ACLU of the District of Columbia
Digital Communications Strategist / Senior Digital Communications Strategist
ACLU of the District of Columbia, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Overview
The Digital Communications Strategist leads the strategy, development, and execution of high-impact digital communications to advance the mission of the ACLU of the District of Columbia. This role owns and drives digital strategy across email, web, and social media; manages video production and digital ads; and produces creative content that positions the ACLU-D.C. as a trusted resource for accurate information and mobilizes people to take action to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties. As a member of the Communications team, this strategist exercises independent judgment and manages projects, contractors, and volunteers as needed for our digital strategy. The strategist reports to the Strategic Communications Director, partnering on overall planning and strategy. They will collaborate with the communications policy, legal, and development teams, as well as the ACLU national office and affiliates across multiple states. The ideal candidate will bring a disciplined attention to detail, strong organizational habits, and a deep commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. This position is a member of the ACLU-DC staff bargaining unit represented by the Washington Baltimore News Guild and is non-exempt for the junior role and exempt for the senior role under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is open to candidates with a range of experiences. Those with 2-5 years of experience may be classified as a Strategist, with a pay range of $75,000-85,000, depending on placement in our compensation policy and salary scale. More experienced candidates with 5+ years experience may be hired as a Senior Strategist with a pay range of $85,000-95,000. Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Lead the planning, development, and implementation of ACLU-D.C.’s digital communications strategy at both the local and multi-state level. Own the digital strategy roadmap, aligning with organizational goals and campaign priorities. Serve as the lead on email, text messages, action alerts, website, social media, and digital advertising strategy. Develop and manage a comprehensive digital content calendar across platforms. Analyze KPIs for digital engagement, growth, and mobilization, using data to refine tactics and report impact to inform strategic decisions. Exercise discretion and independent judgment in balancing competing priorities and allocating resources. Manage contractors or volunteers as needed. Social Media
Direct ACLU-D.C.’s social media strategy to both expand audience reach and deepen engagement across platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky). Ensure ACLU-D.C. is viewed as a trusted source for accurate information on civil liberties and civil rights, especially D.C. Statehood and D.C. Home Rule. Produce and oversee content that educates, motivates, and mobilizes audiences. Oversee production and distribution of graphics, videos, and toolkits for advocacy campaigns, events, and rapid response communications. Appear in short-form videos and capture photo/video content at events to support digital storytelling. Monitor online trends, respond strategically to news events, and evolve the organization’s social media tone and approach. Represent ACLU-D.C. at events to capture live digital content. Video & Digital Storytelling
Lead video strategy and production, from concept through distribution. Collaborate with clients and community members to tell their stories in ways that are supportive and empowering. Manage production schedules and workflows in support of our overall communications strategy. Ensure high-quality digital storytelling through best practices in accessibility, editing, and promotion. Oversee contractor relationships where needed. Lead strategic digital outreach across email, SMS, and web platforms to drive supporter engagement and action. This includes crafting compelling action alerts, petitions, and mobilization messages that inspire audiences to attend events, rallies, testify, or contact elected officials. Oversees the email and SMS campaign production—from audience segmentation and message development to testing, deployment, and performance analysis—ensuring each communication deepens understanding, drives advocacy, and/or mobilizes supporters toward meaningful action. Manage website content and strategy (Squarespace/WordPress), maintaining accessibility, accuracy, and alignment with organizational priorities and campaign goals. Develop and execute targeted digital advertising strategies to reach key audiences, amplify campaign messages, and convert interest into action. Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, policy, and development teams to ensure digital communications are timely, resonant, and aligned with broader movement goals. Campaign Integration
Collaborate with policy, advocacy, and legal staff to design and implement effective digital actions that move residents in D.C. and across multiple states up the ladder of engagement (e.g., attending an event, contacting elected officials, deepening involvement). Coordinate with ACLU affiliates and coalition partners on digital tactics to advance multi-state campaigns on C. statehood and the defense of D.C.’s home rule. Work closely with coalition partners on digital tactics to advance shared goals on civil liberties and civil rights, creating resources and toolkits where possible. Ensure all digital efforts are consistent with ACLU-D.C.’s voice, brand, and mission. Education and Experience
Required Minimum of 2 professional years of demonstrated success in digital communications strategy, preferably in nonprofit, advocacy, or government sectors. Minimum 5 years experience to be considered for Senior Strategist. Strong portfolio of leading digital campaigns that drove measurable engagement and action. Proficiency in email marketing platforms, Squarespace/WordPress CMS, and CRMs such as Salesforce. Experience with digital ad placement and optimization. Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible messages. Proficiency in graphic design (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and video production. Proven ability to independently manage projects, make strategic decisions, and deliver results under tight deadlines. Comfortable being in short-form videos and photos for social media. Experience with videography and photography Demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals into actionable digital plans that drive measurable outcomes. Preferred Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field Bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of related experience, or at least four years of equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree for the Strategist role. Bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of related experience, or at least eight years of equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree for the Senior Strategist role. Experience with podcasting Experience with videography and/or podcasting Experience working in coalition or movement spaces. Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for digital content. Fluency in Spanish. Working knowledge of HTML and CSS Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with fellow ACLU-D.C. staff and outside contractors while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands with a diplomatic touch. Keen attention to detail in proofreading and clarity in the relay of concepts and targeted messaging. Responds in a timely manner to work assignments and requests. Follows through and meets commitments. Highly organized with the ability to prioritize work tasks and meet daily needs effectively. Strong interpersonal skills and track record of working effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders. Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work and in preserving and defending the civil rights and individual liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and District of Columbia laws. Individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. Note:
This refined description retains the essential responsibilities and qualifications for the Digital Communications Strategist role, focusing on the core content and removing extraneous postings and boilerplate.
