Communications Associate

The ACLU of Nebraska (ACLU-NE) is hiring a Communications Associate to support all aspects of the organization’s communications work. Daily responsibilities will primarily focus on digital communications, including social media management, along with assisting with a variety of integrated advocacy, coalition and community engagement activities. 

The ACLU-NE is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization that works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties of all people that are secured by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Nebraska. The ACLU-NE carries out our mission through a sophisticated program of integrated advocacy with strategies that include litigation, advocacy, and public outreach and education. 

The Communications Associate reports to the Communications Director and works closely with other members of the organization’s staff. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Brand management: Ensure consistent, clear messaging that represents the ACLU-NE and its positions compellingly and convincingly. 
• Integrated advocacy: Assist the Communications Director, other staff and coalition partners in creating and implementing multifaceted communications plans on many civil liberties and civil rights issues. Develop goals, audience definitions, messaging, communications tactics and materials to change hearts, minds and laws. 

• Digital communications: Develop digital content such as social media copy, web updates, videos and emails to supporters. Monitor social media channels for opportunities to engage and leverage internal analytics to optimize communications. Assist the Communications Director with refining and implementing platform-specific digital strategies. 

• Community engagement: Work with other staff to plan for attendance at community events such as annual Pride festivals and heritage month events. Periodically assist with tabling and/or attending these events. 

• Media relations: Lead daily clip distribution. Occasionally assist the Communications Director with pitching news stories, managing the media database, and coaching staff, clients and partners for successful interviews. 
• Crisis communication: Occasionally assist the Communications Director with rapid response communications, such as responding to an adverse court opinion or introduction of a harmful bill within the Nebraska Legislature. 

• Development support: Occasionally support the Development team on communications strategies for donors and supporters.  
• Live our EDIB values: Center principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all work, embedding the values in communications practices and processes.  

Desired Experiences and Qualifications 

• A minimum of two years of professional experience in communications, including public relations, marketing or journalism. 
• Experience with brand social media management, including familiarity with popular social publishing, reporting and listening tools. 

• Experience developing digital content, such as videos and graphics. Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Premiere editing skills are a plus, as is familiarity with basic website CMS functions. 
• Excellent communication and writing skills. Experience with AP style a plus.  
• Goal-focused, self-motivated, organized, creative and adaptable to new situations. 

• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through, demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines. 

Candidates fluent in languages other than English are strongly encouraged to apply as are candidates with experience in policy, government, community organizing, or electoral campaigns.  

Compensation and Benefits  

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The salary range for this position ranges from $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience. Excellent benefits include vacation; sick and parental leave; generous health, dental and vision insurance with employee and family premiums paid 100% by the employer;  

a 401k match; cell phone stipend; hybrid work options (such as dividing time between working from home and an in-person presence in Lincoln); and paid parking. This role’s normal office hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Occasionally, weekend and evening hours are required. 

How to Apply 

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to jobs@aclunebraska.org with the subject line: Communications Associate. You may also submit up to three communications or media samples, such as short videos, graphic design, or social media posts (optional). In your cover letter, please indicate where you learned of the position. Application review will start Sept. 6, 2024. Applications after that date will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is removed from the ACLU-NE’s Careers page. 

About the ACLU of Nebraska 

The ACLU of Nebraska (ACLU-NE) is a state affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union, a nonpartisan public interest civil rights organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil liberties and civil rights through litigation, policy advocacy and public education. Our office is in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

ACLU-NE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, tribal affiliation, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment and one that honors and promotes a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We are engaging in ongoing internal equity work, with an emphasis on anti-racism and anti-colonialism. ACLU-NE makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified and eligible persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying, please e-mail agagner@aclunebraska.org or call 402-476-8091. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process. 

Civil rights and civil liberties violations disproportionately hurt the most marginalized people in society – including Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ people. These communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or those who are members of other marginalized communities. 

Candidates fluent in languages other than English are strongly encouraged to apply as are candidates with experience in policy, government, community organizing, or electoral campaigns.