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Home → Employment Opportunities → ACLU of Southern California Executive Director

ACLU of Southern California Executive Director

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) seeks to defend and secure the rights outlined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights for all Americans, and to extend them to people who have been excluded from their protection. Established in 1923, the ACLU of Southern California (ACLU/SC) currently focuses its litigation, legislation and educational efforts on the following civil rights and civil liberties issues, among others: educational equality, economic justice, immigrant rights, LGBT equality, homelessness, privacy and national security, freedom of speech, church/state separation, religious liberty, voting rights, racial and ethnic discrimination, jail condition monitoring and various other criminal justice issues.

ACLU/SC is the third largest affiliate of the national ACLU. Based in Los Angeles, with offices in Orange County and Sacramento, the ACLU/SC has a combined operating budget of close to $6.5 million (which includes two separate non-profit corporations: the ACLU/SC, a membership organization, and the ACLU Foundation of Southern California, its 501 (c)(3) arm). The organization has 46 staff members and is led by two Boards of Directors. The Foundation board currently has approximately 76 members; the Union board has approximately 60 current members.

The Executive Director reports to the ACLU/SC Boards of Directors and is not a member of the Boards. S/he supervises the following direct reports: Deputy Executive Director, General Counsel, Legal Director, Chief Financial Officer, Communications Director and Development Director.

Professional Qualifications
The Executive Director must have a thorough working knowledge of civil liberties issues and policies and be a strong leader and manager who is adept at balancing internal management with external impact and visibility. The individual must be an outstanding communicator who is able to convey effectively the mission and activities of the ACLU to a variety of constituencies, as well as to the broader public.
Essential qualifications include the following:


  • A minimum of seven to 10 years of professional experience (including five years managerial experience)

  • Significant fundraising ability and/or fundraising experience is preferred

  • Understanding of the legislative process, preferably including experience in working with state and local elected representatives

  • Experience hiring, developing and supervising staff

  • Experience working with nonprofit boards of directors


While not required, an advanced degree in law, public administration or other relevant field is strongly preferred. This individual should be politically sophisticated and have had experience as a media spokesperson. A track record of success and achievement as an advocate is important.

Personal Characteristics
ACLU/SC is seeking an experienced and successful leader who is passionate about civil liberties and committed to impact-oriented civil rights work. Other important characteristics include:

  • A broad interest in current events and civic and cultural affairs

  • A team orientation that inspires collaboration and a sense of community, functions decisively and is flexible and well-organized

  • A history of working with diverse communities in Los Angeles and/or southern California is desirable

  • Second language proficiency is also desirable.


ACLU/SC is offering a highly competitive salary, appropriate for an organization of its size, along with an excellent benefits package. Basic relocation expenses are covered for an exceptional candidate.

The ACLU/SC is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, people with disabilities and LGBT persons are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted until August 12, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.

Please submit a résumé and brief cover letter by mail or Email to:
Joseph A. McCormack, Managing Partner
McCormack & Associates
1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 110-202
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Tel: (323) 549-9200 Fax: (323) 549-9222

Click here to download a pdf of the full recruitment profile.



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