Position Overview
The ACLU of Indiana is seeking an experienced, reliable, and highly motivated writer to work on select projects. The Content Specialist will engage in research, documentation, story gathering, and writing that will be used to illuminate media, lawmaker, and public perceptions around civil liberties issues.
This is a part-time contract position, estimated at 15-20 hours per week for 40 weeks. The contract will be performed remotely, but will require a moderate amount of travel throughout Indiana and visits to the Indianapolis office. The Content Specialist will work directly with the Director of Communications, but should be able to produce high-quality work with minimal supervision.
The American Civil Liberties Union is our nation's guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. The ACLU of Indiana is a statewide affiliate of the national ACLU.
Responsibilities
- Draft and edit a broad range of communications deliverables such as white papers, reports, blogs, social media posts and fact sheets as agreed upon in project contract
- Perform in-depth, original research by developing sources, working with the legal department to file and analyze public records’ requests, and working with partner organizations
- Identify compelling narratives about the ACLU’s work, in partnership with the Advocacy and Legal departments, by engaging with community members to highlight personal stories
- Work with Communications Director to draft and refine talking points and messaging on key projects
- Related to key projects, support the production and distribution of press outreach, including news releases and press pitches, and facilitate media coverage
- Work with subject matter experts to respond to press inquiries on key projects
Qualifications
The Content Specialist should possess the following experience and personal attributes:
- Personally committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals and programs, with an understanding of the range of civil rights and civil liberties issues and their implications, particularly in the area of criminal justice, reproductive rights, and voting rights
- Excellent research skills with an aptitude for engaging with local organizations, community groups, and members of the general public to identify compelling stories
- A rock-star writer with an established track record for producing clear and compelling content, distilling complicated narratives, issues, and data sets down into values-based, human-centered stories that inspire people to take action
- Bachelor’s degree and at least three years professional writing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. A background in investigative journalism with a publication history is preferred
- Bonus: Experience with or knowledge of Indiana’s criminal legal system
Compensation:
The position is a part-time contract with pay set pay at $20,000. The time commitment will be 15-20 hours per week for 40 weeks.
To Apply:
All applications are treated confidentially. Interested candidates should send a current resume and a writing sample to commrecruiting@aclu-in.org.
Please put "Content Specialist Application" in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. References may be requested.
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender individuals, and people with arrest records and/or convictions.