Digital Communications Strategist

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The Digital Communications Strategist will conceptualize, plan, and execute high-impact digital communications strategy, tactics, and assets to increase the visibility of our programmatic work. This role is responsible for planning and executing digital strategy, social media, membership emails, and daily website operations for the ACLU-D.C. The Digital Communications Strategist plays a critical role in advancing ACLU-D.C.’s litigation, legislative, and advocacy goals through the creation and distribution of compelling, influential content targeted to both general and key stakeholder audiences.

The Digital Communications Strategist will work under the supervision of the Strategic Communications Director and in close collaboration with the Communications, Policy, Legal, and Development departments, as well as with the ACLU national office and local coalition partners. Ideal candidates will have excellent writing and graphic design skills and be willing to take creative risks, pay close attention to detail, organize their time and tasks well, and demonstrate a commitment to civil rights and civil liberties.

The Digital Communications Strategist is a member of the ACLU-D.C. staff bargaining unit and is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Digital Strategy & Communications

• Collaborate with Communications and program staff to identify opportunities to increase the visibility of our organizational work.
• Develop relationships with colleagues across the ACLU network to share resources and bring resources to the Communications team.
• Ensure digital strategy and assets reflect consistent voice, style, and branding that align with the goals and priorities of ACLU-D.C.’s mission.
• Develop and implement a short-term and long-term plan for digital media presence and audience engagement with the Communications team.
• Track, analyze, and report on social media, email engagement, and web traffic metrics to inform and improve digital strategy.
• Draft and build digital actions like petitions and forms in coordination with colleagues and partner organizations while maintaining best practices in data privacy.
• Other duties and special projects assigned by the Strategic Communications Director.

Social Media

• Write, edit, and schedule social posts and create social media graphics and toolkits.
• Produce, post, and manage content for social media platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky, TikTok, and YouTube).
• Build a social media audience among D.C. residents, ACLU members, advocacy organizations, press and media, elected officials, the legal community, and the advocacy community.
• Create graphics for social media postings, advocacy campaigns, and development needs, and on a project-specific basis as needed.
• Grow the organization’s reach and engagement on its primary platforms (TikTok and Instagram) by managing the social media calendar through a social media management tool like Sprout Social.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create timely text, image, and video content.
• Evolve the organization’s strategy and tone to reach target audiences on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Identify opportunities for the organization to participate in relevant online conversations by tracking trending topics.
• Respond to comments, questions, mentions, and direct messages in a timely and appropriate manner.

Email & Web Content Management

• Help ideate, draft, and publish new web content with an eye toward repurposing web content for social media.
• Use content management systems to update and maintain the ACLU-D.C.’s website.
• Manage the production of HTML emails and landing pages for action alerts, news updates, and other forms with input from other departments.
• Work to ensure online content is engaging and accessible to strategic audiences, including D.C. residents, ACLU members, advocacy organizations, press and media, elected officials, and the legal community.

Education and Experience

Required

• Minimum of two years of experience and demonstrated success in graphic design, video creation, social media content and strategy, digital marketing, online campaigning, or related fields, preferably in the nonprofit or government sector.
• Experience with email marketing platforms, Drupal, WordPress, and Salesforce.
• Experience with crafting engaging and informative graphics that motivate audiences to take action, explain or illustrate complex topics in accessible ways, and inspire people to get more involved in our work using graphic design software like Canva.
• Highly organized and able to do rapid-response digital communications.
• Strong writing and editing skills; an eye for detail that includes proofreading ability and precision in wording; ability to translate complex ideas into understandable messages that inform and engage targeted audiences, ideally at 8th-12th grade reading levels.   
• Responds in a timely manner to work assignments and requests. Follows through and meets commitments. Requests to reschedule meetings and deadlines well in advance, if necessary, but will make every effort to make meeting and/or deadline.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field is preferred.
• Experience with photography and videography.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

Competencies

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Excellent computer skills
• Exceptional writing and editing skills; ability to translate complex ideas into understandable messages that inform and engage target audiences
• Digital media-specific knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment; seeks out additional opportunities to grow
• Brings a positive, problem-solving attitude to relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Relates well with people of different backgrounds and responsibilities. Demonstrates personal integrity, admits mistakes, and fosters trust.
• “Owns” the work in the project area. Makes smart decisions that reflect clear reasoning and awareness of impact. Works with the appropriate level of supervision. Knows when to ask questions or when to ask for help.
• Responds to work assignments and requests by being cooperative and available.
• Follows through and meets commitments.
• Reschedules meetings and deadlines well in advance if necessary, but will make every effort to make meetings and/or deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with fellow ACLU-D.C. staff and outside contractors while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands with a diplomatic touch.
• Keen attention to detail in proofreading and clarity in the relay of concepts and targeted messaging.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize work tasks and meet daily needs effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a track record of working effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work and in preserving and defending the civil rights and individual liberties guaranteed by the US Constitution and District of Columbia laws.
• Individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment

• Organization is currently in a hybrid remote work environment.
• On-site environment is a professional office.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent written and verbal communication.
• Frequent and extended periods of standing and sitting.
• Visual activity for extensive reading, preparing and analyzing information, and viewing a computer terminal. 

Travel Required

Occasional travel may be required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000 with an offer based on individual experience and abilities. Excellent benefits include paid time off, generous paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K plan with employer matching.

TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted via the Bamboo HR application page. If you have a disability/ies and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. To complete the application, you will need to upload:

• Current resume
• Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position as detailed in the job description
• Link to a portfolio showcasing work samples, including social media and graphic design projects

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; applying sooner is encouraged. The position will remain open until filled. 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-D.C. reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement 

The ACLU of the District of Columbia is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing our team’s diversity and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to supporting persons with disabilities in their work and encourage their request for needed job accommodations. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.