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Statewide Community Organizer

ACLU of Missouri
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Be Part of a Pivotal Moment in History

The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri Foundation, Inc., (ACLU-MO) seeks a full-time Statewide Community Organizer to develop and implement plans to educate and engage Missouri residents, including ACLU-MO members, supporters, and volunteers, in our work and to help position the ACLU-MO as a trusted and valued resource for the community. 

 

Founded in 1920, the ACLU-MO is one of Missouri’s premier public advocacy organizations. Headquartered in St. Louis, our non-profit, non-partisan public interest law firm is committed to defending and expanding civil liberties to achieve the promise of equality and liberty for all in Missouri through impact litigation and campaigns, narrative and legislative advocacy, and community education and engagement on a broad range of issues. The ACLU-MO is an IRS 501(c)(3) organization and works closely with its sister 501(c)(4) organization.   

 

We have a diverse staff of individuals, with offices in St. Louis and Kansas City. To learn more about our work, please visit www.aclu-mo.org and www.aclu.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW: RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Organizing and in collaboration with the Integrated Advocacy Team, the Statewide Community Organizer will engage ACLU-MO members, volunteers, and the public in ACLU-MO’s work on issues including free speech and association rights, religious freedom, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, immigrants’ rights, racial equity, education equity, and privacy rights. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the advancement of ACLU-MO core campaigns through mobilization and recruitment tactics, identifying and facilitating volunteer opportunities for ACLU-MO members and the public, conducting outreach to engage Missouri residents with ACLU-MO’s work, and assisting with the planning and execution of ACLU-MO events. ACLU-MO uses an integrated advocacy approach to address the needs of our community through a multi-tiered lens to identify the most effective and impactful advocacy strategies necessary to produce change. The Statewide Community Organizer will work closely with the organization’s Policy, Communications, Litigation, and Organizing teams, as well as many “go-to” community-based organizations and community members. The Statewide Community Organizer will be responsible for:

  • Developing organizing campaigns around key civil liberties issues aligned with ACLU-MO’s priority issue areas. The Statewide Community Organizer will particularly focus on building relationships and identifying issues of interest with directly impacted communities.
  • Representing the ACLU-MO in coalition meetings and working collaboratively on joint efforts with community organizations, activists, and coalition partners.
  • Developing, conducting, and widely publicizing Know Your Rights trainings that promote grassroots leadership and coalition building on priority issue areas.
  • Planning and executing ACLU-MO’s participation in community events (virtual and in-person), such as local festivals and rallies and conduct follow-up with attendees to foster continued engagement.  
  • Engaging in authorized speaking opportunities to promote the ACLU-MO’s mission, campaigns, work, and mobilize ACLU-MO members and the broader public around specific volunteer opportunities. 
  • Galvanizing support from community organizations, public officials, faith leaders, business leaders, donors, and new and diverse communities for organizing campaigns.
  • Working collaboratively with grassroots leaders, allies, and ACLU-MO staff to execute large and effective community actions (hearings, rallies, etc.).
  • Creating meaningful ways for supporters at all levels to participate in ACLU-MO’s work and issues. Tailoring experiences that will move supporters up the ladder of engagement, whether towards donating, activism, volunteering, or network-building. 
  • Identifying, cultivating, and empowering strong community leaders who will lead campaigns that pursue our priorities.
  • Coordinating with the Integrated Advocacy team to establish effective cross-state tools to engage volunteers and community leaders on ACLU-MO priority issues. 
  • Using the Voter File to keep track of engagement with members, volunteers, and community members and to track voter/volunteer contacts. 
  • Researching constituent/voter bases to set goals for voter contact and volunteer engagement.
  • Coordinating the building of a volunteer base in key districts, mobilizing volunteers to take legislative action, and building an active volunteer base.
  • Assisting our Director of Policy and Campaigns with our lobbying efforts as needed. 
  • Completing and executing work plans with measurable deliverables. 
  • Implementing current data integrity protocols for our Advocacy Assistance Management system (CMS). 
  • Developing and executing monthly advocacy assistance, community engagement, voter engagement reports, and other reports using data from ACLU-MO’s CMS, other tools, or databases.
  • Interpreting data and analyzing results qualitatively and quantitatively, and reporting preparation.
  • Supporting the preparation of grant proposals with analytics and data as requested.
  • In addition to the above responsibilities, other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Three or more years of experience with volunteer engagement and mobilization, organizing, and/or campaign management. Experience with legislative campaigns, ballot initiatives, or electoral campaigns is preferred.
  • A valid automobile driver’s license is required as this position requires travel throughout the state. Proof of valid driver’s license is required.
  • Ability to accommodate a variable work schedule including some evenings or weekends, as needed, and to travel to events and meetings throughout the state.
  • Computer literacy, knowledge and ability to proficiently use software and hardware such as Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, and perform internet research. 
  • Proficiency with social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, etc.) and remote communication tools (Zoom and Microsoft Teams). 
  • Documented experience with Voter File data tools like VAN or other CRM.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of movement building, including protest and direct-action tactics.
  • Experience with data entry and bulk email software. 
  • Ability to manage projects from start to finish.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills, listening skills, ability to solve problems, adapt to change, and empathy for others are required as this position works in teams and within communities.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
  • An individual must be a self-starter and capable of working quickly while thinking strategically about long term goals for individual projects. 
  • Experience organizing and creating spaces that are welcoming and affirming to all.
  • Understanding of, and passion for, ACLU-MO’s mission and a commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance; and ability to work with diverse individuals within the organization and broader community.

Must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC and must stay current with protections against COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC. Proof of vaccination status upon hire required. 

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, and the description and/or posting may be changed at any time without advance notice.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

ACLU-MO offers a generous benefits package, which includes paid vacation and holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; and employer contributions to a 401(K)-retirement plan.  This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees in this job classification are represented by the United Media Guild-CWA (UMG). The base salary for this position, $53,940, is established by the collective bargaining agreement. 

TO APPLY

Please Submit:

  1. A copy of your resume that lists relevant experiences.
  2. Three professional References.
  3. A cover letter describing your qualifications and your interest in this role with the ACLU of Missouri.
  4. A portfolio or other documentation that demonstrates experiences in volunteer engagement, mobilization, organizing, campaign management, legislative campaigns, ballot initiatives, and/or electoral campaigns.

Application materials should be sent to: application@aclu-mo.org. Please indicate “Statewide Community Organizer” in the subject line of your email. Please, no phone calls.

DEADLINE

The application materials will be reviewed as received and will be accepted until the position is filled.

ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. 

 

The ACLU undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to ensure 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: application@aclu-mo.org.