POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Communications & Grants Associate

Position to start April 2019

All applications should be submitted no later than March 15th.     

Who we are:

The Civil Liberties Defense Center supports movements that seek to dismantle the political and economic structures at the root of social inequality and environmental destruction. We provide litigation, education, legal and strategic resources to strengthen and embolden their success.

Position:

The CLDC is seeking a full-time Communications and Grants Associate to increase the capacity and dissemination of our program work.

• Salary $36,000-$46,000, commensurate with experience
• Term: At least 2-year commitment required
• The office is located in Eugene, Oregon; potential consideration for a remote candidate
• Position includes paid vacation and some benefits

Overview--Grant Writer (.55 FTE)

Foundation support raises approximately one-quarter of CLDC’s contributed revenue. Under the supervision of the Associate Director, the Communications & Grants Associate is responsible for writing and editing proposals, reports, and other materials for foundation donors and prospects. The person in this position will provide critical writing support to the organization.

Requirements:   

Writing, Editing, and Research (25%)

• Provide writing, editing, and proofreading support to Associate and Executive Directors
• Manage a heavy volume of writing and editing assignments on a variety of topics and with tight deadlines
• Work with directors and program staff to develop and submit the highest quality letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports to foundations
• Monitor and meet grant proposal and reporting deadlines
• Research new prospects and manage a small portfolio of grants

Program Knowledge and Communications (20%)

• This requirement applies to both the Development Writer and Communications components of this position
• Become fluent in the work of the CLDC office, programs, litigation and campaigns
• Track the status of legal cases and programs through program staff briefings and outside resources as needed
• Track daily environmental, climate, social justice news reports relevant to CLDC work and keep updated with information on a wide array of applicable issues
• Develop a working knowledge of CLDC’s key past accomplishments and history
• Ensure that all produced materials are in line with the CLDC brand

General Responsibilities (10%)

• Serve as a resource for program writing for the Development Department
• Maintain current and accurate documentation of all written content
• Attend organizational retreats for shared planning, team building, and professional development
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
• Additional duties as assigned

Overview-- Communications Strategist & Writer (.45 FTE)

The Associate is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications that engage, cultivate, and steward major gift, public support donors, as well as educate the activist community. The candidate must be highly detail-oriented with top-notch creative writing skills and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive and Associate Directors, the Associate Writer is responsible for writing and editing materials that are informed, accurate, compelling, and consistent with the CLDC brand. These materials support CLDC’s outreach and education programs, as well as support our fundraising efforts by conveying impact and gratitude to the organization’s supporters. Communication materials may include annual reports, proposals, program updates, event collateral, newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, presentations, invitations, blogs, talking points, and web pages.

Requirements:   

Writing, Editing, and Research (25%)

• Under the supervision of the Directors, research, draft and/or review material prepared by staff and attorneys to produce compelling written content
• Stay abreast of developments in program areas to keep written materials current and accurate
• Communicate with program staff to obtain complete, up-to-date information on their work and determine what information is appropriate to share with donors and the public
• Monitor and meet publication deadlines in coordination with litigation, fundraising and communications calendars
• Manage a heavy volume of writing and editing assignments on a variety of topics and with tight deadlines
• Edit and proofread written materials created by other staff

Public Relations (10%)

• Draft press releases, talking points, op-eds, and social media content that reflect CLDC’s positions, projects, and achievements
• Research and secure regular placement for CLDC opinions in popular television, radio, print, and web outlets
• Grow a network of journalists (local and international); Call and email reporters and editors to inform them about CLDC’s work, pitch stories, and share activities
• Improve CLDC’s media database and track media mentions

General Responsibilities (10%)

• Produce attractive and appropriate donor collateral as needed. Make text corrections and help finalize print materials produced with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Experience and  Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3+ years successful experience in grant writing and foundation fundraising preferred.
• 3 years successful experience as a writer/editor preferred.  Knowledge of foundations that emphasize environmental, social justice and/or civil rights giving a plus.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex legal and scientific/social justice material, translate it into compelling text, and communicate it clearly and succinctly.
• Ability to develop and produce successful proposals, reports, and other materials creatively.
• Familiarity with spreadsheets, databases, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform effectively under the pressure of multiple deadlines.  Exceptional ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of people across the organization.
• Ability to work constructively as a member of a team.
• Interest and/or background in environmental, climate, and social justice issues.
• Journalistic, writing, environmental, social justice and/or legal background preferred.
• A firm understanding of today’s media landscape and a knowledge of how news is produced in web, print, radio, television, and social media formats
• A personal network of journalists interested in politics and current events preferred
• Ability to use spreadsheets and relational database system.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

We offer a mission and employee-focused work environment and competitive compensation commensurate with experience. CLDC is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.

Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.  As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

The CLDC will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating your interest or experience in working in similar milieu
• 2 relevant writing samples, ideally one pertaining to grants/foundations.
• 3 professional references and at least one environmental/social justice activist reference

Please send all materials in a single PDF to office[at]cldc.org-- Subject: “[Your last name]—Communications & Grants Associate”

All applications should be submitted no later than March 15th.

Please, no phone calls, hard copies, or drop-ins. If you're having technical difficulties submitting your application, please reach out to charles[at]cldc.org.

Organization Details