Job Description

American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee James M. Norfleet Practice Leader and Senior Consultant The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of executive director. ACLU-TN seeks an experienced, strategic, and visionary chief executive to lead the organization during this pivotal moment when civil liberties and civil rights are under assault in Tennessee and across the nation. Ideally, the executive director will take office in the summer of 2025. Context: Civil Liberties in Crisis Civil liberties are in crisis in the state of Tennessee, one of an increasing number of states where one political party has supermajority control of the legislature. The same party also controls the offices of governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. The strengths and limits of democracy are being tested by the passage of legislation that infringes on fundamental rights and democratic principles, particularly in the areas of voting rights, voter suppression, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, fair treatment of immigrants, reproductive rights, and free speech (some Tennessee counties are still banning books in 2025). This is an exceptional opportunity for an inspiring, forward-thinking, and equity-minded leader with a deep and unwavering commitment to civil liberties and civil rights. The executive director will serve ACLU-TN as its most ardent champion, partnering with the board of directors, staff, and other key stakeholders to plan and execute a statewide advocacy agenda to defend the constitutional rights and liberties of all Tennesseans. The executive director must possess the experience, temperament, and fortitude necessary to lead ACLU-TN through one of the most challenging environments ever in the state, while exemplifying the character and qualities expected in a highly visible and trusted advocate and community leader. About the ACLU of Tennessee The ACLU of Tennessee is one of 54 affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union , an organization that has served as the preeminent defender of civil liberties and civil rights in this country since 1920. First organized in 1968, ACLU-TN is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the enduring values of freedom, fairness, justice, and equality. ACLU-TN is composed of two separate corporate entities, the ACLU of Tennessee, a section 501(c)(4) nonprofit social welfare organization, and its affiliated ACLU Foundation of Tennessee, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. Both entities are tax-exempt, have the same overall mission, operate under a joint board of directors, and share office space and employees. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, ACLU-TN’s work is conducted by 15 staff members, as well as volunteers, interns, and cooperating attorneys. Its 17-member board of directors sets policy, raises funds, and provides fiduciary, strategic, and legal oversight of the organization. ACLU-TN uses an integrated advocacy model—including litigation, legislative lobbying, strategic communications and narrative change, and people-centered engagement and mobilization—to pursue strategic campaigns that protect and expand fundamental rights and freedoms. The affiliate works proactively to pursue policies, practices, and laws that protect Tennesseans against unfair and unequal treatment. ACLU-TN’s key issues are: In recognition of the unique civil rights and civil liberties challenges in Tennessee, the ACLU national office has made a significant multi-year investment in the growth and development of ACLU-TN to enhance the impact of the essential support provided by the affiliate’s donors. The funds provided by the national office are enabling ACLU-TN to build capacity, further develop infrastructure and policies, and undergo a comprehensive strategic planning initiative. The ACLU of Tennessee is part of the ACLU’s first regional initiative for Southern states, the Southern Collective, a transformational initiative to build the power and impact of the ACLU’s twelve Southern state affiliates—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia—and strengthen the fight for civil rights and liberties in the South. The Southern Collective was created to address the challenges in the South that are rooted in its unique history of racial oppression and violence, and equally remarkable history of civil rights struggles and victories. For more information on the ACLU of Tennessee, please visit their website . History of the Position Hedy Weinberg led the ACLU of Tennessee for the better part of four decades. She was named executive director in 1984 and was tasked with relocating the state headquarters to Nashville after the board voted to focus more on legislative work. Under her leadership, ACLU-TN grew financially, increased from two to 12 staff, and expanded its base to more than 11,000 members. Weinberg retired in July of 2022. Nashville attorney Kathy Sinback succeeded Weinberg as executive director in September of 2022. Sinback led advancements in ACLU-TN’s programmatic work and its structure until she stepped away from the role toward the end of 2024. Phyllida Burlingame, an independent consultant who previously directed the ACLU of Northern California’s policy work and served as co-director of its 50-person legal-policy department, is currently serving as interim executive director while the board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent leader. Role of the Executive Director The executive director is the chief executive officer of the ACLU of Tennessee and provides overall strategic, financial, and operational leadership and management to achieve the organization’s mission, strategies, goals, and objectives. