We are the Maine affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union. We fight for equality, justice, and freedom for all people in Maine in the statehouse, in the courthouse, and through public education and engagement. We are active in the areas of criminal legal reform, racial justice, immigrants' rights, reproductive freedom, women's rights, Indigenous justice, LGBTQ equality, voting rights, privacy, and freedom of speech and religion. We are a passionate, highly motivated group and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team.

The ACLU of Maine seeks applicants for a full-time position of Communications Associate. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week.

The Communications Associate will support the Communications Department’s work activating supporters and maintaining and deepening the ACLU of Maine’s position as a trusted authority to the press, elected officials, members, donors, and engaged residents on matters of civil rights and civil liberties. A Union position represented by MSEA SEIU Local 1989, the Communications Associate will report to the Communications Director. The department works closely with staff across the ACLU of Maine to help them develop and achieve goals based on integrated project management in a unified organizational voice.

Internal Communications:

• Stay apprised of state and local news that has civil liberties and civil rights implications on a daily basis. Use this information to assist the Communications Director in engaging with journalists covering issues related to the ACLU of Maine’s work.
• Assist the Communications Director with internal communications to keep the staff and board of directors informed.
• Create and maintain monthly analytics to track earned media, social media engagement, issue areas covered, member actions, website engagement, and more.
• With support and with regular review by the Communications Director, develop content calendar that coordinates communications across all channels (e.g. social media, newsletters, other direct mail, membership emails).
• Support Communications Director in drafting and executing communications plans.
• Assist Communications Director in creating talking points, briefs, and membership newsletters.

Digital Communications:

• Update the ACLU of Maine webpage at least twice weekly (e.g. adding new press releases, updating staff and board biographies, posting job announcements, updating and creating new legal case pages, updating and creating legislative postings, adding community events, drafting blogs, creating and updating calls to action).
• Support Communications Director with drafting and sending membership emails, including action alerts, event invitations, and legislative/legal updates.
• Draft engaging social media posts that respond to current events in Maine media, promote ACLU of Maine issues, and engage with our audiences.
• Assist Communications Director with creating direct-to-camera video scripts and manage editing process to create compelling videos sharing important updates about ACLU of Maine priorities.
• Assist communications director in adapting print materials for online distribution, such as Know Your Rights pamphlets, newsletters, and more.

Membership, donor, and volunteer engagement:

• Assist with tri-annual newsletter delivered to all ACLU of Maine members.
• Additional duties as assigned, depending on capacity and organizational needs throughout the year.
• Assist Communications Director, Engagement Director, and other staff in creating presentations for donor updates, webinars, and press briefings.
• Assist Communications Director with creating outreach materials for engagement, development, legal, and policy work.

• A strong understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, civil liberties and civil rights.
• Attention to detail, including to deadlines and deliverables.
• The ability to work independently and take initiative while managing multiple projects.
• An open-minded, collaborative, encouraging spirit that supports cooperative work with other staff and community partners
• Flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to accept and offer constructive feedback on creative work
• Proven ability to listen, assume positive intent, manage conflict, and identify solutions
• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to persuasively communicate complicated information into understandable and engaging material for public consumption.
• A personal commitment to equity that values the individual regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.
•  High level of proficiency in a range of business software applications to support the organization’s communications and program functions, such as Microsoft Office, Google platforms, Zoom, and YouTube.
• Basic competency with graphic design and/or strong graphic sensibilities, including proficiency with graphic and video creation such as Canva, iMovie, or Adobe programs.
• Strong proficiency in a range of social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Substack, Bluesky
• Willingness to travel to events as needed about 5 times per year. Access to a vehicle is required.
• Willingness to work beyond 9-5 as needed, including occasional weekend meetings and travel.

This is a full-time non-exempt position, and the starting salary is $65,650. The salary is non-negotiable, consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Excellent benefits include 20 days paid time off, 10 paid holidays, individual employer-provided health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid family medical leave, and 401(k) plan with employer match of up to 5.5%. Additionally, staff are paid during the following office closures: the first full week in August, the week of Thanksgiving, and from December 24 through January 1.

The ACLU of Maine’s office is based in Portland, Maine. Currently, staff work on a hybrid schedule, with all staff in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday.

To apply, please submit a cover letter (no more than 500 words) and resume. Submit materials to [email protected] and include your name and “Communications Associate Job Posting” in the subject line. If you need assistance or accommodation, contact us at [email protected]. Your cover letter should explain ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above. We also invite applicants to include in their letter information about how their background and/or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.

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

Applications are due by September 19. We plan to contact you by September 25 if we are interested in moving your candidacy forward and intend to extend an offer in October. This position will begin late October.