Careers & Internships

Job Title: Donor Relations Officer Employment Status: Full-Time Supervisory Role: Individual Contributor Organization Level: Mid-level Organization Department: Development Reports to Position: Director of Development FLSA/Union Classification: Exempt– CBA Salary Range: C- $85,076 - $97,435.44 The Donor Relations Officer will be responsible for managing a portfolio of c3 (Foundation) and c4 (Union) donors and relationships. They will play a key role in ensuring the Development team meets our fundraising goals and increasing contributed revenue to the organization. The Donor Relations Officer will develop personalized gift strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, ensuring consistent, compelling communication with portfolio donors and prospects. The Donor Relations Officer will report to the Director of Development and will work with other members of the affiliate and nationwide Development teams, ACLU-MD’s Board of Directors, and program staff on fundraising to advance the ACLU of Maryland’s work. They will work to secure the financial resources to support ACLU-MD’s mission and strategic plan and will ensure we are connecting our mission, values, and impact to our external supporters. They will be committed to Community-Centric Fundraising principles and ensuring the fiscal sustainability of ACLU-MD’s work. The Donor Relations Officer role lives within the Development team and is supervised by the Director of Development. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Portfolio Management Manage a portfolio of 125+ current donors, ensuring their cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to strengthen long-term philanthropic relationships. Proactively solicit major and planned gifts to advance the organization’s mission. Develop individualized strategies and goals for portfolio donors by leveraging analytical data, including giving history, donor capacity indicators, and relevant research tools. Produce tailored correspondence for donor engagement, such as emails and letters. Produce donor strategy materials, including briefing memos for ACLU staff and board members when necessary. Conduct and complete scheduled in-person and/or virtual meetings with donors across Maryland, in alignment with priorities established by the Director of Development. Engage grassroots and mid-level donors Proactively engage select grassroots and mid-level donors with the goal of transitioning them into the major gifts portfolio. Secure gift renewals and pursue upgrades through a strategic, personalized, and relationship-centered approach. Ensure thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for all donors in the pipeline. Conduct ongoing discovery and evaluation to identify opportunities for strengthening and deepening donor relationships. Reporting Utilize Salesforce, Tableau, ResearchPoint, and any additional fundraising technology introduced. Record all interactions and post-meeting reports promptly in database. Maintain accurate donor records and update CRM/ fundraising database regularly Ensure timely and prompt processing of donations. Track portfolio activity and progress. Communicate progress on portfolio activity to Director of Development. Planning Set annual qualitative and quantitative goals in consultation with the Director of Development. Produce and implement a work plan that aligns with the strategic plan and annual department plan. Participate in Development strategic planning and annual department planning. Collaboration with ACLU Colleagues Represent the ACLU consistently and effectively in all donor interactions, ensuring alignment with organizational values and messaging. Partner with colleagues across the organization to gather the information needed to solicit gifts and strengthen donor relationships. Maintain a strong working knowledge of local and national programmatic priorities and emerging issues to inform donor engagement strategies. Actively participate in National ACLU Development Resource offerings, including calls, trainings, and opportunities to connect with Development peers nationwide. Board Engagement Collaborate with the Board Development Committee and engage Board Members in Development-related activities. Provide strategic support and resources to enhance Board Members’ confidence and effectiveness in fundraising. Education and Experience Desired qualifications are described below Five (5) years or more of experience in Development with at least two (2) years in an external-facing role Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent Portfolio management experience Salesforce experience Experience with issues relating to human rights, civil rights, or racial and social justice. CFRE Competencies Fundraising Acumen Understanding of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies across grassroots, mid-level, and major gifts. Ability to synthesize complex legal and policy issues into conversational language. Relationship Building & Stewardship Demonstrates the ability to build and sustain authentic, long-term donor relationships. Skilled in engaging individuals across diverse backgrounds with tact, professionalism, and inclusivity. Communication Skills Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages for donors, board members, and colleagues. Proficient in preparing donor correspondence, briefings, and impact reports that are clear, compelling, and mission-aligned. Collaboration & Teamwork Works effectively across departments to gather information in support of donor engagement strategies. Contributes as a collegial, solutions-oriented team member in a fast-paced environment. Analytical & Strategic Thinking Uses donor data and research tools to identify opportunities and set goals for donor engagement. Strong attention to detail and ability to track, measure, and report donor activity. Adaptability & Problem Solving Flexible and resourceful in navigating challenges to meet donor and organizational needs. Open to feedback and able to pivot strategies in response to changing priorities or donor interests. Ethics & Confidentiality Maintains the highest level of integrity in handling sensitive donor information. Demonstrates alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and fundraising ethics. Work Environment The Organization currently operates as a hybrid work environment. On-site environment is a professional office. Hybrid work schedule. Physical Demands Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Travel Required Driver’s license required Ownership of personal vehicle required 25% - 40% statewide travel required for meetings and events Flexibility to work as needed to accomplish organizational goals may be required and may include evenings and weekends. Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Must be a resident of Maryland Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maximizing our team's diversity and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage persons with disabilities and those persons that are differently-abled to request reasonable accommodations through our office of People and Culture. Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned that are consistent with the role’s responsibilities and decision-making authority.

