Engagement Associate (Term-Limited)

The ACLU of Illinois seeks applicants for a full-time, two-year term-limited position of Engagement Associate, to join our Philanthropy and Engagement (P&E) team and support our statewide engagement and outreach work during an important time for our organization and our country.

The person in this position will help raise awareness of civil liberties and civil rights issues throughout Illinois. They will work to mobilize individuals and communities around issues the ACLU is working on and enhance our statewide engagement efforts by connecting with ACLU supporters and partners, participating in community events and tabling opportunities, and supporting the growth of our Community Activator volunteer program. 

The Engagement Associate will play an important role in our annual statewide public education and engagement campaigns, which include a series of events, communications, and other activities. Each campaign is built around a timely theme that is meant to inspire action and build lasting connection to the work of the ACLU.

The Engagement Associate will also support and partner with P&E teammates on additional engagement activities throughout the year. Work may include conducting special project research, collaborating on the creation of print or digital materials, managing mailings, helping to plan and execute trainings for supporters and volunteers, drafting supporter communications, supporting ACLU of Illinois Chapters and Community Groups, maintaining accurate records of engagement activities, and other opportunities to move our work forward.

The Engagement Associate will report to the Associate Director of Engagement and work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement and the Events and Supporter Communications Strategist, along with P&E and Communications teammates. This position will also work collaboratively across the office and engage virtually with colleagues nationwide.

Employment Status:

Full-time exempt position that is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers/United Auto Workers Local 2320. This position offers a hybrid work structure of three days in person and two days of remote work after the introductory training period and is based at our Chicago, Illinois office. This role will include regular in-state travel as required for events and other activities. 

• Provide support for events and engagement activities across the state, including our annual engagement campaigns. 
• Conduct research, outreach, and tracking to build a more effective and streamlined engagement process.
• Collaborate with staff across departments to build relationships with partner organizations, community leaders, and supporters, statewide. 
• Represent the ACLU at community events, including tabling and speaking engagements, and connect with supporters and community members.
• Prepare, mail, and follow up with supporters requesting educational materials, including ACLU swag. 
• Help to maintain engagement data management processes and volunteer management systems to keep accurate records of our activities.
• Support the Community Activator Program (CAP) volunteer program through participating in monthly calls and supporting volunteer orientations, trainings, and activities.
• Help develop, inventory, and disseminate educational materials, swag, and other content to engage and inform the public.
• Support the drafting of emails, event language, and other written materials. 
•  Support ACLU-IL annual events and other engagement initiatives including special project research, supporting Chapters and Community Groups, and other opportunities.
• Contribute to the P&E team’s collaborative shared leadership model.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in community engagement, volunteer management, event planning, fundraising, communications, or organizing.
• A strong candidate is eager for the opportunity to travel around the state to share about the ACLU’s work and build key relationships, and has experience organizing or helping with small events (up to 20 attendees). Experience with larger events is a plus.
• A strong commitment to the ACLU’s mission and willingness to be curious about our work and supporters.
• Passion for sharing information and connecting with supporters, volunteers, staff, and partners.
• Ability to write without the assistance of AI and speak persuasively and effectively, including in public settings.
• A willingness to stay up to date on the latest civil liberties and civil rights developments in Illinois and nationwide.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the state as needed.
• Willingness and availability to work outside of normal 9-5 work hours and on weekends as needed. 
• Fluency in another language is a plus but not required. 
• Ability to exercise discretion, uphold the highest level of confidentiality, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to give and receive professional feedback.
• Dedication to fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all people. 
• Proficiency with computers: Windows, Microsoft Office, and Excel, in particular. Database experience a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and transport materials to events and engagement activities.

Salary and Benefits: 

The salary range for this position is $59,600 to $67,000, commensurate with experience. As an example, the annual salary for an individual with 2 years of relevant experience would be $59,600. 

Benefits include:

Vacation: 15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days of paid vacation thereafter. 

Health benefits: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents. 

Retirement benefits: 6% employer-paid retirement contribution after 1 year without any employee contribution, plus 50% employer retirement match of the first $125 the employee contributes per pay period (there are 2 pay periods per month / 24 pay periods per year).

Other benefits: 100% employer-paid life insurance; employee assistance program; short and long-term disability insurance. Paid parental leave after 1 year. Flexible spending account.

ACLU Employment Statement

The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage 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, criminal record, or veteran status.

The ACLU of Illinois is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email [email protected]. If selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

How to Apply: 

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter, not drafted with the assistance of AI, explaining your motivation for joining the ACLU of Illinois and interest in this position. Please do not exceed one page. 

We intend to review applications on a rolling basis and are prepared to have the person in this position begin as soon as January 2027.