ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Content Writer & Editor in the Communications & Marketing Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. 

The ACLU Marketing & Communications Department creates, maintains, and expands message narratives to engage our supporters and other target audiences, to help protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights, and also illustrate the value and impact of the ACLU’s work. Through our messaging, engagement with newsmakers, our written and social content, branding, and visual identity, we encourage support for the ACLU and help to create a more perfect union.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). 

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Reporting to the Managing Editor in the Brand Studio Unit, the Content Writer & Editor will support the ACLU’s storytelling and editorial efforts on aclu.org. The role calls for a highly creative and resourceful storyteller and content creator who will craft compelling narratives, source impactful stories, and collaborate with internal and external storytellers to advance the ACLU’s work on civil liberties and rights. Responsibilities include writing and editing content for blogs, campaigns, and digital platforms, translating complex issues into accessible formats, and cultivating relationships with storytellers to ensure diverse, authentic representation. The role also involves editing contributor content to align with the ACLU’s voice and collaborating across teams to deliver cohesive, resonant messaging that brings the ACLU’s mission to life.

YOUR DAY TO DAY Write and produce original, well-researched, audience-driven content aligned with brand storytelling, advocacy, and engagement goals across multiple issue areas. This includes explainers, op-eds, data-driven pieces, first-person narratives, and more Proofread and edit content to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to AP style and organizational style guidelines. Simplify complex language to make content accessible to a wider audience Coordinate with the Managing Editor and web publishing team to shepherd written content through cross-departmental reviews, building strong relationships with staff across the organization. Support content development at all stages of production Identify and cultivate relationships with storytellers, proposing innovative ways to reach new voices. Conduct research and interviews with clients, staff, and partners to develop compelling stories Optimize content for SEO to improve search engine visibility and drive organic traffic Adapt other content (podcasts, videos) into engaging web stories Ghost-write on behalf of clients, staff members, or external contributors Provide copywriting support for various marketing materials, including web pages, social media posts, email campaigns, and print materials Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL  Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts WHAT YOU'LL BRING Professional experience in one or a combination of the following areas: journalism, copywriting, digital communications, marketing communications, and storytelling Ability to produce copy on deadline, in breaking news settings and during rapid response periods Experience writing clear and concise copy for a national, generalist audience that is on-brand and on-message Proven ability to produce and edit content that is persuasive, issue-driven and compels people to take action Experience in copyediting and/or proofreading a variety of materials (blogs, press releases, scripts) with a close eye for detail Experience with conducting interviews in an ethical, sensitive manner and translating those interviews into great stories Familiarity with AP style Awareness of SEO best practices and experience writing with engagement in mind. Basic understanding of data analytics for web content PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience working on issue-based advocacy campaigns, and in communicating complex issues to a variety of owned and targeted audiences Ability to identify and manage multiple issues and content pieces; make recommendations for how to execute competing priorities Experience sourcing diverse voices and perspectives for compelling storytelling Experience working with freelancers or contractors Familiarity with and experience writing about social justice issues and a demonstrated interest in civil liberties and civil rights and passion for the work of the ACLU Writing samples of past work or portfolio required COMPENSATION The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, there is a set salary for each role based on geographic work location. The annual salary for this position is $104,593 (Level H), reflecting the salary of a position based in New York, NY.  Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.     For details on our pay structure, please visit: https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf WHY THE ACLU

For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being. 

At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include:

Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment) Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change.  We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization – one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe ‘We the People’ means all of us.

With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.    

The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.