Job Title: Senior Policy Counsel Employment Status: Full-Time Supervisory Role: Individual Contributor Organization Level: Mid-level Organization Department: Policy Reports to Position: Public Policy Director FLSA/Union Classification: Exempt– CBA Salary Range: Category D -$104,629- $126,510 The Policy Counsel’s primary purpose is to work with the policy team to develop and execute the organization's legislative priorities. Including drafting legislation, conducts extensive legal and policy research and analysis, answers legal questions, and drafts a variety of legal memos, letters, and other documents that require an understanding of many different aspects of law, particularly constitutional law and civil rights and civil liberties protections. These activities are designed to advance the ACLU of Maryland’s work in priority issues areas, as defined by the strategic and departmental plan. They will work closely with the Legal and Communications teams to develop strategies and materials to advance the Policy team’s noted objectives. The Senior Policy Counsel resides within the Policy team and is supervised by the Public Policy Director. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. General Knowledge of relevant, current, and proposed federal and local laws, regulations, and other legal directives related to assigned program area (i.e. immigration, parole and sentencing reform, incarceration, voting rights etc.) and rules governing civil and appellate litigation. Serve as an advocate and policy and/or legal expert, identifying and advancing opportunities to strengthen civil liberties and civil rights in complex policy areas through diverse strategies at the state and local levels. Partner with ACLU of Maryland staff and allied organizations to deliver compelling policy presentations and advance advocacy priorities to diverse external audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and community leaders. Serve as a mentor for and occasionally provide training and support to junior staff Legal Research and analysis Perform legal analysis to determine the constitutionality, civil liberties and civil rights implications of existing and proposed laws and policies. Conduct legal research to identify key issues related to proposed legislation. Expertise in drafting & analyzing legislation – strong legal writing and analytical skills to craft, review, and refine bills, amendments, and policy proposals. Subject Matter Expert offering advice, and support to fellow colleagues in other departments as they develop and execute state/local campaigns in new and unfamiliar issue areas. Legislative Policy and Programing Strategy Deep understanding of the legislative process and lobbying experience, – demonstrated ability to build relationships with lawmakers, skilled in legislative strategy, committee dynamics, and political landscapes at both the state and federal levels. Identify, track, and advise on introduced and proposed legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and local legislative bodies that affect civil rights and civil liberties. Provide high-level policy analysis and strategic advocacy support to the ACLU of Maryland, engaging across legal, legislative, and community initiatives as organizational needs evolve Independently draft bills and/or administrative rules/regulations at the state, local, or federal levels, providing content expertise as well as legislative and regulatory drafting knowledge. Prepare, provide guidance on, and/or deliver testimony on pending legislation before legislative committees or agencies; and draft or provide guidance on testimony to be delivered by ACLU of Maryland before legislative or regulatory bodies at the state and local/municipal levels, in collaboration with partners. Provide legislative counseling, including policy, legislative or legal analysis, strategic planning guidance, and tactical suggestions, to support state and/or locally based efforts. Coordinate and conduct in-depth civil liberties briefings for government officials as pertinent to advancing priority ACLU positions. Collaborate with organizations, community partners and coalitions to ensure effective relationship management, coordination on effective legislative strategies. Participate as the ACLU of Maryland representative in meetings of ad hoc lobbying and policy and/or political coalitions, as relevant. Advocacy Planning and Implementation Draft testimony on a wide range of bills to explain the constitutional, civil rights, and civil liberties implications of legislation and the organization's position. Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, one-pagers, talking points, communications and education materials, and other documents to synthesize complex issues into persuasive language that is easy to understand. Provide expert commentary to media, in collaboration with ACLU Communications staff and other key stakeholders, participate in media briefings, and draft and contribute to op-eds and other publications, as relevant. Lobby elected officials, their staff, and other public officials to support ACLU of Maryland’s positions on pending legislation and policy initiatives. Work with National and organizers in NPAD to advance campaign goals or other policy and political outcomes. Organize, lead, and collaborate with external partners and coalitions to build broad-based support for ACLU policy priorities, while proactively addressing and minimizing opposition. Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned. Education and Experience 5 years or more experience working in policy and or advocacy area in similar role. Juris Doctorate required. Admission to the Maryland State Bar (consideration may be given to those with demonstrated ability to obtain licensure w/in a year of hire). Preferred Qualifications Prior experience working with the State Legislature of Maryland. Bilingual (English/ Spanish) skills strongly preferred to support engagement with diverse communities. Admission to the Federal Bar (or ability to apply within 6 months). Litigation /Trial Court experience preferred. Competencies Collaborative Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work effectively and inclusively with staff, leadership, partners, and diverse stakeholders at all levels to achieve shared policy and advocacy goals. Strategic Judgment: Proven capacity to balance competing priorities, values, and imperatives while ensuring the efficient and mission-aligned use of organizational resources. Project and Time Management: Exceptional ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, maintaining focus, accuracy, and accountability in a fast-paced environment. Communication Excellence: Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and policy concepts into clear, persuasive messages tailored to diverse audiences and levels of expertise. Technical Proficiency: Strong command of digital and productivity tools, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and online communication platforms, to support policy, legal, and advocacy work. Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to anticipate and adapt quickly to shifting external conditions, adjusting priorities and strategies while maintaining effectiveness and focus on long-term objectives. Equity-Centered Analysis: Capacity to think strategically and conceptually, applying a race equity lens and actively dismantling personal and systemic biases to design inclusive and just policy solutions. Community Accountability: Commitment to centering the voices and direction of directly impacted communities, contributing legal and policy expertise to empower grassroots leadership and ensure civil liberties protections are accessible, relevant, and effective for disenfranchised communities. Work Environment The Organization currently operates as a hybrid work environment. On-site environment is a professional office Physical Demands Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Travel Required Occasional travel and flexibility to work as needed to accomplish organizational goals may be required and may include evenings and weekends. This position will be located in the office in Annapolis on a daily basis with varying hours during session; Post session, the position is hybrid and located in the Baltimore office. Work Authorization/Residency Requirements Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Must a resident of the State of Maryland prior to start date. Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maximizing our team's diversity and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage persons with disabilities and those persons that are differently-abled to request reasonable accommodations through our office of People and Culture. Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned that are consistent with the role’s responsibilities and decision-making authority.