Labor and Community Job Opportunities, Opportunities

Organizer with ACLU-NJ

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) is hiring an Organizer dedicated primarily to coordinating and implementing the organization’s campaign to reform policing practices in Newark, Newark Communities for Accountable Policing (N-CAP). In addition, the Organizer may also work on other priority ACLU-NJ issues. The position is full time and reports to the Public Policy Director.

Founded in 1960, the ACLU of New Jersey is the state’s leading organization dedicated to defending and advancing civil liberties and civil rights. Whether in the courts, legislatures, or in communities, the ACLU-NJ fights on a daily basis for criminal justice reform, free speech, racial justice, privacy, immigrants’ rights, reproductive rights, religious freedom, due process, LGBT rights, drug law reform and voting rights. With tens of thousands of members, activists, and supporters, the ACLU-NJ works in every corner of our state to defend the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin.

The ACLU-NJ is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. Our staff consists of 16 full-time staff members plus a number of regular in-office volunteers and interns.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to apply.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

Newark communities have struggled with issues of police misconduct and a lack of transparency and accountability since the 1960s. Whether by unconstitutional stop-and-frisk practices, excessive force or a broken internal discipline system, the Newark Police Department (NPD) has routinely violated the rights of the residents they are sworn to serve and protect. The NPD has also failed to hold itself accountable for this misconduct and abuse. As a consequence, community safety pays the price.

Newark Communities for Accountable Policing (N-CAP) is a movement to build a respectful, accountable, and transparent Newark Police Department. N-CAP works for reforms that promote community safety and lead to community policing practices that uphold and respect the human and constitutional rights of all Newarkers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Devising and implementing advocacy strategies to accomplish the Newark policing reform campaign goals;
  • Organizing and conducting public engagement events, including forums, panels, rallies, trainings, lobby visits, public hearings, and other public presentations;
  • Building, facilitating, and overseeing day-to-day administrative support of the N-CAP coalition;
  • Conducting know-your-rights trainings for youth and community groups;
  • Recruiting, training, and managing an active community volunteer and mobilization program to support the campaign goals;
  • Lobbying local lawmakers;
  • Representing the ACLU-NJ and N-CAP at coalition and organizing meetings;
  • Drafting content for ACLU-NJ and N-CAP websites, as well as social media, fact sheets, e-mails, reports, training materials, and other advocacy materials;
  • Conducting research and staying up-to-date on developments in police accountability news, policy, and the national reform movement;
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in organizing or social justice advocacy; experience working in/building coalitions preferred;
  • Demonstrated passion for racial justice and police accountability work;
  • Demonstrated experience designing or managing issue-based or political campaigns;
  • Familiarity with Newark communities and politics preferred
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse staff, coalitions and community groups, and to recruit and motivate volunteers;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills;
  • Ability to work independently and keep organized in a fast-paced environment, manage several projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adjust strategy to frequently changing demands;
  • Experience using social media as an advocacy tool;
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain orderly records;
  • Outgoing personality and sense of humor;
  • Proficiency with MS Office and popular social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter;
  • Ability to sometimes work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends;
  • Ability to travel within the state, and a valid driver’s license;
  • Proficiency in Spanish (preferred but not required).

JOB DESCRIPTION

A full and printable job description is available here. (PDF)

COMPENSATION

The ACLU-NJ offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLU-NJ compensation scale. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, sick time and holidays; medical, vision and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents and spouse; life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) plan with employer match.

TO APPLY

To apply, complete the form below. Application materials sent via postal mail, e-mail or fax will not be accepted. No calls please. Resumes reviewed upon receipt. Position will remain open until filled.

The ACLU-NJ is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy), familial status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability, perceived disability, and AIDS and HIV status.