The ACLU of Vermont seeks a highly motivated, organized, and skilled professional with previous electoral, legislative, or issue advocacy campaign experience to manage our statewide advocacy and outreach efforts. This position is an extraordinary opportunity for a talented leader with strong strategic acumen and personal relationship skills to play a central role in shaping a new and bold vision for the ACLU’s advocacy in Vermont.
Recognizing our democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the ACLU of Vermont is taking our statewide advocacy to the next level, expanding our litigation, policy, and communications programs, and building new infrastructure for issue campaigns and electoral engagement. We are also committed to fostering a strong internal culture of belonging, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable practices and organizational diversity. We are a passionate, highly motivated group of lawyers, public policy experts, communications professionals, organizers, and fundraisers, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. To learn more, visit our website.
Please note that due to COVID-19, our organization has been operating remotely, and the option to work remotely will continue until at least June 1, 2022. It is our expectation that the person hired to fill this position will eventually work from our Montpelier office.
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Advocacy Director, working closely with communications staff and other programs, and supervising volunteers and interns, the Advocacy and Outreach Manager will guide planning and execution of strategic advocacy campaigns; build our advocacy infrastructure; strengthen and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, prioritizing directly impacted communities and individuals; and coordinate with local and national staff to track progress and accomplish campaign goals.
RESONSIBILITIES
In collaboration with the Advocacy Director, other staff, and community partners, develop campaign plans and manage their implementation by integrating legislative, organizing, communications, development, and legal strategies.
Assist the Advocacy Director on legislative strategies for ACLU of Vermont campaigns. This includes building on our network of ACLU supporters to leverage opportunities for members and activists to take action in support of campaigns, as well as other electoral engagement initiatives, both statewide and in local cities and towns. This may include preparing and submitting testimony, setting up meetings with legislators, and using advocacy toolkits, as well as identifying and recruiting potential speakers and witnesses for public hearings and press conferences, as well as potential clients for impact litigation.
Develop equitable and reciprocal relationships with community organizations and networks – particularly community members impacted by policing and incarceration, and racial justice initiatives led by people who are Black, indigenous, or people of color. Responsibilities include outreach, collaboration on events, volunteer recruitment, organizing meetings and regular communication with campaign partners and other allies.
In collaboration with local coalitions and partners, help design, implement, and support strategic initiatives to engage the community in winning policy changes at the state and local levels.
Recruit and organize volunteers.
Work with advocacy technology tools, including implementing the best use of volunteer management software, social media, and digital outreach tools including text messaging and phone-banking software to increase engagement.
Work closely and collaboratively with the communications staff on strategic communications, developing internal and public facing campaign materials and leveraging traditional and new media to achieve policy goals. May include fact sheets, talking points, and sample letters-to-the-editor.
Coordinate with the legal, administrative and development departments to ensure that campaigns support the organization’s full mission and are supported by all departments and staff in the organization.
Develop and maintain deep substantive knowledge of campaign goals, policy issues, and the dynamics of policy change in Vermont.
Help coordinate research to inform the development of local policy agendas and develop benchmarks to ensure effective progress toward campaign goals, adjusting plans as necessary.
Develop and provide presentations, trainings, and media interviews about ACLU of Vermont campaigns. Identify and support community members, allies and experts to give testimony at key hearings and act as spokespeople with the press.
Present a positive and professional face at all times when representing the ACLU of Vermont and help maintain a welcoming environment for colleagues and volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS
Prior experience developing, coordinating, and managing successful issue advocacy, legislative, or political campaigns.
Experience motivating volunteers within large, diverse coalitions, and engaging decision-makers. Experience using policy analysis, lobbying, polling, communications, and/or mobilizing or organizing tactics to influence a policy agenda.
Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of civil rights and civil liberties. Familiarity with the Vermont legislature and state politics preferred.
Knowledge of civil liberties advocacy, or an ability to quickly become conversant with the latest research, messaging, and tactics used to educate the public and move policymakers.
Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and proven ability to work with emotional intelligence, receive feedback, work through conflict with integrity and operate within principles of solidarity when working in partnership with groups and individuals impacted by oppression. Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
Proven ability to establish credibility and respect with people directly impacted by the systems we work to change. Ability to create opportunities for partners’ input and leadership to guide our work, and to work collaboratively with other constituencies and policy makers from a range of backgrounds and ideological positions.
A sophisticated understanding of how to be effective in the policy arena, in political organizing, and in formulating strategies that tie together research, legal analysis and litigation, lobbying, new forms of communications, and both grassroots and “grasstops” approaches.
Demonstrated ability to manage details and follow-through with a minimum of direct supervision. Strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, supervise staff and volunteers, monitor progress towards goals, and track campaign metrics.
Team player who inspires collaboration, lifts up the work of others, and maintains balance and perspective with patience and a sense of humor; ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance a campaign’s effectiveness. Proven ability to build and nurture a calm and positive working environment, even in high-intensity situations.
Excellent communication, writing, research, and analytical skills, including ability to analyze and articulate policy positions, polling information, and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences. Experience working with media, including print, radio, television, and new media is a plus.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, databases, and various web platforms.
Ability to work irregular hours, including evening and weekend events as necessary. Valid driver’s license or driver’s privilege card, reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel.
ABOUT ACLU OF VERMONT
The ACLU of Vermont integrates impact litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Founded in 1967 and based in Montpelier, the ACLU of Vermont is the statewide affiliate of the national ACLU, a nationwide organization with a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. The ACLU fights tirelessly for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The ACLU of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive.
The ACLU of Vermont strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system. The ACLU of Vermont undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce through equity initiatives, which includes equitable pay practices. Competitive compensation is commensurate with experience. Starting salary range for this position is $55,000-$65,000.
We understand how vital our work is and at the same time understand the toll engaged activism can take. Our goal is to retain staff and we believe that having a robust benefits offering is vital in meeting that goal. Our benefits include fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents and spouse or domestic partner; life insurance and disability; defined contribution plan with employer match; and generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 14 paid holidays. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and a traditional writing sample to search@acluvt.org. Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and Advocacy and Outreach Manager. In your letter please indicate where you learned of the posting.
DEADLINE
We will begin reviewing applications on May 2. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website at www.acluvt.org.
Consistent with our mission, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) are core organizational tenets of ACLU culture. To support and advance these values on a consistent and ongoing basis, we have detailed policies, procedures, and programs, dedicated Board and staff roles, and budget/targeted funding.