Job Opening: Executive Director

Update: ACLU Executive Director Position search has been extended until May 20th.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF OKLAHOMA

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma (ACLU-OK), a statewide non-profit organization which promotes and defends civil liberties, is seeking an Executive Director to direct the diverse and challenging activities of the organization. ACLU-OK is one of 53 affiliates nationwide with a national office headquartered in New York City.

Our attractive Spanish-style office is located in the historic Paseo neighborhood of Oklahoma City, the state’s capital. The office is owned by the affiliate, is on a public bus route, and is within easy driving distance of the Capitol building.

The ACLU-OK consists of two separate corporate entities—a lobbying body and a foundation, each with its own board of directors – which share the same overall mission, office space, and employees.

Additional information on the ACLU-OK can be found at http://www.acluok.org/

The ACLU-OK is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, people with disabilities and GLBT persons are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the ACLU-OK, with primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day activities and operations of the organization, leading the fundraising, directing and coordinating the work of a professional staff, and serving as the primary spokesperson. The staff consists of two fulltime employees, one part time development director, one part time litigation coordinator, one part time CPA, and numerous volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the Boards of Directors of the two corporate entities of the ACLU-OK, and ensures that the organization is fiscally sound and that its operations and activities are consistent with the policies of the ACLU-OK and the parent organization, the American Civil Liberties Union.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support effective board operations by assisting the boards in their work, including policy formation, goal setting, and giving direction and leadership toward achieving the organization’s philosophy and missions.
• Direct the legal, legislative, public education and development activities of the organization.
• With the development committee, oversee fundraising planning and implementation, identify and solicit significant donors, coordinate work of development staff and volunteers, plan special fundraising events, and work to secure grants and other additional resources.
• Recommend an annual budget for board approval and, in concert with the treasurer and finance committee, prudently manage the financial resources within budget guidelines and in accordance with accepted nonprofit accounting standards and practices.
• Manage the human resources of the ACLU-OK according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations, including hiring, supervising, evaluating, and when necessary, terminating paid staff. Maintain strong internal communication and coordination, foster a collegial and supportive working environment, and serve as liaison between the boards and the staff.
• Use technology to facilitate organizational management and operations, including social networking and website development.
• Oversee the recruitment of members.
• Serve as an articulate and effective spokesperson for the ACLU-OK with the members, public and the media.
• Lobby the Legislature and other bodies on civil liberties issues; coordinate the overall
• lobbying efforts of the ACLU-OK.
• Coordinate ACLU-OK chapter activities and grass-roots action.
• Direct public education efforts that increase public awareness of civil liberties issues; reach out to members with effective use of our website, newsletters and public events that promote organizational goals.
• When possible, create alliances with like-minded organizations and activists to work on shared issues to advance the cause of civil liberties in Oklahoma.
• Work with the Boards of Directors to identify and help recruit new members who will add to the strengths and diversity of the Boards.
• Develop and maintain strategic plans for affiliate growth and advancement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the affiliate and the national ACLU.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree. Advanced degree in public policy, social work, government, law, economics, education or related field preferred.
• A minimum of three years of progressive management experience, preferably in the not-for-profit sector.
• A demonstrated record of success in working in partnership with a board and staff of diverse personalities.
• Demonstrated management skills in budgeting, recruiting and supervising staff, delegating tasks, and maintaining an effective working environment.

Strongly Preferred:

• Demonstrated experience to develop the resources of ACLU-OK; a successful track record of raising money from a variety of sources; major donor experience is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills to effectively represent the organization to the media, the public, and government organizations.

Personal Characteristics:

• A personal commitment to the philosophy, values, mission, goals and programs of the ACLU-OK.
• An understanding of the legal and constitutional principles and issues underlying the mission of the American Civil Liberties Union.
• A dedicated and inspiring leader who is resourceful, politically astute and effective in networking, can act on events quickly and represent the organization to critical constituencies.
• An energetic person who can prioritize and handle multiple activities and responsibilities.
• A team player who functions collaboratively and decisively, and is well-organized yet flexible.
• Outgoing and straightforward, shares information easily, and listens effectively.
• A strong sense of self with a solid sense of humor.
• The willingness to travel the state, including evenings and weekends.

COMPENSATION AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary is negotiable and dependent upon experience and qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, pension, life insurance, long-term disability and vacation. A starting
time of employment is estimated to be May/June of 2011.

APPLICATIONS:

Interested individuals should send a resume, a writing sample, and the names of at least three references familiar with work experience to: Executive Director Search
Committee, ACLU of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 133, Oklahoma City, OK 73101. The position will be posted a minimum of 60 days.

Applications will be accepted for 60 days beginning February 14, 2011. Review, scheduling, and interviews with selected applicants will continue through the 60-day
time period.