NOTICE OF JOB OPENING FOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR

ACLU OF FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE OFFICE

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (“ACLU”) is seeking a person to direct a regional office located in Jacksonville.

The ACLU of Florida, the state affiliate of the National ACLU, has opened an office in Jacksonville. The office will be staffed by a regional director who may be (but need not be) an attorney and another professional. The ACLU works in the courts, legislatures and, through public education programs, in communities to defend and expand individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The ACLU litigates a broad range of complex constitutional cases in federal and state courts including, but not limited to, free speech, Establishment Clause / freedom of religion, lesbian and gay rights, equal protection, civil rights, 4th Amendment rights, and privacy rights. Advocacy is not limited to the courts as the ACLU engages in public policy advocacy and community organizing and works in other ways to advance civil rights and civil liberties, often in coalition with other organizations.

Job Description: The Regional Office Director will work under the direction of the ACLU of Florida Executive Director to implement all phases of management, public policy advocacy, public relations, membership, fundraising and community organizing in the Jacksonville office. S/he will work closely with the affiliate’s senior staff located in Miami, and will be responsible for directing ACLU activities in the Jacksonville area, including public speaking, media appearances, contact with public officials, and managing the office. The Regional Director will also assist the volunteer officials of our Greater Jacksonville Chapter, serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.

Qualifications: The Director must have a well developed understanding of constitutional issues and familiarity with the policies and goals of the ACLU. Significant experience managing and implementing programs that address civil rights and civil liberties issues in community settings is important. Knowledge of the Jacksonville community and the surrounding area is important, as well as the ability to work with diverse communities, coalitions and grass roots organizations. The position calls for demonstrated supervisory and management skills. Good writing, public speaking and people skills are a must. S/he will also help develop a civil liberties and civil rights docket in conjunction with the Jacksonville staff attorney and the affiliate legal director. The Director, along with the volunteer leaders of the local ACLU of Florida chapter, will also represent ACLU in public education efforts and to the media. Fundraising skills also are essential. The person must have the ability to work independently with flexibility for travel, including some evenings and weekends. S/he must have transportation.

Although attorneys are encouraged to apply, being a lawyer is neither a prerequisite nor a preference in filling this position. Rather, preference will be given to applicants with prior experience and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, who possess the attributes necessary to run a regional office, and who will exemplify the ACLU’s principles in interaction with the public and governmental officials. If the applicant is an attorney, s/he must be admitted to practice law in Florida, and have practiced law for a minimum of three years. A familiarity with civil liberties issues and a commitment to the goals of the ACLU in defending and advancing civil rights and civil liberties is essential.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is comparable to managerial positions at other public interest law firms in the area and will be set depending upon experience. The ACLU provides excellent benefits including health and dental insurance with generous vacation, holiday and sick leave policies.

Application Process: Please send résumé and cover letter to:

Howard L. Simon, Executive Director
American Civil Liberties Union of Florida
4500 Biscayne Boulevard - Suite 340
Miami, FL 33137-3227

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before December 15, 2007.

The ACLU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities and lesbians and gay men and transgendered persons are particularly encouraged to apply.