ABOUT THE ACLU OF ALABAMA
The ** American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama** is one of the nation’s foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights. They are part of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with 54 affiliates across the country. Their mission is to protect and advance the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution through public education, legislative advocacy, and litigation.
They are anchored in Alabama's history of oppression and progress. At their core, they believe in equity and justice in Alabama. The organization's foundation and North Star is informed by their presence in the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. The very space where community organizing changed this nation and crafted a more equitable and inclusive democracy.
The ACLU of Alabama is focused on elevating their work statewide, being a trusted community partner, and emerging as leading experts in core priority areas: Voting Rights, Gender Justice, and Criminal Legal Reform. The work is made possible through coalition-building and collaboration. They treat partners, clients, and the public with respect and dignity. The communities within Alabama are not voiceless; they are the ones with power.
Alongside the national ACLU, they also work on issues related to freedom of speech, freedom of religion, privacy, discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation or disability, police misconduct, censorship in schools or libraries, fairness in the application of school discipline, access to government documents, inhumane jail and prison conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the ACLU of Alabama ** Deputy Director** serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and works in close partnership with the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, and Chief Financial Officer to advance the organization’s strategic vision, operational excellence, and organizational culture.
This role is both internally and externally facing, requiring a leader who can effectively steward cross-functional collaboration, support organizational strategy, and help guide the affiliate through complex and fast-moving moments with discernment, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment.
The Deputy Director will support management across the operations, legal, policy, advocacy, development, and communications departments while helping strengthen organizational systems, accountability structures, and long-term planning processes.
The ideal candidate is a strong strategic and relational leader who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced advocacy environment and capable of managing organizational complexity with steadiness, discretion, and emotional intelligence. This individual will serve as a close thought partner to the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team, helping support executive decision-making while also driving implementation, coordination, and accountability across departments.
The Deputy Director must be deeply discerning, grounded, and capable of understanding leadership in practice, not simply in theory. This role requires someone who can navigate sensitive organizational dynamics thoughtfully, de-escalate challenges effectively, and help foster organizational stability, trust, and cohesion during periods of growth, transition, and high-impact advocacy work.
The ideal candidate is collaborative, solutions-oriented, and committed to contributing to a healthy, high-functioning organizational culture rooted in accountability, communication, and shared purpose. Experience within movement-building, nonprofit, advocacy, legal, policy, or civic engagement spaces is strongly preferred.
This role is based in Montgomery, Alabama. The Deputy Director is expected to abide by the affiliate’s established attendance policy.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning, Project Management, and Organizational Culture
Partner closely with the Executive Leadership Team to help operationalize organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.
Create and maintain strong systems for internal communication, collaboration, and inclusive decision-making.
Structure and support annual work planning processes and long-range strategic planning efforts.
Coordinate progress-to-goals evaluations of annual and strategic plans.
Help cultivate a workplace culture grounded in accountability, trust, emotional intelligence, and continuous improvement.
Support the development of organizational systems that improve communication, transparency, and operational consistency.
Help create a culture where giving and receiving feedback is an established norm.
Improve internal meeting culture by refining meeting agendas, facilitation structures, and accountability measures.
Serve as a thoughtful and highly discerning leadership presence capable of navigating organizational complexity and helping de-escalate challenging situations with professionalism and care.
Staff and Team Management
Work collaboratively with staff and leadership to foster a culture of belonging, stability, and shared accountability across the organization.
Lead efforts to retain affiliate staff by assessing staff satisfaction, professional development needs, and organizational effectiveness.
Support hiring processes in partnership with the Chief of Staff/Operations team and HR consultant to ensure consistency, equity, and strong organizational alignment.
In consultation with the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team, help develop and implement policies governing the internal management and operations of the organization.
Serve as a strategic thought partner and leadership backup to the Executive Director, participating in internal and external meetings, including board meetings, coalition meetings, national ACLU convenings, funder meetings, and key constituency engagements.
Support organizational leadership during periods of transition and change management with steadiness, professionalism, and sound judgment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
While no one candidate may possess all the qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will be passionate about the mission and values of ACLU of Alabama and will bring many of the following skills and experiences:
Strong strategic and relational leadership skills with the ability to organically build trust and credibility across teams, partners, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience operating effectively in fast-paced, high-intensity advocacy, nonprofit, legal, policy, or civic engagement environments.
Proven ability to manage organizational complexity, balance competing priorities, and coordinate across multiple departments and initiatives.
Demonstrated capacity to support executive-level decision-making while ensuring strong implementation, follow-through, and accountability systems.
Deep discernment, emotional intelligence, and grounded leadership instincts with the ability to navigate nuanced organizational dynamics thoughtfully and professionally.
Proven ability to de-escalate conflict, address sensitive interpersonal or organizational challenges, and help maintain organizational stability and trust.
Collaborative and solutions-oriented leadership approach with a demonstrated commitment to fostering healthy team culture and strong cross-functional relationships.
Expertise in organizational management, operational leadership, human resources, and organizational development best practices.
Ability to communicate organizational decisions clearly, effectively, and diplomatically across diverse audiences.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and working effectively across diverse coalitions and communities.
JD is preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation: The salary range for the Deputy Director is in a range that begins at $120,000 and rises commensurate with experience.
Benefits: A career with the ACLU of Alabama provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. Staff members have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make a career with the ACLU of Alabama very rewarding, including but not limited to:
Competitive Health Benefits
Comprehensive Retirement Package
Generous Paid Time Off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Disability Insurance
TO APPLY
To learn more about the ** ACLU of Alabama**, please visit: www.aclualabama.org.
This search is being led by Katherine Jacobs and Jehivian Hernandez of GDSI Leadership. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume, via GDSI’s applicant portal.
This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Alabama reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.
The ACLU of Alabama is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Alabama encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, criminal record, or veteran status. The ACLU of Alabama undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions. The ACLU of Alabama strongly encourages formerly incarcerated individuals to apply.