Assistant Director​/Senior Writer

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Assistant Director/Senior Writer in the Development Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. This position is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Our passionate community of donors and activists is stronger than ever. The mission of the ACLU’s Development Department is to unlock the full potential of donors and the ACLU as partners in the creation of a more perfect union. We pursue our mission by building long-term donor relationships and organizational partnerships, by demonstrating impact in response to threats, by engaging donors how they wish to engage, by taking interest in our donors and facilitating personal action, by being accountable stewards of their funds, and by asking donors to consider giving the ACLU their full support.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

Reporting to the Director of Foundation Relations and Donor Communications, the Assistant Director/Senior Writer will be responsible for leading foundation funders and individual donors. The Assistant Director will draft proposals, reports, and stewardship materials on an array of civil liberties issues, and help to support donor relationships for a high-volume institutional fundraising program.

• Synthesize complex information into clear and compelling grant proposals and reports, letters of inquiry, and stewardship materials for both foundation and individual donors in assigned subject areas.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of ACLU past, current, and future work in assigned subject areas.
• Meet all writing deadlines for assigned portfolio.
• Fact check materials produced by other Development teams related to assigned subject areas.
• Assist ACLU program staff with stewardship of current funders in portfolio, including by proactively drafting substantive updates on the ACLU’s work.
• Conduct research for new potential funders and develop cultivation strategies.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

• Significant experience applying exceptional writing skills in foundation fundraising or a related field, including ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues clearly and concisely. Maintain high level of accuracy and detail, adapting writing styles for varied audiences, and persuading positively.
• Skilled in creating persuasive and compelling organizational-level messaging and cases for support in changing political environments
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and independently, and manage deadlines effectively
• Edit the work of others
• Develop and maintain productive relationships within the team, department, and across the nationwide organization
• Familiarity with fundraising databases is preferred
• Experience working at complex national or international organizations is preferred

The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, there is a set salary for each role based on geographic work location. The annual salary for this position is $142,694 (
Level F), reflecting the salary of a position based in New York, NY. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization…