About the ACLU of West Virginia
The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia (ACLU-WV) seeks a dynamic Youth Organizer to work under and closely with our outreach director to grow youth participation in the ACLU and its projects. The ACLU of West Virginia is a non-partisan, non-profit public interest organization dedicated to protecting and expanding civil liberties for all people in West Virginia. A major focus of our work is to extend the promise of the Bill of Rights to those groups who have traditionally been denied its protections. We accomplish our goals through litigation, advocacy, public education, and grassroots organizing. Given the policies currently being pursued on the state and local levels, we believe that our mission is as relevant and important today as it has ever been.
A significant portion of the Youth Organizer’s work will be planning and running the Appalachian Queer Youth Summit. The job duties will also include community outreach to high schools, colleges, and other youth-led organizations; coalition building; and planning and participating in public meetings. The Youth Organizer reports to the Community Outreach Director.
Our office is located in the heart of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia in the East End of Charleston, just steps away from the state’s Capitol building. Charleston offers a pleasant and cosmopolitan lifestyle in a smaller, affordable metropolitan area with active civic organizations, exciting arts and performance venues, institutions of higher education, and excellent medical facilities. West Virginia’s beautiful state parks, wildlife, and trails for hiking and biking are within easy reach.
To learn more about the work of the ACLU-WV and the ACLU nationwide, please visit www.acluwv.org and www.aclu.org.
Position Overview:
The Youth Organizer will help us expand the ACLU-WV outreach program and increase the affiliate’s visibility across West Virginia. The Youth Organizer, in coordination with the Community Outreach Director, will be responsible for outreach and organizing to advance the ACLU-WV mission. The Youth Organizer will work closely with peers in the organization, foster relationships, advocate for change in the civil liberties landscape, and engage supporters in achieving our mission. The position requires a willingness to work beyond the normal work day, including evening and weekend meetings and events (flex time is available for employees working outside regular hours). Our office is based in Charleston, but this position could be remote in other locations in West Virginia depending on experience.
General Responsibilities:
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Assist the Community Outreach Director with planning and operations of the Appalachian Queer Youth Summit;
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Develop partnerships with student-led organization in schools and colleges;
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Be a resource for student activists looking to develop student organizations;
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Serve as a liaison for the ACLU-WV with partner organizations and activists;
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Provide public education on civil liberties issues
Qualifications:
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A deep and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, and strong support for the goals of the ACLU;
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Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with staff members, and within diverse community organizations and coalitions;
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Ability to manage multiple projects at once;
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Excellent organizational skills;
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Flexibility for travel (compensated by employer);
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Personal enthusiasm, optimism, and a sense of humor.
Salary & Benefits:
ACLU-WV has a unionized workforce; this is a bargaining unit position. Salary is commensurate with experience and within the parameters of the ACLU-WV compensation scale ($50,000-$75,000). Excellent benefits offered, including generous health insurance plan, life and long-term disability insurance, 401(k), generous sick, vacation, holiday leave and parking.
Application Procedure:
Submit a letter of interest, resume, and a list of three professional references including contact information, to mkennedy@acluwv.org with a subject line of “Youth Organizer.”
Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
The ACLU of West Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQ people to apply. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of West Virginia strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, history in the criminal legal system, and veteran status.