The ACLU of Indiana’s Advocacy Associate helps the Advocacy team implement strategies that move people to take positive action in support of civil liberties. With support from the Advocacy Manager, the Advocacy Associate will help build public support for ACLU of Indiana priorities through direct contact at community events, in collaboration with community partners and coalitions, volunteer engagement, and community education opportunities.
In collaboration with the ACLU of Indiana’s Legal, Policy, and Communications teams, the Advocacy team’s core mission is to help Hoosiers engage in strategic ways with state and local elected officials and other government decision-makers to win back, preserve, and advance a range of federal and state constitutional rights. We do this through providing opportunities and support to people and communities so they can tell their stories and advocate directly for their rights.
The Associate works under the supervision of the Advocacy Manager and in collaboration with other ACLU of IN staff members, the ACLU national office, and with coalition partners.
Requirements
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Help implement ACLU of Indiana’s advocacy strategies, including participating in proactive and responsive advocacy goals and helping to track progress;
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Attend community meetings and events throughout the state on ACLU of Indiana issues and priorities;
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Conduct short- and long-term research projects;
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Support advocacy trainings for volunteers and community partners;
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Support volunteer recruitment and assessment; assist in providing volunteers with information, guidance, and training; act as liaison between the volunteers and staff; and help expand volunteer base committed to action;
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Working with the Communications team, order and restock collateral materials for printers and other vendors;
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Support trusted relationships with communities, community partners, and key community leaders by meeting them where they are, helping them see how our issues are connected to their priorities, actively learning about their needs, and supporting them in meeting shared goals;
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Support ACLU of Indiana rallies on issues of great importance, including set up, tabling, and speaker support;
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Research, review, and flag pending legislation related to ACLU priorities during annual General Assembly session;
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Represent the ACLU of Indiana at events, forums and meetings; and,
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Perform other duties as assigned by the Advocacy Manager.
Expectations
- Inquisitive disposition and strong desire to grow as a professional;
- Openness to feedback, coaching, and taking on growing responsibilities on your team;
- Interest in collaborating across departments within the ACLU of Indiana so that we have an integrated approach to the many issues we work on;
- Commitment to working in a non-partisan manner;
- Willingness to learn from your state and national colleagues and members of your team;
- Great people skills, including ability to meet people where they are and establish trusted relationships with diverse constituencies; and,
- Strong commitment to advancing the ACLU of Indiana’s values, mission, and goals, with an understanding of the range of civil liberties and civil rights issues and their implications.
Qualifications
- At least one year experience in community-based work or in services to a particular community, internships and field experience count toward this qualification;
- Competent oral communication and an excitement about developing speaking and writing skills;
- Availability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends due to the community engagement aspect of this position;
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse staff, partners, and work across the political spectrum;
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple activities and responsibilities and the ability to work under pressure;
- Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds when setting up for events or other community engagements;
- Desire to learn more about the different populations who make up Indiana and ways to translate the importance of our issues for them; and,
- Ability to execute on projects and request help or guidance from your supervisor when you’re unclear on expectations or next steps.
Salary and Benefits
Annual salary range: $37,000 – $47,000
The ACLU of Indiana is a hybrid office; employees can choose to work from home up to two days a week. Employees are expected to work from our downtown Indianapolis office the remainder of the week.
As a full-time exempt employee, your benefit package in this position will include paid vacation, sick leave, health, dental, and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and employer contributions to employee’s Health Savings Account and 401k.