Communications Coordinator

Organization and Opportunity Overview

The ACLU-WI is a statewide non-profit, non-partisan, private organization with 15,000 members. The ACLU-WI is widely recognized as a cutting-edge and leading advocate for civil rights and civil liberties in the state, and works closely with other state organizations that share compatible goals. Our mission: The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin fights to protect, defend, and expand civil rights and liberties – particularly for communities historically denied their rights – through nonpartisan advocacy, community education, litigation, and organizing in order to create a more just future. The ACLU of Wisconsin’s combined operating budget is approximately $3 million with headquarters in the City of Milwaukee. The organization has a diverse staff of up to 30 individuals.

Position Overview

The Communications Coordinator will collaborate with the Communications Team to create content and develop messaging for digital, print, and other communications elements for the ACLU of Wisconsin. They will also manage external vendor collaborations and collaborate with other external partners to amplify and publicize our work, engage our diverse audiences, and effectively influence how the critical issues with which we engage as an organization are framed across social media.

Job Context

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The Communications Coordinator reports to the ACLU of Wisconsin’s Deputy Communications Director. The position is based in the Milwaukee area in a hybrid work environment (in-person and remote as necessary). Work may include some nights and weekends and occasional travel at the expense of the organization.

Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of the Deputy Communications Director, the Communications Coordinator collaborates with the ACLU of Wisconsin’s communications, policy, organizing, development, engagement, legal, and administration departments to craft content and communications strategies and products that advance the overall mission and specific affiliate priorities.

Content Development Responsibilities include:

• Assist with the drafting of social media posts, research, press releases, talking points and general messaging guidance of the affiliate;
• With Deputy Communications Director, assist with the tracking and the growth of ACLU-WI’s social channels, setting and measuring metrics;
• Assist with the editing of content and organization of the Communication Departments materials on Google suites.

Owned Media Management Responsibilities include:

• Assist with the production of content with the Digital Strategist for the ACLU-WI’s website and other web properties, helping to create compelling user-friendly designs and technical support to maintain the affiliate’s presence online;
• Compile and assist with creating website information to keep the website up-to-date;
• Assist with managing the website by adding blogs, press releases, legislative updates and publications to the website.

Design & Vendor Management Responsibilities include:

• Support ACLU-WI events and projects by maintaining a collateral design workload of a minimum of 1-2 deliverables at any given time;
• Manage the printing and fulfillment of deliverables;
• Work with outside contractors to fulfill the affiliate’s remaining design needs;
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience & Qualifications

• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging as core values;
• A strong commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, racial justice, dismantling white supremacy and incorporating a structural power analysis into work;
• Knowledge and understanding of how power and oppression is manifested in matters of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ability, citizenship and socio-economic circumstances;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work across lines of difference, working effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels, and with external stakeholders;
• Ability to communicate quickly and effectively, both verbally, and in writing;
• Demonstrable skill in the area of Social Media;
• Proficiency with office technology and information systems, including databases, online communications, word processing, spreadsheets, project management systems, and video conferencing;
• Ability to work independently collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with fellow ACLU-WI staff and outside contractors, while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands with a diplomatic touch;
• Ability to jump in and help on any project and learn new things quickly;
• Willingness and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends with advance notice, during times of office events or busy seasons;
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed.

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Political communications experience;
• Bilingual, Spanish;
• Some experience in a non-profit environment;
• Prior experience with Canva/Adobe Creative Suite;
• Experience with using Asana, or other project management software.

Working Conditions

Hybrid work requirements consisting of approximately a 40-hour work week with work from home permitted when work responsibility allows, prioritizing caregiving and work-life balance needs. The position requires maintaining some physical file records and word processing.

• Ability to work at a computer for multiple hours a day;
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer;
• Visual acuity for extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, and viewing a computer terminal;
• Ability to do light physical activity including occasional lifting and carrying of office supplies, packages, and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds to facilitate organization, filing, and event assistance.

Mental Demand

The nature of this work can be emotionally demanding and requires thoughtful communication.

• Decision making;
• Emotional intelligence;
• Giving and receiving feedback;
• Building trusting, collaborative relationships.

Compensation

Compensation is based on relevant experience and skills, ranging from approximately $54,829 to $63,000. The organization provides employees $60 per month for internet and cell phone allowance. Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, 12 weeks paid family medical/parental leave, and optional medical (includes one plan at no cost to the employee), vision, dental coverage, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement fund with a stepped employer match.

How to Apply

Please email a single document of the requested documents to hr@aclu-wi.org, please use ‘[YOUR NAME]- Communications Coordinator’ in the subject line of the email. The requested items are the following:

• Cover letter explaining how you are qualified for this position and why you’re interested in being part of the ACLU of Wisconsin;
• Resume;
• Final interviewees will need three professional references.

Priority Deadline: January 26, 2025

This job announcement provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Wisconsin reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

The ACLU of Wisconsin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages people of color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and formerly incarcerated people to apply. The ACLU of Wisconsin undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact us at hr@aclu-wi.org.

The ACLU of Wisconsin is composed of two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation. Both organizations share office space and employees.