Staff Writer

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) seeks a Staff Writer. This role is for a writer with one to three years of relevant professional experience who is seeking to join a proven organization that makes profound differences in the lives of people across New Jersey. The ACLU-NJ takes pride in our reputation of over 60 years of fighting for the rights of all New Jerseyans. And now – with ongoing challenges to civil liberties at the national level, the increased need to develop good policy at the local level, the still-evolving impacts of the pandemic on civil rights, and the increased awareness of the impacts of systemic racism on every American institution – this is a pivotal time to join us and make a meaningful, positive, long-term impact on the future of New Jersey and the United States. 

 

The Staff Writer position offers an exciting opportunity to serve as a key member of a high performing communications team. The writer is responsible for drafting original content including, but not limited to, blogs, op-eds, press statements, reports, and other written communications. We are committed to approaching our work through an antiracist lens and work to ensure that our communications systems and products are aligned with these values. 

 

The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with strong writing and editing skills who can work in close collaboration with programmatic departments under tight timelines. This is a full-time role based in Newark, NJ with a hybrid work schedule. This position reports to the Deputy Communications Director. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Draft original content, including blogs, op-eds, press releases, reports, and other publications and products as assigned. 

• Coordinate across departments to align on expectations, meet deadlines, and implement necessary approval processes for all content. 

• Bridge messaging on state and national issues, proactively tracking and sharing national ACLU messaging and communication priorities. 

• Assist with story-finding and storytelling strategy, including helping to identify, interview, and profile spokespeople. 

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues from a range of departments including Policy and Legal, to create strategic communications products. 

• Ensure consistency of voice, messaging, and ACLU style. 

• Copyedit and proofread a wide range of publications and products.
• Other tasks as assigned. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Core Competencies 

• Strong written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner to inform and engage a variety of audiences.  

• Demonstrated ability to develop and shape a narrative, understand messaging nuances, and help people tell their story. 

• Results-oriented with proven ability to plan, organize, prioritize, track progress, and meet goals. 

• Creative, diplomatic, cool under pressure and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work inclusively across diverse dimensions. 

• Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced, highly collaborative team environments. 

• Ability to regularly and easily jump from task to task, prioritize, stay organized, and complete assignments under sometimes tough deadlines and quick turnarounds. 

• Flexibility and willingness to learn new tools, technology, and resources. 
• Unwavering commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including a demonstrated commitment to equity and racial justice. 

Essential Skills: 

• One to three years of experience in writing and editing with knowledge of AP style.  

• Excellent critical thinking skills. 

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Asana, and additional web-based applications as needed. 

• Adaptability to a varying schedule, including occasional nights, early mornings, and weekends. 

• Knowledge of additional languages other than English is welcomed but not required. 

• Experience working on issue-based advocacy and public awareness campaigns is welcomed but not required. 

• A B.A. in communications, journalism, or related fields is welcomed but not required. 

 

Compensation

Salary for this role starts at $65,000 and is commensurate with experience. The ACLU-NJ supports and plans for staff member professional growth and skill development through internal and external opportunities. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which currently includes 30 days paid time off, 12 office holidays and 16 health care leave days; medical, vision, and dental insurance; 20 weeks (100 days) paid family leave; life and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax transit benefits; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

About Our Culture

We are a diverse workforce and take pride in our ability to attract and retain employees with a huge array of backgrounds and experiences. We work hard but also like to celebrate our successes. We strive to bring humility, empathy, kindness, and generosity to our work, internally within the organization and externally with our partners and those whom we are serving. We seek to build a work culture with a sense of respect and collegiality, and a willingness to be generous with our expertise and resources.

To Apply

To complete the application please upload a cover letter and resume. We invite applicants to include in their cover letter information about how their background and/or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.