Director of Strategic Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Strategic Communications

🔹 Company: American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee

🔹 Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: Mon Mar 31 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading strategic communications for ACLU-TN
• Advocating for civil rights and liberties through communication strategies
• Collaborating with various directors within ACLU-TN to support strategic goals
• Managing the communications team

ASSUMPTION: This role is vital to shaping the public narrative and supporting both legal and advocacy efforts within the ACLU-TN. Its integration into the leadership team suggests high-level strategic influence.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Build and direct strategic communications programs and campaigns

✅ Develop and implement media strategies

✅ Conduct messaging research and ensure brand consistency

✅ Oversee content creation and distribution across platforms

✅ Manage event presence, advertising strategy, and integrated advocacy campaigns

✅ Supervise the communications team and manage departmental budget

ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities are expansive, with a strong focus on maintaining ACLU-TN’s public image and being responsive to media opportunities related to civil rights issues.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required

Experience: At least five years in communications, preferably with management experience

Required Skills:

• Leadership and motivation skills
• Exceptional writing and communication abilities
• Strategic planning and analytical skills

Preferred Skills:

• Mastery of Associated Press style
• Graphic design experience

ASSUMPTION: The desired qualifications emphasize leadership, experience in advocacy communication, and strong strategic abilities, highlighting the senior-level expectations of this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) plan with up to 5.5% employer contribution
• Paid sick, vacation, and holiday leave

Working Hours: 40 hours per week with occasional work beyond typical business hours

ASSUMPTION: Compensation is competitive for the non-profit sector, with a robust benefits package indicating the organization’s commitment to employee well-being.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations

Company Size: 11-50 employees, allowing for a close-knit, collaborative work environment

Founded: 1968

Company Description:

• Dedicated to protecting civil liberties in Tennessee
• Engaged in litigation, lobbying, and public education
• A statewide affiliate of the national ACLU

Company Specialties:

• Litigation
• Advocacy
• Public Education

Company Website: http://www.aclu-tn.org

ASSUMPTION: As an state-level affiliate of a national organization, ACLU-TN likely benefits from shared resources and operational guidance, enhancing its ability to effect change.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior with strategic influence

Reporting Structure: Reports to deputy director of integrated advocacy

Work Arrangement: Hybrid with some in-office days required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to lead state-wide campaigns
• Opportunity to shape public policy discussions
• Interaction with national ACLU teams

ASSUMPTION: This role provides significant influence within the organization and externally, impacting civil liberties at a state level, with opportunities for professional growth and policy influence.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid office setting balancing remote and in-person work

Office Location(s): 2006 Acklen Ave, Nashville, Tennessee, US

Geographic Context:

• Nashville as a vibrant hub for culture and arts
• Rich history in social justice and civil rights movements
• Growing urban environment offering diverse amenities

Work Schedule: 40-hour workweek, with flexibility to meet advocacy needs

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid office policy provides flexibility and incorporates modern work practices, essential for maintaining balance in a role demanding high responsiveness.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial resume and cover letter submission
• Screening interview process initiated in late April
• Multiple interview rounds in May and June

Key Assessment Areas:

• Leadership and strategic capability
• Communication and media engagement skills
• Commitment to civil liberties and advocacy

Application Tips:

• Highlight previous management and campaign experience
• Demonstrate understanding of civil rights issues
• Provide writing samples that showcase strategic thought

ATS Keywords: Strategic Planning, Media Engagement, Content Creation, Public Relations, Advocacy

ASSUMPTION: The application process is structured to identify highly motivated individuals with a deep understanding of and commitment to civil rights advocacy.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media monitoring and press release tools
• Social media platforms for public engagement
• Project management software

ASSUMPTION: Applicants are expected to be adept with common digital communications tools, given the role's emphasis on media strategy and content dissemination.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to justice and equality
• Advocacy for civil rights and civil liberties
• Diversity and inclusion

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Innovative and responsive
• Focused on proactive problem-solving

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Are you familiar with current civil rights issues?
• Do you have experience leading strategic communications campaigns?
• Can you manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality?

ASSUMPTION: A cultural fit for ACLU-TN involves a strong passion for civil rights, an ability to work well in collaborative settings, and a commitment to diversity and equality.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing diverse stakeholder expectations
• Balancing rapid response with strategic planning
• Adapting to changing political and social climates
• Ensuring cohesive messaging across multiple platforms

ASSUMPTION: Challenges are inherent in navigating a dynamic advocacy environment, requiring resilience and flexibility from the director.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Greater media engagement emphasis than typical communications director roles
• More advocacy and public policy integration than pure marketing positions
• Stronger focus on civil liberties than in-profit sector roles

ASSUMPTION: The role's requirements are distinct in prioritizing civil liberties and advocacy over traditional marketing objectives, positioning it uniquely in the non-profit sector.

📝 Sample Projects

• State-wide "Know Your Rights" campaign
• Public response strategies during legislative lobbying
• Collaborative campaigns with other ACLU affiliates

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects likely involve significant public interaction and direct influence on civil rights advocacy within the state.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the strategic communications department integrate with other ACLU-TN initiatives?
• What is the expected timeline for developing major campaigns?
• How is success measured for public advocacy campaigns?
• What are the primary challenges faced in swiftly changing policy environments?
• How does ACLU-TN support professional growth?

ASSUMPTION: Asking targeted questions will help align your expectations with the organization's goals and ascertain fit and career trajectory.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Ensure your resume highlights relevant campaign and communication experience
• Include a professional writing sample that reveals strategic thinking
• Provide three professional references, with at least one being a prior supervisor
• Complete applications by the priority deadline of April 28

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.