Summary/Objective

The Digital Communications Strategist leads the strategy, development, and execution of high-impact digital communications to advance the mission of the ACLU of the District of Columbia. This role owns and drives digital strategy across email, web, and social media; manages video production and digital ads; and produces creative content that position the ACLU-D.C. as a trusted resource for accurate information and mobilizes people to take action to protect and advance civil rights and civil liberties.

As a member of the Communications team, this strategist exercises independent judgment and manages projects, contractors, and volunteers as needed for our digital strategy. The strategist reports to the Strategic Communications Director, partnering on overall planning and strategy. They will collaborate with the communications policy, legal, and development teams, as well as the ACLU national office and affiliates across multiple states. The ideal candidate will bring disciplined attention to detail, strong organizational habits, and a deep commitment to civil rights and civil liberties.

This position is open to candidates with a range of experiences. Those with 2-5 years of experience may be classified as a Strategist, with a pay range of $75,000-85,000, depending on placement in our compensation policy and salary scale. More experienced candidates with 5+ years of experience may be hired as a Senior Strategist with a pay range of $85,000-95,000.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Digital Strategy

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of ACLU-D.C.’s digital communications strategy at both the local and multi-state level.
• Own the digital strategy roadmap, aligning with organizational goals and campaign priorities.
• Serve as the lead on email, text messages, action alerts, website, social media, and digital advertising strategy.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive digital content calendar across platforms.
• Analyze KPIs for digital engagement, growth, and mobilization, using data to refine tactics and report impact to inform strategic decisions.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in balancing competing priorities and allocating resources.
• Manage contractors or volunteers as needed.

Social Media

• Direct ACLU-D.C.’s social media strategy to both expand audience reach and deepen engagement across platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky).
• Ensure ACLU-D.C. is viewed as a trusted source for accurate information on civil liberties, civil rights, especially D.C. Statehood, and D.C. Home Rule.
• Produce and oversee content that educates, motivates, and mobilizes audiences.
• Oversee production and distribution of graphics, videos, and toolkits for advocacy campaigns, events, and rapid response communications.
• Appear in short-form videos and capture photo/video content at events to support digital storytelling.
• Monitor online trends, respond strategically to news events, and evolve the organization’s social media tone and approach.
• Represent ACLU-D.C. at events to capture live digital content.

Video & Digital Storytelling

• Lead video strategy and production, from concept through distribution.
• Collaborate with clients and community members to tell their stories in ways that are supportive and empowering.
• Manage production schedules and workflows in support of our overall communications strategy.
• Ensure high-quality digital storytelling through best practices in accessibility, editing, and promotion.
• Oversee contractor relationships where needed.

Digital Mobilization & Advocacy

• Lead strategic digital outreach across email, SMS, and web platforms to drive supporter engagement and action. This includes crafting compelling action alerts, petitions, and mobilization messages that inspire audiences to attend events, rallies, testify, or contact elected officials.
• Oversees the email and SMS campaign production—from audience segmentation and message development to testing, deployment, and performance analysis—ensuring each communication deepens understanding, drives advocacy, and/or mobilizes supporters toward meaningful action.
• Manage website content and strategy (Squarespace/WordPress), maintaining accessibility, accuracy, and alignment with organizational priorities and campaign goals.
• Develop and execute targeted digital advertising strategies to reach key audiences, amplify campaign messages, and convert interest into action.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, policy, and development teams to ensure digital communications are timely, resonant, and aligned with broader movement goals.

Campaign Integration

• Collaborate with policy, advocacy, and legal staff to design and implement effective digital actions that move residents in D.C. and across multiple states up the ladder of engagement (e.g., attending an event, contacting elected officials, deepening involvement).
• Coordinate with ACLU affiliates and coalition partners on digital tactics to advance multi-state campaigns on C. statehood and the defense of D.C.’s home rule.
• Work closely with coalition partners on digital tactics to advance shared goals on civil liberties and civil rights, creating resources and toolkits where possible.
• Ensure all digital efforts are consistent with ACLU-D.C.’s voice, brand, and mission.

 

Education and Experience

Required

Highly experienced candidates possessing the qualifications below may qualify for placement in a higher pay grade and classification as Senior Strategist.

• Minimum of 2 professional years of demonstrated success in digital communications strategy, preferably in nonprofit, advocacy, or government sectors. Minimum 5 years of experience to be considered for Senior Strategist.
• Strong portfolio of leading digital campaigns that drove measurable engagement and action.
• Proficiency in email marketing platforms, Squarespace/WordPress CMS, and CRMs such as Salesforce.
• Experience with digital ad placement and optimization.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible messages.
• Proficiency in graphic design (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and video production.
• Proven ability to independently manage projects, make strategic decisions, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Comfortable being in short-form videos and photos for social media.
• Experience with videography and photography
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals into actionable digital plans that drive measurable outcomes.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field
  • Bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of related experience, or at least four years of equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree for the Strategist role.
  • Bachelor’s degree plus at least five years of related experience, or at least eight years of equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree for the Senior Strategist role.
• Experience with podcasting
• Experience with videography and/or podcasting
• Experience working in coalition or movement spaces.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for digital content.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Competencies

• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Experience with videography and/or podcasting
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with fellow ACLU-D.C. staff and outside contractors while managing several projects simultaneously and adjusting to frequently shifting immediate demands with a diplomatic touch.
• Keen attention to detail in proofreading and clarity in the relay of concepts and targeted messaging.
• Responds in a timely manner to work assignments and requests.
• Follows through and meets commitments.
• Highly organized with the ability to prioritize work tasks and meet daily needs effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and track record of working effectively with colleagues at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Strong belief in the ACLU’s mission and work and in preserving and defending the civil rights and individual liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and District of Columbia laws.
• Individuals who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment

• Organization is currently in a hybrid remote work environment.
• On-site environment is a professional office.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent written and verbal communication.
• Frequent and extended periods of standing and sitting.
• Visual activity for extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, and viewing a computer terminal.

Travel Required

Occasional travel may be required.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

 

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement

The ACLU of the District of Columbia is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing our team’s diversity and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to supporting persons with disabilities in their work and encourage their request for needed job accommodations.

 

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Hiring Process

We are committed to a thorough and transparent hiring process designed to ensure the best fit for both our organization and potential team members. If you have a disability and need accommodation regarding any part of the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

 

Stage 1: Application Submission

1. Submit your resume and personalized cover letter describing why you are interested in this role at ACLU-DC.
2. Provide a link to a portfolio showing past work on emails, social media, graphics and campaigns you were the lead on.

Applications without all of the above will not be considered.

Stage 2: Phone Screening

Selected candidates will participate in a brief phone screen to discuss their background, skills, and alignment with the position.

Stage 3: Skills Assessment

The top 3-5 candidates will be invited to complete a two-hour skills assessment relevant to the role. Details will be shared during the process.

Stage 4a: Panel Interview

3-5 shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 60-minute video interview with the hiring manager and team members. This mutual interview will begin with an opportunity for you to ask us questions, followed by discussing your skills, experiences, and interest in the role. This step helps both parties assess whether there is a good fit.

Stage 4b: Hiring Manager Interview

Candidates will participate in a 30-minute one-on-one interview with the hiring manager, Amber Taylor, Strategic Communications Director, to dive deeper into their qualifications and fit for the position.

Stage 5: Final Interview

A 30-60 minute interview with Monica Hopkins, our Executive Director, will serve as the final step in the interview process.

Stage 6: Offer

An offer will be extended to the final selected candidate.