Digital Communications Specialist – Criminal Legal Reform Focus

ABOUT THE ACLU OF KANSAS

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas

The ACLU of Kansas is a non-profit and non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the civil rights and legal freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Working in the state legislature, courts, and local communities, the ACLU of Kansas protects the rights of all people living in Kansas. Focus areas include First Amendment rights, voting rights, reproductive rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrants’ rights, government surveillance, and criminal legal system reform. Affiliated with the national ACLU, the organization has an annual budget of approximately $2 million and over 30,000 supporters across the state. Headquarters: Overland Park, Kansas.

Corporate Entities

The ACLU of Kansas comprises two separate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and the ACLU Foundation of Kansas. Both share the same mission, office space, and employees. The ACLU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit engaged in litigation and public education, while the ACLU of Kansas is a 501(c)(4) non-profit focused on lobbying and advocacy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Digital Communications Specialist

The ACLU of Kansas is seeking a mission-driven Digital Communications Specialist to develop and implement communication strategies, primarily involving digital content, to support the organization’s work. Responsibilities include graphic design, digital and printed materials development, and collaboration across departments. The position reports to the Communications Director.

COMMUNICATIONS APPROACH

The ACLU of Kansas adopts a “campaign” approach, integrating communications closely with other departments. Current focus campaigns are voting rights and criminal legal reform. The communications model aims to engage existing supporters and reach new constituencies through various channels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Digital Content Strategy and Communications

• Develop strategies for digital campaigns, track performance, and ensure alignment with other communication channels.
• Collaborate with various departments to plan and create content.
• Track, analyze, and report on social media metrics, email engagement, and web traffic.
• Stay updated on digital best practices, industry standards, and trends.

Social Media Planning and Execution

• Draft, schedule, and publish social media content to grow reach and engagement.
• Assist with planning and posting video content in collaboration with Multimedia Manager.
• Engage in social media listening and identify opportunities for participation in relevant conversations.

Website and Email Content

• Produce emails and landing pages for various web content.
• Conduct content maintenance on the website and manage website performance reports.
• Track inventory of ACLU print and digital resources.

Materials and Design

• Design and produce educational and outreach materials (digital and print).
• Track inventory of ACLU print and digital resources.

COMPETENCIES

Mission

Commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including equity and racial justice.

Teamwork

History of successful collaboration with diverse backgrounds and ideologies. Positive, problem-solving attitude.

Technical Ability

Proficient in visual storytelling using graphics, video, and media. Media-specific knowledge and skills.

Dependability and Reliability

Proactive communication, follows through on commitments, and meets deadlines.

Decision-making

Ownership of project work, smart decision-making with awareness of impact.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum two years of digital communications experience, preference for Kansas experience.
• Strong social media skills.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Strong graphic design skills (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Experience with website content management and social media content production.
• Strong task and time management skills.
• Knowledge of the current political landscape in Kansas.
• Unwavering commitment to ACLU’s mission and goals.

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Graphic Design, or related field.
• Spanish language competency.
• Investigative journalism, research, or data analysis experience.
• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS.

HYBRID/REMOTE OFFICE SCHEDULE

The ACLU of Kansas follows a hybrid office schedule, allowing remote work up to three days per week. The position may be located at a new ACLU site in Wichita.

COMPENSATION

Full-time, exempt, & salaried position. Salary based on ACLU of Kansas’s compensation scale. Excellent benefits included.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line: “Digital Communications Specialist.” Applications accepted until the position is filled.