The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida (ACLU of Florida) seeks a Fellow for the Communications department. The Fellow works closely with the Communications Director to achieve the organization’s goal of protecting the liberties that define our democracy. This position is remote, while required to reside in Florida, and may include some travel.
The ACLU of Florida is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a national public interest organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights. For over 100 years, the ACLU has served as the nation’s primary protector of the liberties that define our democracy. The organization implements its vital civil liberties mission in all 50 states in large part through affiliate entities such as the ACLU of Florida.
The ACLU of Florida, the state’s largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, employs litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights, such as freedom of speech, racial justice, right to privacy, religious liberty, criminal justice reform, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and immigrants’ rights. The ACLU of Florida litigates a broad range of complex constitutional cases in federal and state courts through direct representation, filing amicus briefs, and submitting administrative complaints to state and federal agencies.
POSITION OVERVIEW
In this role, you will report directly to the Communications Director and work closely with other members of the communications team, including the Digital Strategist, Digital Storyteller, and Senior Communications Strategist. The Fellow will also work with cross-functional ACLU teams charged with overseeing critical internal initiatives, projects, and priorities, within the Communications. Fellow placements will be determined based on experience and interests. Of the affiliate’s campaigns, the Fellow will work most on immigration issues as well as voting rights.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Contribute to the day-to-day functions of the communications department, including writing internal and external-facing materials such as press releases, talking points, social media posts, blogs, and media advisories.
• Build media expertise by researching and building lists of key reporters, editors, producers, and bookers from a wide array of national and local publications.
• Help increase coverage of ACLU of Florida issues and messages by crafting and sending pitches to news media on ACLU of Florida campaigns and projects.
• Monitor news and media trends, including tracking press clips.
• Engage in research projects that can help inform multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, audiences, messaging, and media relations strategies.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Florida.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regard to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability and socio-economic circumstance.
• This posting provides a general but not comprehensive list of the opportunities of the internship.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Commitment to the mission of the ACLU of Florida.
- Strong commitment to racial and social justice.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong oral, written, and editing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Avid news reader.
• Familiarity with news media and online platforms, as well as the latest trends in media.
• Familiarity with best practices in communications and public relations.
• One semester (or equivalent) experience in the following areas is strongly preferred: journalism, public relations, communications, content creation.
• A demonstrated interest and commitment to social justice, civil rights, and liberties.
• Proficiency in Associated Press style is a plus.
• Work with Outlook, Asana, Slack, and Canva.
• Familiarity with media relations software such as Cision or Meltwater is a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish or Kreyol preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Compensation: $20 per hour for up to 17 weeks
• Fellowship will require approximately 20 hours per week, with an exact schedule set in conjunction with your direct supervisor.
• Arrangements can be made with educational institutions for work/study or course credit, if needed.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please send a cover letter, resume and portfolio by email to jobs@aclufl.org. All inquiries should include Communications Fellowship in the subject line and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Applicants who proceed beyond a first interview will be required to complete a two-hour graphic design assignment.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please indicate where you learned of this job posting. No phone calls, please.
This job description 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 Florida reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.
The ACLU of Florida is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Florida 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, or veteran status. We encourage formerly incarcerated individuals to apply. If selected for an interview, please inquire if financial assistance is needed in order to attend.
The ACLU of Florida undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.