FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 1, 2010
CONTACT:
Brandon Hensler, Director of Communications, (786) 363-2737 or media@aclufl.org
MIAMI – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida announces the opening of a full-time advocacy coordinator to work on Florida’s Campaign to End the Ban on Adoptions by Gays and Lesbians. The position will also spend half of their time working on reproductive freedom issues in Florida.
The Advocacy Coordinator for LGBT & Reproductive Rights will have primary responsibility for organizing public education events for the ACLU of Florida’s campaign to end the ban on adoptions by lesbians and gay men. The Advocacy Coordinator also will work on a reproductive rights advocacy component to improve access to and quality of medical care for pregnant inmates in Florida jails and prisons.
This is a full-time position for a two-year period, with the potential for an extension. Interested applicants should e-mail a resume and cover letter to: jobs@aclufl.org
The ACLU of Florida is a non-profit public interest organization devoted to protecting civil rights and civil liberties. Its staff and volunteers work in a fast-paced, friendly and professional atmosphere with offices in Miami, Tampa, Pensacola, and Jacksonville.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working with coalition partners (state, local, and national), the Advocacy Coordinator will have primary responsibility for coordinating the implementation of the campaign to end Florida’s adoption ban, including:
organizing town hall meetings, speaker trainings, and related events statewide, conducting and coordinating outreach to ensure strong turn-out,
conducting and facilitating follow-up with attendees,
coordinating volunteers, and
collecting data and preparing information for reports.
The Advocacy Coordinator will work closely with the ACLU-FL’s LGBT Staff Attorney, as well as the organization’s Communications and Development departments.
In addition, the Advocacy Coordinator will work with the Legal staff, Public Policy Department, and others to create an advocacy plan to further our goal to improve access to and the quality of reproductive health care for women in Florida’s jails and prisons.
The Advocacy Coordinator also will work with the ACLU-FL Public Policy Director on other initiatives as needed to mobilize supporters statewide on civil liberties priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Advocacy Coordinator should possess:
An understanding of civil liberties and a commitment to efforts to uphold them, including the mission of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The ability to take initiative, think strategically, work cooperatively with lawyers and non-lawyers, and share responsibility and credit. Effective problem solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage details and follow-through with a minimum of direct supervision.
Demonstrated experience in planning, promoting, executing and evaluating events at local and statewide venues.
Strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure. Experience in managing several projects simultaneously and the flexibility to move back and forth between projects when necessary.
Demonstrated experience with online advocacy tools such as e-mail alerts, online petitions, and communications to public officials. Ability to quickly adapt to and learn new technologies independently. Strong administrative skills and ability to keep orderly electronic and hard copy files.
Solid writing skills. Ability to communicate and work effectively with volunteers, staff, Board members, and intergenerational groups. A confident, professional and outgoing presentation.
Ability to motivate volunteers and coalition partners. Ability to identify opportunities for outreach and coordination with allies. Experience in mobilizing key constituents, developing leadership and building grassroots support. Strong group facilitation and coalition building skills.
A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
Ability to work occasional overtime or irregular hours, including some weekends. Current Florida State driver’s license and access to a car is a must. Willingness to travel within the state.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of three years of relevant work experience. Familiarity with civil rights and civil liberties and strong support of the mission of the ACLU required.
Knowledge or experience working on LGBT and/or reproductive freedom issues is preferred, although not required.
Bilingual in underserved language is desirable.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary based on experience; generous vacation and leave policy; medical and dental insurance provided.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should mail or email a letter of application, a resume, and a recent relevant writing sample to:
Beth Wilson, Deputy Director
ACLU of Florida
4500 Biscayne Blvd., #340
Miami, FL 33137
jobs@aclufl.org
The ACLU of Florida comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida. The ACLU of Florida and the ACLU Foundation of Florida share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Florida.”
The ACLU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of every race, creed, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity to apply.
About the ACLU of Florida’s LGBT Advocacy Project
The ACLU of Florida is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For additional information, visit our web site at: www.aclufl.org.
The ACLU of Florida’s LGBT Advocacy Project has worked since 2005 to protect the legal rights of Florida’s LGBT community and is the leading organization protecting gay kids from discrimination and harassment. For additional information, visit our web site at: www.aclufl.org/lgbt
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