Engagement Associate (Term-Limited)

Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU of Illinois seeks a full-time, two-year term-limited Engagement Associate to join its Philanthropy and Engagement (P&E) team. The role supports statewide engagement and outreach, raises awareness of civil liberties and civil rights issues, mobilizes individuals and communities around the ACLU’s work, and strengthens connections with supporters and partners. The position contributes to annual statewide public education and engagement campaigns and other activities throughout the year.

The Engagement Associate supports events, outreach, research, communications, volunteer activities, and engagement operations. Work includes preparing educational materials and mailings, helping plan and deliver trainings, supporting ACLU of Illinois Chapters and Community Groups, drafting supporter communications, and maintaining accurate records of engagement activities. The position works with P&E and Communications colleagues, collaborates across the office, and engages virtually with colleagues nationwide.

The position reports to the Associate Director of Engagement and is based at the ACLU of Illinois’ Chicago office. After the introductory training period, the role follows a hybrid schedule of three in-person days and two remote days. Regular travel within Illinois is required, as are occasional work hours outside the standard 9-to-5 schedule and weekend work as needed. The position is a full-time exempt role in a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers/United Auto Workers Local 2320.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in community engagement, volunteer management, event planning, fundraising, communications, or organizing.
• Experience organizing or assisting with small events of up to 20 attendees.
• Strong commitment to the ACLU’s mission and willingness to learn about its work and supporters.
• Enthusiasm for sharing information and connecting with supporters, volunteers, staff, and partners.
• Ability to write without AI assistance and to speak persuasively and effectively, including in public settings.
• Willingness to stay current on civil liberties and civil rights developments in Illinois and nationwide.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Illinois as needed.
• Willingness and availability to work outside normal 9-to-5 hours and on weekends as needed.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and use good judgment.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and competing deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to give and receive professional feedback.
• Dedication to fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all people.
• Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Office, and Excel.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and transport materials to events and engagement activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with larger events.
• Fluency in another language.
• Database experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide support for statewide events and engagement activities, including annual engagement campaigns.
• Conduct research, outreach, and tracking to improve and streamline engagement processes.
• Collaborate across departments to build relationships with partner organizations, community leaders, and supporters throughout the state.
• Represent the ACLU at community events, including tabling and speaking engagements, and connect with supporters and community members.
• Prepare and mail educational materials and ACLU merchandise to supporters, and follow up on requests.
• Help maintain engagement data processes and volunteer management systems, keeping accurate records of activities.
• Support the Community Activator Program by participating in monthly calls and assisting with volunteer orientations, trainings, and activities.
• Help develop, inventory, and distribute educational materials, merchandise, and other public engagement content.
• Support drafting emails, event language, and other written materials.
• Support annual ACLU-IL events and other engagement initiatives, including special project research and support for Chapters and Community Groups.
• Contribute to the P&E team’s collaborative shared leadership model.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days thereafter.
• 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance premiums for staff and eligible dependents.
• After one year, a 6% employer-paid retirement contribution with no employee contribution required, plus a 50% employer match of the first $125 the employee contributes per pay period.
• 100% employer-paid life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave after one year.
• Flexible spending account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed