Job Announcement: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska (ACLU Nebraska) seeks a dynamic, experienced, chief executive to lead and significantly expand a civil liberties agenda throughout Nebraska. ACLU Nebraska is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization which uses legal, legislative and public education approaches to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional issues including individual rights and freedoms, including free speech, racial justice, privacy, religious liberty, reproductive rights, LGBT rights, and more. ACLU Nebraska is an affiliate of the national ACLU, the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by our nation's Bill of Rights.
Founded in 1966, the ACLU Nebraska is one of this area's premier public advocacy organizations and has an operating budget of approximately $375,000. ACLU Nebraska comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska (the Affiliate) and the ACLU Foundation of Nebraska (the Foundation), in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties. Both entities have the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The organization is led by an eighteen-member Board of Directors and has a staff of three full-time and two part-time professionals. To learn more about the work of the ACLU and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit www.aclunebraska.org and www.aclu.org
ACLU Nebraska is a statewide organization with its main office located in Lincoln and a satellite office in Omaha. Lincoln is the state's capitol and, with a population near 260,000, the second-most populous city in Nebraska. The site of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, the city has a stable economy and steady growth rate. It offers numerous cultural attractions, excellent restaurants and intercollegiate athletics.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of ACLU Nebraska and reports to the Board of Directors. Primary responsibilities include: managing the organization's day-to-day activities and operations, leading the organization's fund development efforts, directing and coordinating the work of a professional staff, and serving as its primary spokesperson. The Executive Director ensures that the organization remains fiscally sound and that its internal and external communications, fund development, and programs are consistent with ACLU Nebraska and ACLU national policies as well as the current and emergent needs and interests of constituents.
The Executive Director will have a working knowledge of civil liberties issues and policies and be a leader and manager adept at balancing internal management with external impact and visibility. The individual must be an outstanding communicator who is able to convey effectively the mission and activities of the ACLU to a variety of constituencies, as well as to the broader public.
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Leadership and Vision
- Serve as an effective and visible spokesperson for the ACLU, effectively articulating the organization's history, programs, and mission. Represent the organization in the media, increase public awareness, and broaden the organization's reputation to strategic constituents.
- Establish a clear vision for the continued growth and expansion of the ACLU. Provide direction to guide programs that align with the organization's vision.
- Lead the organization's fund development efforts – utilize a staff-driven program model that focuses on increasing the number and capacity of major donors.
- Initiate and strengthen relationships and collaborations with organizations and leaders who are connected to the ACLU's mission and purpose.
- Work in partnership with the board and staff to carry out policies approved by the Board of Directors.
General Management, Finance, Administration and Program
- Ensure by effective management and leadership that the day-to-day operations are professionally and efficiently organized and administered
- Direct legal, legislative/public policy, educational and communications programs
- Oversee the organization's financial operations; oversee the budgetary process and ensure that sound financial controls are in place
- Motivate and maintain a cohesive staff, ensuring that there is strong internal communication and coordination; regularly evaluate staff performance and recruit new staff when appropriate
- Use technology to facilitate organizational management, fundraising, public education, communications and lobbying
Board Relations
- Implement policies, programs, goals, and objectives as established by the board
- Work with the board to identify and help recruit new board members who will add diversity to the board and whose talents, interests and commitment will help to further the ACLU's mission
- Regularly brief the board on the status of the organization
- Support effective board operations and engage the board in meaningful participation to further the organization's philosophy, mission and goals
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
- Proven managerial, problem-solving, strategic planning, fund development and financial management experience in the private, not-for-profit, or public sectors
- Credibility and experience to connect the ACLU to resources and opportunities outside the organization; a successful track record of raising money from a variety of sources, major donor experience is preferred
- Proven and successful track record in creating and implementing programs; experience creating partnerships and collaborations
- A history of communicating effectively in writing and verbally, including excellent public speaking skills for both formal and extemporaneous presentations; ability to represent the ACLU to a broad public
- A record of success working in partnership with a board and staff of diverse personalities and talents;
- Five (5) years of professional experience and a Bachelor's degree are minimum requirements; an advanced degree is preferred
IDEAL CHARACTERISTICSIdeally, the successful candidate will be the following:
- Personally committed to advancing the ACLU's values, mission, goals and programs, with an understanding of the range of civil liberties issues and their implications
- A dedicated leader and representative who can translate vision into action; someone who is passionate about networking and representing the organization to critical constituencies including ACLU members, the public, government, and the media
- A person who is intelligent and inspiring; able to conceptualize, express ideas and anticipate and act on events which may create opportunities for the ACLU
- An entrepreneur who is creative, strategic, resourceful and politically astute; someone who understands the value of creating partnerships with other organizations as a way of accomplishing the ACLU's goals
- An energetic person who can handle and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities; a self-starter and finisher
- A team player who inspires collaboration and functions decisively; flexible and well-organized
- Outgoing and straightforward; one who shares information easily; listens as well as gives advice; respects the abilities of others
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Salary based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, medical and dental insurance, pension plan, and generous paid holidays.
TO APPLY:
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to apply.
Send a cover letter, resume, three professional references and a short, two-page business writing sample to: Eric A. Evans, ACLU NE ED Search Committee, P.O. Box 22584, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68542 or email to:
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, please put "ACLU NE Executive Director" in the subject line. Applications accepted until position is filled. Please indicate in your cover letter where you found this job listing.
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