ACLU of Kentucky

American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky

Position Description:  Executive Director

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU-KY) and its companion organization, the ACLU of Kentucky Foundation (ACLU-KY(F), statewide non-profit organizations with almost 4,000 members, are seeking an Executive Director to direct the diverse and challenging activities of the organizations.  The ACLU-KY, an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, is widely recognized as the state’s leading advocate for civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU-KY has seen a period of significant growth in financial resources, membership, and program and legal activity, and is looking for a dynamic leader to take the organizations to further growth and effectiveness. The ACLU-KY is committed to promoting and defending the civil liberties and civil rights of Kentuckians through legal, legislative, and public education programs.

The ACLU-KY is over 50 years old, with a modern office in downtown Louisville, the state’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, and has combined operating budgets of about $500,000.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for giving direction and leadership toward achieving the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategies, and annual goals and objectives. Included in these responsibilities are:

• Supporting effective Board operation by assisting the Board in its work, including policy formation, setting goals and priorities, and resource development;
• Managing human resources of the affiliate according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws and regulations, including hiring, supervising, evaluating and when necessary terminating paid staff, and serving as liaison between Board and staff;
• Recommending an annual budget for Board approval and, in concert with the treasurer and finance committee, prudently managing the affiliate’s resources within budget guidelines and in accordance with accepted nonprofit accounting standards and practices;
• With the development committee, overseeing fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach potential funders, submitting proposals and administering fundraising records and documentation;
• Overseeing design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of programs, products, and services of the affiliate;
• Assuring the affiliate and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders;
• With the Board president, organizing and nurturing ACLU chapters in key geographic areas and on college campuses;
• Serving as the primary liaison between the affiliate and the national ACLU, and
• When possible, collaborating with like-minded organizations to advance the cause of civil liberties in this region.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree desirable.
• Minimum of three years of nonprofit experience desirable.
• Minimum of three years of management experience required.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, program delivery, volunteer recruitment and community development.
• Proven interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and the ability to interact effectively with volunteers from divergent geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience in working with boards and volunteers, strategic planning and human resource management.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, and to have excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment and to multi-task;
• Proficiency with computers: Windows and Microsoft Office in particular;
• Creative, result-oriented, self-starting, willing to learn, and able to manage an aggressive schedule, working beyond 9-5 as needed.
• Firm commitment to the mission and principles of the ACLU.

TO APPLY:

Send a cover letter and resume.  Three professional references are desirable.

ACLU of Kentucky
Executive Director Search Committee
315 Guthrie Street  Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40202

or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, which will not be before September 30, 2007.

The ACLU of Kentucky is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to apply.