Digital Communications Specialist

Employment Status: Regular, Full Time 

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt 

Location: Montpelier, Vermont

Compensation: $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate on experience level and in alignment with our compensation policy 

Ideal Start Date Range: March 15 – April 15 

Position Summary 

Reporting to the Communications Director, and working in close collaboration with our advocacy, legal, and development programs, the Digital Communications Specialist is responsible for creating digital assets that drive audiences to take action across all ACLU of Vermont channels and promoting the ACLU of Vermont’s mission to broaden audience awareness and engagement among key constituencies. They will help to set, coordinate, and implement digital strategy to further our mission of defending and advancing the civil liberties of all Vermonters. 

About our Team 

We are a passionate, highly motivated group of lawyers, public policy experts, communications professionals, organizers, and fundraisers, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. We are committed to fostering a strong internal culture of belonging, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable practices and organizational diversity. The Digital Communications Specialist will have awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism, and implicit bias in both internal and external communications. To learn more about us, visit our website.   

Position Location   

The ACLU of Vermont currently follows a hybrid office policy with program-specific in-office expectations. The Digital Communications Specialist will be expected to work from our Montpelier office according to a hybrid schedule to be set in conversation with their supervisor.     

Responsibilities 

• Create and manage multimedia content, including graphics, short-form videos, photography, social media posts, blog posts, web pages, emails, and digital advertisements. Apply an equity lens to all communications materials produced, ensuring that marginalized communities are centered in communications strategy and assets. 
• Generate web traffic, email, and social media audience engagement and growth by creating and implementing short- and long-term digital communications campaigns. 
• Assist the Communications Director with designing and implementing large communications plans. 
• Collaborate with the Communications Director and other staff to identify high-impact opportunities to increase the visibility of our work. 
• Provide communications support to ACLU-VT events and actions, such as advertising through online ads, promotional emails, flyer creation, as well as in-person technical assistance and real-time documentation with photography and social media. 
• Monitor social media trends and emerging practices. Evaluate social media platforms for adoption by ACLU-VT, with an eye to increasing awareness and engagement among younger and more diverse audiences. 
• Use content management systems and a digital content calendar to update and maintain ACLU of Vermont website and social media platforms. 
• Track, analyze, and report on digital communications metrics, including website, email and social media engagement. 
• Produce graphics and video content to tell powerful stories about the ACLU’s clients, partners, and work. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

All candidates should have the following qualifications: 

• Experience in graphic design, social media content and strategy, digital marketing, online campaigning, or related fields. 
• Skill in 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. Experience with using graphic design software like Canva (required) or Adobe Creative Suite (preferred).
• 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.  
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, both in the workplace and in collaboration with community partners and constituents. Proven ability to work with emotional intelligence, receive feedback, work through conflict with integrity, and operate within principles of solidarity when working in partnership with constituencies impacted by oppression. Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance. Demonstrated knowledge of – or commitment to building or deepening understanding of – racial equity.  
• Highly organized and able to meet tight deadlines.  
• Able to work collaboratively and effectively prioritize multiple projects in an ever-changing environment of breaking legal decisions and political developments. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights. Committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and programs.  
• A passion for current events, politics, and civil liberties, including criminal justice reform, racial justice, immigrants' rights, reproductive rights, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, privacy, and freedom of speech. 

Preferred Qualifications  

An ideal candidate would also have the following qualifications:  

• Minimum of two years of experience and demonstrated success in communications or related field, preferably in the nonprofit or government sector.  
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro).  
• Visual storytelling experience, with a proven ability to design digital/print graphics, video, and other media to tell nuanced stories, drive fundraising, and/or move people to action.  
• Familiarity with or background in public policy, legislative affairs, and/or politics. 

Compensation and Benefits 

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce through various equity initiatives, which include equitable pay practices. Starting salary range for this position is $55,000-$65,000, commensurate with experience and in alignment with our compensation policy.

We understand how vital our work is and at the same time understand the toll engaged activism can take.  Our goal is to retain staff and we believe that having a robust benefits offering is vital in meeting that goal.  Our benefits include fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents and spouse or domestic partner; life insurance and disability; defined contribution plan with employer match; generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 14 paid holidays; and paid sabbatical.  This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

How to Apply!  

• Email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]  
• Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and Digital Communications Specialist

We will begin reviewing applications on January 2 and they will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website. Please let us know if you have any accessibility accommodation requests during the application or hiring process.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Hiring 

ACLU-VT is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. ACLU-VT strongly encourages applications from all identities. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system. 

About ACLU of Vermont 

The ACLU of Vermont integrates litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Founded in 1967 and based in Montpelier, the ACLU of Vermont is the statewide affiliate of the national ACLU, a nationwide organization with a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. The ACLU fights tirelessly for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.