OVERVIEW OF THE ACLU-CT
The ACLU of Connecticut (ACLU-CT) defends, promotes, and expands the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Connecticut through litigation; community organizing and legislative advocacy; and civic education and engagement. We are an inclusive, nonpartisan, and statewide organization within the nationwide American Civil Liberties Union network, powered by our supporters, partners, staff, interns, cooperating attorneys, and our board of directors.
This is an exciting time to join the ACLU. With enormous threats to civil rights arising in nearly every area of the ACLU’s work, we’ve seen a phenomenal outpouring of support from new members, donors, and volunteers who view the ACLU as the nation’s principal defender of fundamental freedoms and liberties. The ACLU of Connecticut is doing its part in the nationwide struggle to defend the Constitution while working to protect and advance civil rights and liberties here in Connecticut.
To learn more about the work of the ACLU please visit www.acluct.org and www.aclu.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut seeks a dynamic team player to fill the position of Operations Associate. This position requires administrative experience as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound independent judgment, attend closely to details, and take initiative. The Operations Associate will report directly to the Finance and Operations Director and will work closely with the Executive Director. Due to the nature of the role will, the Operations Associate will be required to work from our Hartford, CT office at least three (and sometimes more) days per week.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Office Management (25%)
- Promote a positive and inclusive culture by making the office a welcoming, tidy, and collaborative place to work.
- Welcome guests to the office and ensure that the office is always guest-ready, in partnership with cleaning crew and property management.
- Act as office, building, and vendor-relations manager.
- Maintain organizational calendar.
- Act as primary contact to IT/systems vendor, maintaining inventory and making recommendations for more effective and equitable technologies and systems.
- Assist with new hire orientation and onboarding, including purchasing business cards, setting up physical space, and ensuring all technology needs are met.
- Manage purchase and maintenance of equipment and office supplies.
- Respond to or appropriately redirect general inquiries received by phone or email; collect and
- Board Relations (25%)
- Distribute mail.
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the Board of Directors.
- Work with Board president to prepare agenda and materials for meetings, including the production of the board meeting information packets.
- Schedule and coordinate logistics for Board meetings.
- Support onboarding and logistics around Board recruitment. o Maintain board and committee list.
- Support Governance Committee in annual survey processes.
- Attend Governance Committee meetings and prepare meeting minutes. o Organize and manage board documents and portal website.
- Financial Administration (25%)
- Compile and prepare invoices and credit card receipts for payment. o Compile and complete banking deposits.
- Collect staff reimbursements.
- Verify and print outgoing checks.
- Occasional data entry and bookkeeping.
- Serve as the back-up for the finance and operations director for select financial functions.
- Administrative Support (25%)
- Ensure staff and volunteer recognition including celebration of milestones and accomplishments.
- Facilitate postings of new staff and intern positions and coordinate hiring logistics with hiring manager, under the direction of finance and operations director.
- Ensure coordination, and communication for staff meetings events, trainings, retreats, and other related functions.
- Maintain centralized calendar of internal and external events.
- Serve as project manager for a variety of organizational initiatives and special projects, as directed by the finance and operations director.
- Assist with confidential reports (such as statistical or financial) for distribution by the executive director or the finance and operations director.
- Assist executive director with scheduling of meetings and travel arrangements
- Provide other administrative support as-needed. Flexibility is important in this position
QUALIFICATIONS, ESSENTIAL MINDSETS & APPROACHES TO THE WORK
Studies have shown that many people, particularly people of color and women, are hesitant to apply for jobs unless they believe they check all the boxes listed in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described, as long as you are willing to learn.
- Alignment with the organization’s vision of an equitable, democratic, and anti-racist Connecticut in which all persons are treated with dignity in a thriving society.
- Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s six core values: anti-racism; dignity; diversity; equity; inclusivity; and serving as partners in justice.
- At least one year of relevant work experience, including internship and/or volunteer experience.
- Ability to think proactively, anticipate problems and facilitate solutions.
- Technologically savvy, with a focus on accessibility and hybrid work.
- Work or educational experience that demonstrates professionalism, a strong sense of discretion and the ability to exercise good judgment in stressful circumstances.
- Outstanding attention to detail, work ethic, organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as a willingness to learn new skills.
- Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
- Strong, demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
- Flexibility in work schedule; ability to work on occasional evenings or weekends, with prior notice (reciprocal time-off available).
- Willingness to jump in and help on any project and learn new things quickly.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Operations Associate will receive a salary of between $50,000-$55,000 annually. The ACLU of Connecticut also offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package including four weeks paid vacation; 100%-employer premium paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a supplemental wellness benefit; 401(k) Plan including up to 5.5% employer contribution; and 13 paid holidays. (The ACLU of Connecticut reserves the right to alter or eliminate its current employee benefit plans and programs). This position is full-time, salaried, and non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and applicable Connecticut law.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references, including their email, phone number, and relationship to you. (We will not contact your references until the final stage of the interview process). Send electronic materials to: search@acluct.org and please include your last name and “Operations Associate” in the email subject line. You may submit hard copies to ACLU of Connecticut, Re: Operations Associate, 765 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be posted until filled, at which time this announcement will be removed from our website.
The ACLU of Connecticut is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages immigrants, people of color, indigenous people, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, women, and formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted people to apply. We accept all applicants regardless of race, sex, gender identity, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or record of arrest or conviction.
The ACLU of Connecticut undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that all persons – including but not limited to persons with disabilities – have full opportunities for employment in all positions. We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to include this information in your cover letter, or to call 860-523-9146 to discuss your needs.
ABOUT THE ACLU
With affiliate offices in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, the ACLU fights tirelessly in the courts, legislatures, and through community engagement to ensure that all individuals’ rights are protected.
The ACLU of Connecticut is comprised of three nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations: the ACLU of Connecticut, a 501(c)(4) organization which does legislative and organizing advocacy work; the ACLU Foundation of Connecticut, a 501(c)(3) which does litigation and public education work; and the ACLU of Connecticut Rise PAC, a 527 organization which builds the necessary relationships, public awareness, public narratives, and pressure felt by politicians in order to build the political power of people directly impacted by civil rights and liberties issues.
To learn more about the work of the ACLU, both in Connecticut and nationally, please visit www.acluct.org and www.aclu.org.
