Communications Director

Job Title: Communications Director

Location: New Orleans, LA (Hybrid Schedule)

Reports To: Executive Director

About Us

The ACLU of Louisiana is building a communications program that meets the urgency and power of this moment. Our mission is to shape public understanding, influence policy, and mobilize people in defense of civil rights through bold storytelling, strategic media work, and deep public engagement.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and creative Communications Director to lead our vision, elevate our public presence, and lay the foundation for a growing communications department. This is a unique opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up in collaboration with our Executive Director, legal and advocacy staff, and a growing base of supporters.

While this is currently a one-person department, with the right leadership and investment it will grow to include roles in digital content, paid media, and design. The Director will be a member of the leadership team, shaping our voice and narrative across Louisiana and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations & Messaging
  • Develop and implement media strategies for high-profile litigation and advocacy.
  • Build and maintain relationships with national and local journalists.
  • Secure earned media coverage in outlets like MSNBC, CNN, Newsweek, and Louisiana press.
  • Draft press releases, talking points, and op-eds.

• Digital & Creative Content
  • Manage and grow social media platforms with creative, values-driven content.
  • Collaborate with staff to tell stories that inspire and mobilize supporters.
  • Establish scalable digital content strategies for future growth.

• Paid Media Campaigns
  • Partner with leadership and development teams to design targeted ad campaigns.
  • Oversee contractors for graphic design, ad buys, and other creative projects.

• Leadership & Team Building
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and leadership team.
  • Manage contractors, consultants, and future communications hires.
  • Build systems for content planning, coverage tracking, and rapid response.

• Rapid Response & Strategic Alignment
  • Respond quickly and strategically to emerging news and crises.
  • Translate complex legal and policy issues into accessible, compelling messages.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong background in at least two of the following: earned media, digital strategy, paid media, leadership, or rapid response communications.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant media coverage.
• Experience developing and implementing creative campaigns.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage contractors or small teams.
• Commitment to racial justice, civil liberties, and movement building.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years in communications, journalism, or public relations (nonprofit or advocacy experience preferred).
• Experience with both national and local media relations.
• Track record of growing audience engagement across digital platforms.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100-120k
• The ACLU of Louisiana offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Fully paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependent children
  • Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance and life insurance (100% employer-paid)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5.5% employer contribution
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, 13 holidays, 2 floating holidays, and additional organization-wide breaks
  • Covered parking and a corporate credit card for business expenses
  • Monthly stipend for phone and internet