Senior Advocacy Specialist

Description

Senior Advocacy Specialist

Grade: 8
Salary Range: $56,300 - $63,300
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana (Hybrid; significant in-state travel)
Reports to: Advocacy Manager

Organizational Overview

The ACLU of Indiana is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and expanding civil liberties and civil rights across the state. Through integrated legal, policy, advocacy, communications, and operational strategies, we work to dismantle systemic inequities and uphold constitutional protections—centering communities most impacted by injustice and advancing lasting, structural change.

Position Summary

The Senior Advocacy Specialist plays a key role in advancing ACLU of Indiana’s advocacy strategies by leading field-based engagement and coalition-building efforts that move individuals and institutions to take meaningful, nonpartisan action in support of civil rights and civil liberties. This is a grant-funded position with a primary focus on building and sustaining relationships with local and regional businesses across Indiana as part of broader advocacy campaigns.

Working under the supervision of the Advocacy Manager, the Senior Advocacy Specialist collaborates closely with the Legal, Policy, and Communications teams, as well as coalition partners and the national ACLU, to execute integrated advocacy initiatives and expand public engagement statewide.

Key Responsibilities

• Support execution of ACLU of Indiana’s advocacy agenda through state and municipal campaigns, grassroots efforts, and canvassing activities using appropriate strategies and tactics.
• Build and maintain subject-matter familiarity in assigned issue areas and serve as a resource to staff and partners.
• Coordinate and help lead business engagement campaigns in collaboration with affiliate leadership, including setting goals, tracking outcomes, and recommending strategic adjustments.
• Build, strengthen, and steward relationships with Indiana businesses, with an emphasis on local and regional partners.
• Conduct frequent statewide travel to meet with business owners, community leaders, and coalition partners.
• Design and execute events and convenings for business and community partners that advance ACLU of Indiana priorities.
• Represent and speak on behalf of the ACLU of Indiana at community meetings, public forums, conferences, and coalition gatherings.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to identify, plan, and procure advocacy-related collateral.
• Provide support and guidance to other Advocacy team members and contribute to cross-department initiatives as needed.

Expectations

• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and seeking guidance as appropriate.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends due to the community-based nature of the role.
• Willingness to take ownership of projects and contribute meaningfully to strategic planning discussions.
• Comfort speaking publicly on behalf of the ACLU of Indiana with community groups, partners, and stakeholders.
• Commitment to nonpartisan advocacy and professional representation of the organization.
• Strong collaboration skills across departments and with external partners.
• Ongoing interest in developing advanced advocacy, organizing, and engagement skills.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The ACLU of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time-off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and support for continuing education and professional development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The ACLU of Indiana is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Consistent with our nonpartisan mission, we encourage qualified candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent.
• Three or more years of related experience, preferably with canvassing and grassroots efforts.
• Demonstrated experience engaging communities or institutions to mobilize action around public policy or civil rights issues.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse staff, partners, and stakeholders across the political spectrum.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Willingness and ability to travel independently throughout Indiana with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds for event setup and community engagement activities.
• Ability to help prioritize issues and organizational goals amid competing demands.
• Capacity to contribute to short- and long-term integrated advocacy strategies.