ACLU FOUNDATION
OF SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES
~ Job Announcement ~
COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties (ACLU) seeks a full-time, sophisticated, dynamic team-player to be its Communications & Development Associate.

The ACLU and ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties fight for fundamental freedoms and individual rights for all. The ACLU promotes and defends civil rights and civil liberties, including First Amendment rights, Equal Protection, Privacy, and Due Process, in San Diego & Imperial Counties through legal, legislative, and public education programs. Located in beautiful San Diego, the ACLU affiliate has eleven staff members, eighteen board members, 8,500 members, an annual budget of $1.2 million, and a $1.45 million endowment.

Position Overview and Functions:
The Communications & Development Associate is responsible for helping to plan, manage, and implement a multi-faceted fundraising program (70%) and helping to plan and implement the organization’s communications program. The Associate reports to the Development Director and Communications Director and works closely with other ACLU staff and offices. The Associate exercises independent judgment and discretion in performing the assigned job responsibilities.

Development Responsibilities (70%): The organization’s development programs consist primarily of major and annual gifts solicitation, bequest solicitation, and targeted events. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Events. Organize fundraising and cultivation events from start to finish.
• Campaign Coordination. Work with the national office, the board, and the Development Director to organize and implement certain fundraising campaigns in the annual development plan. Coordinate campaign timelines; write and design materials for solicitors and donors; organize trainings; organize mailings; draft reports and correspondence; manage volunteers and assist solicitors; and maintain accurate, up-to-date records of activity.
• Donor Relations. Provide high-quality service to members, supporters, and potential supporters through frequent communication. Identify, devise and help implement strategies for cultivation of prospective donors and manage donor recognition. Facilitate solicitations by staff and board leaders. Work with national office to develop and implement strategies for marketing planned giving products to ACLU donors and members.
• Research, Reports and Record-Keeping. Manage and maintain confidential fundraising information on databases and hold primary responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the database information. Prepare and deliver reports. Assist in researching prospective donors.

Communications Responsibilities (30%): Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Publications. With the Communications Director, develop and coordinate a work plan that includes mapping out publication goals for the year. Plan and implement publication of reports, flyers, articles and other marketing materials, including writing, editing, design, and production. Regular publications currently include the organization’s twice-a-month News & Action e-mail, print newsletter (two times a year), and annual ACLU Review.
• Website. Develop, post, and maintain material on organization’s website.
• Speaking Engagements. Manage speakers’ bureau. Solicit speaking engagements and speakers. Coordinate arrangements and materials for engagements.
• Media Relations. Draft press releases and field calls from reporters. Draft op-eds and letters to the editor.
• Community Relations. Represent the organization on coalitions, at public forums, before public bodies and lawmakers. Communicate with public about ACLU positions.

Qualifications:

• B.A. and at least two years of relevant work experience. Experience in nonprofit, advocacy or other community-based groups is valuable. Development experience is a plus.
• Firm commitment to the mission and principles of the ACLU.
• Excellent writing skills. Strength in proofreading and an ardent attention to detail.
• Excellent organization skills: a strong, consistent attention to detail, ability to meet tight deadlines, and the ability to follow through on work assignments with a minimum of direct supervision.
• The ability to work on several significant projects at various stages of completion. Good problem solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with diverse populations, with donors, and with staff and volunteers.
• Excellent computer skills. A strong familiarity with online communication tools. Strong skills in database management and word-processing. Design experience is a plus. Basic HTML experience is a plus.

Compensation: Salary dependent on experience. Excellent benefits.

To apply: Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing, in particular, the applicant’s interest in working for the ACLU and his or her qualifications for the position described above. The deadline for applications is July 18, but the position will be kept open until filled. Contact jobs@aclusandiego.org with questions.

ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties
PO Box 87131
San Diego, CA 92138-7131

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.