Organizer (Western Regional Office)

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights. Founded in 1951 as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with eight offices and 48,000 members statewide.

The NYCLU seeks to fill the position of organizer for the Western Regional Office (WRO), which serves the counties of Allegheny, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming. The organizer will be based in Buffalo and report to the WRO director and the NYCLU’s advocacy director.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Organize public advocacy campaigns that mobilize NYCLU members and supporters to uphold and defend civil liberties and civil rights.
• Conduct extensive public education, including “know your rights” presentations, on various civil liberties and civil rights issues.
• Organize public education events such as community forums, panel discussions, workshops and trainings.
• Recruit and support members of the NYCLU’s local advocacy committee, which focuses on developing an on-the-ground network of civil liberties activists.
• Assist in managing and building the WRO’s email activism list and growing the WRO’s online organizing.
• Coordinate youth-oriented projects and youth outreach efforts.
• Lobby lawmakers and elected officials.
• Respond to requests for support and information from the public.
• Assist in building alliances with organizations in the region on a variety of civil liberties and civil rights issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications:

• A passion for civil liberties and a commitment to organizing.
• At least one year experience working with advocacy groups or community organizations on social justice issues.
• Excellent writing, research and communication skills.
• Strong team-building and organizing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate people.
• Ability to explain concepts of law and public policy to a variety of audiences.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs.
• Strong cultural competency.

How to Apply:

Applicants should email a cover letter (with salary requirements), resume, and writing samples by email to jobs@nyclu.org with “WRO Organizer” and where you saw our posting in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The NYCLU is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.