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The Digital Communications Strategist leads the strategy, development, and execution of high-impact digital communications to advance the mission of the ACLU of the District of Columbia. This role owns and drives digital strategy across email, web, and social media; manages video production and digital ads; and produces creative content that positions the ACLU-D.C. as a trusted resource for accurate information and mobilizes people to take action to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties. As a member of the Communications team, this strategist exercises independent judgment and manages projects, contractors, and volunteers as needed for our digital strategy. The strategist reports to the Strategic Communications Director, partnering on overall planning and strategy. They will collaborate with the communications policy, legal, and development teams, as well as the ACLU national office and affiliates across multiple states. The ideal candidate will bring a disciplined attention to detail, strong organizational habits, and a deep commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. This position is a member of the ACLU-DC staff bargaining unit represented by the Washington Baltimore News Guild and is non-exempt for the junior role and exempt for the senior role under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is open to candidates with a range of experiences. Those with 2-5 years of experience may be classified as a Strategist, with a pay range of $75,000-85,000, depending on placement in our compensation policy and salary scale. More experienced candidates with 5+ years experience may be hired as a Senior Strategist with a pay range of $85,000-95,000. Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Lead the planning, development, and implementation of ACLU-D.C.’s digital communications strategy at both the local and multi-state level. Own the digital strategy roadmap, aligning with organizational goals and campaign priorities. Serve as the lead on email, text messages, action alerts, website, social media, and digital advertising strategy. Develop and manage a comprehensive digital content calendar across platforms. Analyze KPIs for digital engagement, growth, and mobilization, using data to refine tactics and report impact to inform strategic decisions. Exercise discretion and independent judgment in balancing competing priorities and allocating resources. Manage contractors or volunteers as needed. Social Media
Direct ACLU-D.C.’s social media strategy to both expand audience reach and deepen engagement across platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky). Ensure ACLU-D.C. is viewed as a trusted source for accurate information on civil liberties and civil rights, especially D.C. Statehood and D.C. Home Rule. Produce and oversee content that educates, motivates, and mobilizes audiences. Oversee production and distribution of graphics, videos, and toolkits for advocacy campaigns, events, and rapid response communications. Appear in short-form videos and capture photo/video content at events to support digital storytelling. Monitor online trends, respond strategically to news events, and evolve the organization’s social media tone and approach. Represent ACLU-D.C. at events to capture live digital content. Video & Digital Storytelling
Lead video strategy and production, from concept through distribution. Collaborate with clients and community members to tell their stories in ways that are supportive and empowering. Manage production schedules and workflows in support of our overall communications strategy. Ensure high-quality digital storytelling through best practices in accessibility, editing, and promotion. Oversee contractor relationships where needed. Lead strategic digital outreach across email, SMS, and web platforms to drive supporter engagement and action. This includes crafting compelling action alerts, petitions, and mobilization messages that inspire audiences to attend events, rallies, testify, or contact elected officials. Oversees the email and SMS campaign production—from audience segmentation and message development to testing, deployment, and performance analysis—ensuring each communication deepens understanding, drives advocacy, and/or mobilizes supporters toward meaningful action. Manage website content and strategy (Squarespace/WordPress), maintaining accessibility, accuracy, and alignment with organizational priorities and campaign goals. Develop and execute targeted digital advertising strategies to reach key audiences, amplify campaign messages, and convert interest into action. Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, policy, and development teams to ensure digital communications are timely, resonant, and aligned with broader movement goals. Campaign Integration
Collaborate with policy, advocacy, and legal staff to design and implement effective digital actions that move residents in D.C. and across multiple states up the ladder of engagement (e.g., attending an event, contacting elected officials, deepening involvement). Coordinate with ACLU affiliates and coalition partners on digital tactics to advance multi-state campaigns on C. statehood and the defense of D.C.’s home rule. Work closely with coalition partners on digital tactics to advance shared goals on civil liberties and civil rights, creating resources and toolkits where possible. Ensure all digital efforts are consistent with ACLU-D.C.’s voice, brand, and mission. Education and Experience
Required Minimum of 2 professional years of demonstrated success in digital communications strategy, preferably in nonprofit, advocacy, or government sectors. Minimum 5 years experience to be considered for Senior Strategist. Strong portfolio of leading digital campaigns that drove measurable engagement and action. Proficiency in email marketing platforms, Squarespace/WordPress CMS, and CRMs such as Salesforce. Experience with digital ad placement and optimization. Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible messages. Proficiency in graphic design (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and video production. Proven ability to independently manage projects, make strategic decisions, and deliver results under tight deadlines. Comfortable being in short-form videos and photos for social media. Experience with videography and photography Demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals into actionable digital plans that drive measurable outcomes. Preferred Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field Bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of related experience, or at least four years of equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree for the Strategist role. Bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of related experience, or at least eight years of equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree for the Senior Strategist role. Experience with podcasting Experience with videography and/or podcasting Experience working in coalition or movement spaces. Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for digital content. Fluency in Spanish. Working knowledge of HTML and CSS Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with fellow ACLU-D.C. staff and outside contractors while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands with a diplomatic touch. Keen attention to detail in proofreading and clarity in the relay of concepts and targeted messaging. Responds in a timely manner to work assignments and requests. Follows through and meets commitments. Highly organized with the ability to prioritize work tasks and meet daily needs effectively. Strong interpersonal skills and track record of working effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders. Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work and in preserving and defending the civil rights and individual liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and District of Columbia laws. Individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. Note:
This refined description retains the essential responsibilities and qualifications for the Digital Communications Strategist role, focusing on the core content and removing extraneous postings and boilerplate.
#J-18808-Ljbffr