the subject line, or by mail to:

Human Resources
RE: [COMM-23/WACLU]
American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18^th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before April 18, 2008. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.