Join the ACLU of Arkansas Team

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to defending and advancing civil liberties and civil rights through work in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities. We fight for free speech, racial justice, criminal justice reform, religious liberty, reproductive rights, LGBT rights, immigrants' rights, and more. We are a membership organization with members and supporters in Arkansas. The ACLU of Arkansas is an affiliate of the national ACLU, our nation’s guardian of liberty for over 100 years.

Job Title: Immigrants’ Rights Organizer

Reports to: Community Engagement Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

The ACLU of Arkansas is seeking a talented and experienced Immigrants’ Rights Organizer who will coordinate with and support immigrants, community-based organizations, churches, community leaders and service providers in Arkansas with the goal of ensuring that the rights of immigrants are protected. The Immigrants’ Rights Organizer will work closely with the Community Engagement Director and Policy Director to implement protection and advancement of local immigration reform. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively while under supervision, an experienced organizer, and a strategic thinker capable of producing consistent quality work in fast-paced environments. These functions will be performed to support the affiliate’s goal of protecting the liberties that define our democracy. The position is based in Little Rock but requires periodic travel. The position is a two-year, grant-funded arrangement.

CRITERIA-BASED JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB DUTIES

Community Engagement and Organizing

  • Nurture and build relationships with grassroots organizations, communities and community leaders in priority areas of the state. Work with grassroots partners to coordinate and amplify local organizing strategies and create a local immigrants’ rights network including identifying and working with leaders in key demographics.
  • Attend meetings and engage in statewide travel for support and information collection and sharing in specific regions.
  • Consult members and leaders of immigrant communities to assess needs, barriers and solutions through an ACLU structural organizing lens.
  • Assist with communications with partners as instructed and track responses and requests from partners and/or government officials.
  • Coordinate public education events for both Spanish- and English-speaking audiences to discuss and distribute information on immigrants’ rights issues.
  • Work with our Volunteer Management System to broaden our base and strengthen the fabric of support for Arkansas immigrants and the ACLU by engaging existing and recruiting new volunteers to become better advocates.
  • Articulate, both orally and in writing, ACLU views to the public and the media on issues related to immigrants’ rights.
  • Planning, hosting, and sponsoring larger listening and trainings with localities and the public, covering:
  • Knowing, asserting, and disseminating rights information for communities; proactive personal protection planning and Know Your Rights distribution.
  • Observing, documenting, and reporting enforcement activity in safe, impactful ways that de-escalate and protect while informing and working with the ACLU.
  • Educating and advocating with local, state, and federal officials about issues affecting immigrants’ civil liberties and rights.
  • Use momentum from regional organizing to prepare communities to advocate on behalf of immigrant communities during the 2027 Arkansas Legislative Session.
  • Assist the policy department in developing Know Your Rights materials including fact sheets, talking points, and action alerts alongside other related content.
  • Center the voices and leadership of directly impacted people throughout the organizing program.
  • Oversee and assist with planning, implementation, and execution of events including calendaring events, ensuring staffing and materials, developing and meeting timelines and deadlines.

General

  • Represent the ACLU in a professional manner within the organization and externally.
  • Maintain and protect sensitive and confidential member, volunteer and supporter information while ensuring appropriate cooperation and communication with necessary internal team members and external parties.
  • Assist moving multiple affiliate projects to completion, and cross-manage peers, volunteers, and partners to meet project deadlines and carry out initiatives in a busy environment.
  • Ability to work flexible hours when necessary to meet specific project goals.
  • Complete other projects and organizational building activities as assigned by supervisor.
  • Foster a trusting, productive, and positive work environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration conducive to promoting our organizational commitment to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion in all interactions with the public, volunteers, supporters, and staff members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Will substitute years of experience for a degree.
  • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Windows, Word, Outlook, and Excel.
  • Experience in online databases such as EveryAction is preferred but not required.
  • Spanish language skills strongly preferred.
  • History of living in or working with immigrant communities, preferably in Arkansas.
  • Experience working in communities that are not immigrant-friendly is a plus.
  • Committed to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT

Normal physical effort. High mental effort. Ability to multi-task on various levels. Prolonged visual requirements related to preparing reports and using PC workstation monitors.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

General office environment. Sedentary environment. Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, push or pull in excess of 10 pounds.

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

ACLU Arkansas is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and members of our community against COVID-19. Our goal is to safeguard staff to the greatest extent possible as we continue to execute the ACLU of Arkansas’s mission. As such, we require that all staff members be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless an employee requests and is approved for a reasonable accommodation.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The ACLU of Arkansas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive and equitable office culture of belonging. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified people without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal legal system.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 and is based on experience. Excellent benefits include generous paid vacation, sick leave, family leave, and holidays; life, health, and dental insurance with premiums paid 100% by the employer, including family coverage; and a defined 401(k) contribution plan with an employer match. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

 

See job openings at ACLU National and other state affiliates.