Earned Media Strategist (Term-Limited)

About The Job
The ACLU seeks applicants for the full‑time, 2‑year term‑limited position of Earned Media Strategist in the Communications & Marketing Department at the ACLU’s National office in Washington, D.C. This hybrid role requires in‑office presence two days per week (or eight days per month).

What You’ll Do
Reporting to the Director of Media and Strategic Engagement, the Earned Media Strategist will lead ACLU’s media relations work, focusing on electoral communications and positioning the organization’s spokespeople as thought leaders.

Pitch and prep ACLU spokespeople for media appearances, leveraging relationships with political media and industry thought leaders.

Execute strategic engagements in rapid‑response environments, including press conferences, sponsorships, event appearances, and other high‑visibility events.

Staff key organization principals at media appearances and strategic engagements, including those that require travel.

Provide secondary support for staffing key partners, such as celebrity ambassadors or influencers, during strategic engagements.

Help prepare briefing materials and mock interview sessions for senior staff.

Support cross‑organization collaboration on the deployment of spokespeople and the development of earned‑media strategies.

Maintain spokesperson biographies, headshots, and portfolio items.

Map and build relationships with key national media outlets, emphasizing emerging outlets and independent digital reporters.

Lead communications and positioning strategies for high‑level principals and projects, including op‑eds, press conferences, and speaking engagements.

Provide secondary coverage for communications strategists on leave during rapid‑response moments.

Engage in special projects and other duties assigned by senior ACLU communications leadership.

Future ACLU’ers Will

Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU.

Center equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work, demonstrating a respect for multiple perspectives.

Work collaboratively and respectfully to resolve obstacles and conflicts.

What You’ll Bring

Significant experience in professional public relations, media, or a fast‑paced work environment; experience in political or electoral communications preferred.

Strong judgment and instincts for media and communications work.

Knowledge of the news and social media landscapes.

Excellent research, writing, editing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to remain calm under pressure and provide an organized, reassuring experience for principals.

Availability and willingness to travel and staff principals outside of business hours as needed.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Familiarity with Cision preferred.

Interest in civil liberties and civil rights, with experience in advocacy campaigns preferred.

Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $112,584 (Level H) based in New York, NY. Salaries may be adjusted regionally if authorized to work outside the listed location.

Benefits

Generous paid time‑off policy.

Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, vision, parental leave, gender‑affirming care, and fertility treatment.

401(k) plan with employer match.

Annual professional development funds, internal development programs, and workshops.

Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU. We actively champion anti‑oppression, anti‑ableism, and anti‑racism internally and externally. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and require assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, additional information regarding accommodations will be provided.

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