Communications Manager

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas works with communities, at the State Capitol, and in the courts to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties for every Texan, no exceptions. From Amarillo to Brownsville and Beaumont to El Paso, we believe in a Texas that works for all of us — a Texas where each person has an equal say in the decisions that shape our future and everyone can build a good life. 

The ACLU of Texas is both a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. The ACLU of Texas operates professional offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, and Brownsville, Texas. 
 

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Communications Department educates and activates Texans to work with the ACLU of Texas for strategic change in the areas of border and immigrants’ rights, free speech and pluralism, LGBTQIA+ equality, reproductive freedom, smart justice, and voting rights and democracy.
 

ROLE OVERVIEW

The ACLU of Texas seeks a creative thinker with strong people and project management skills to enhance the strategic effectiveness of the Communications Department. This is a cross-functional role that will manage the digital communications team while supporting the work of the press and strategy teams. Our ideal candidate will have excellent editorial skills, a firm grasp of best communications practices including analytics, and experience building systems and processes that support operational excellence.

The Communications Manager will supervise three staff members — two Digital Communications Coordinators and the Multimedia Communications Coordinator — and report to the Communications Director. The position will require quarterly travel to Houston if the candidate is based elsewhere, as well as occasional travel to locations across Texas.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set communications goals and strategies, with a particular focus on digital channels.
• Develop work plans, delegate tasks, and ensure deliverables are completed with excellence and on time.
• Manage and improve workflows using project management software.
• Facilitate clear communication and effective coordination within the department and across the organization.
• Serve as a final “publication ready” editor with careful attention to detail and a firm understanding of AP style, brand guidelines, and available messaging resources.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical assistance to digital staff.
• Lead weekly meetings and actively contribute to others.
• Track and report on metrics, evaluating the efficacy of communications work and using insights to inform future strategy.
• Provide creative direction to multimedia and content creation.
• Draft communications materials, including press releases, talking points, blogs, e-blasts, and social media posts.
• Strengthen relationships with partners, stakeholders, and coalitions.
• Identify and manage vendors, including paid media.
• Participate in the budgeting process and manage the digital team’s budget.
• Research, test, and implement new ways to reach audiences and achieve goals.
• Provide communications support to in-person events, webinars, and virtual events.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership: Effectively leads others in achieving stated duties and assignments. Brings out the best in people. Able to operate with significant autonomy, with support and collaboration from the supervisor.
• Process Management: Figures out the processes necessary to get things done. Organizes people and activities. Knows what to measure and how to measure it.
• Project Management: Able to develop project concepts and breakdown activities into manageable pieces that can be appropriately delegated to internal collaborators and external vendors. Tracks progress using project management tools. Manages accountability processes for deliverables.
• Technical Ability: Brings a creative and strategic perspective. Has the knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Seeks out additional opportunities to grow.
• Teamwork: Creates a climate in which people share ownership and want to do their best. Brings a positive, problem-solving attitude to relationships with colleagues and partners. Relates well with people of different backgrounds and responsibilities in an equitable and inclusive manner. Demonstrates personal integrity, admits mistakes, and fosters trust.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; work experience and/or alternative educational preparation may be substituted for formal education.
• Five years of relevant experience in communications and/or marketing, including experience developing strategic plans, drafting content and providing creative direction, and using analytics to refine strategy.
• Track record of effective staff management and development.
• Experience designing and refining systems, processes, and policies to improve productivity and workflow.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail and good judgment. 
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to set and adhere to deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and persuasively convey complex legal and policy ideas.
• High proficiency with gathering and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights that can be communicated clearly and succinctly.
• Demonstrated ability to receive feedback, take accountability, and continually adapt, learn, and improve with personal initiative. 
• Creativity and flexibility to adjust to new situations, shifting priorities, and changing needs with calm and confidence. 
• Knowledge of digital trends, social media platforms, content marketing, and best practices in SEO and web accessibility.
• Ability to nurture and thrive in a highly collaborative environment with people of different identities and experiences committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Flexible schedule and ability to work non-traditional hours as needed. Some travel required.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing the ACLU of Texas’ values, mission, and goals, with an understanding of structural racism and interpersonal bias.

Preferred:

• Extensive experience with project management software like Asana, Monday, or Trello.
• Proven ability to manage successful digital advertising and/or influencer campaigns.
• Professional experience working on one or more of the following issues: border and immigrants’ rights, free speech and pluralism, LGBTQIA+ equality, reproductive freedom, smart justice, and voting rights and democracy.
• Fluency in Spanish, Vietnamese, or another widely spoken language in Texas.

COMPENSATION

The salary band for this position starts at $85,000.00 per year with room for advancement within the organization and is in alignment with parameters of ACLU of Texas’s salary scale. Excellent benefits include a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) plan with an employer match; life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays.

APPLY

Click here to apply.

The priority application deadline is January 2, 2025.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages 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, previous criminal conviction and veteran status.