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director has primary responsibility for managing day-to-day activities and operations; directing the work and development of a diverse and dedicated staff; shaping the organization’s internal culture; fostering an environment of continuous improvement and effectiveness; and ensuring that the organization is fiscally sound and that its litigation, advocacy, fundraising, communications, and programs are meeting the current and emergent needs and interests of its constituents. The executive director embodies what it means to be a people-centric leader who leads with a passion and drive that centers the well-being and development of the organization and the communities it serves. As ACLU-TN’s chief ambassador and spokesperson, the executive director serves as compelling communicator and public voice for the affiliate, a facilitator of relationships, a fundraiser, and a shaper and champion of the organization’s strategic priorities and multi-issue campaigns. Above all, this leader serves as the builder of the organization, responsible for establishing the foundation, vision, framework, and culture that enables success. The executive director also leads on the difficult conversations surrounding culture, climate, and racial justice and guides the affiliate in implementing best practices to cultivate authentic belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity. The executive director engages in a wide range of partnerships across the state and throughout the South to build and deepen community relations and coalition work. Key responsibilities include: Strategy and Vision Establish a clear vision for ACLU-TN’s continued sustainability, providing direction to guide programs that align with the organization’s vision. Initiate and strengthen relationships and collaborations with organizations and leaders who share the ACLU’s mission and purpose. Work in partnership with ACLU-TN staff and board, affiliate members of the Southern Collective, and the ACLU national staff to carry out the organization’s mission. Guard the organization’s integrity, credibility, and nonpartisanship while operating strategically in a challenging political and social environment. Elevate the reach and impact of ACLU-TN at a time when Tennessee and the nation are experiencing a sustained assault on fundamental rights and freedoms. Organizational Leadership Serve as an effective and visible spokesperson for the ACLU, articulating the organization’s history, programs, and mission. Represent the organization in the media, increase public awareness, and broaden the organization’s reputation with key constituent groups. Drive the organization’s fundraising efforts, stewarding current donors and funders, cultivating relationships with potential donors and foundations, and making the case for philanthropic support. Champion and value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in working relationships with the board of directors and all staff; actively strive to ensure the organization lives up to its core values and closely reflects the communities it serves. Engage with staff in ways that afford them voice and visibility, promote their development and growth, and enhance both individual and team performance through effective mentoring, coaching, training, team building, and accountability. Operational Oversight Ensure that the day-to-day activities and operations are effectively and efficiently organized and administered. Direct the affiliate’s legal, legislative, public advocacy, and communications programs. Oversee the organization’s financial operations and budgetary process, and ensure that sound financial controls are in place. Cultivate a cohesive and motivated staff by fostering open communication, building trust, providing opportunities for growth, recognizing achievements, and encouraging teamwork through shared goals and values. Use technology to facilitate enhance management, fundraising, communication, public education, and advocacy. Board Relations Cultivate strong working relationships with board members, facilitating their work and development as an engaged and cohesive group of leaders, and leveraging their skills and talents to create and execute on strategic goals. Ensure that the board can meet its fiduciary responsibilities by proactively and transparently providing financial reports, conducting regular audits, and engaging the board in the budgeting process. Implement policies, programs, goals, and objectives as established by the board of directors. Lead with integrity and build trust within the organization and between the staff and board of directors. Work with the board to identify and help recruit new board members whose talents, interests, networks, and commitment help to further ACLU-TN’s mission. Opportunities and Challenges The next executive director will have the opportunity to make a transformational impact on the ACLU of Tennessee. This moment requires a talented executive and manager who can lead in a time of change—a person who will embrace the challenges of the moment and others that will emerge. ACLU-TN seeks a proven leader who has demonstrated skills in developing vision and strategy to inspire others and achieve meaningful impact. This person will be able to bring new energy and life to the affiliate, paying particular attention to the development and well-being of staff and the organization’s structure and internal processes, to achieve next-level excellence, vitality, and impact. The executive director will be expected to address the following opportunities and challenges, among others: Build strong working relationships with members of the board of directors, facilitating their work and development as an engaged and cohesive group of leaders, and leveraging their skills and talents to create and execute on strategic goals. Lead the development of a unifying strategic vision and plan. Refine organizational structure, prioritize staff engagement and professional development, and promote higher levels of transparency, collaboration, accountability, and impact. Demonstrate strong business acumen and the ability to cultivate and steward significant financial resources effectivel y. Establish an inclusive culture across the organization and spearhead efforts to embed and sustain people-centric workplace norms, values, and practices that embrace and nurture authentic belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity. Drive fundraising efforts, cultivate relationships with potential donors and foundations, and make the case for philanthropic support. Serve as a highly effective spokesperson and thought leader on civil liberties and civil rights in Tennessee and beyond. Work closely with the ACLU national office and other affiliates to advance ACLU-TN’s mission and impact. Qualifications and Characteristics ACLU-TN seeks a talented and proven leader with relevant experience, demonstrated passion for civil liberties and civil rights, strong leadership and management skills, and a track record of building high-performing teams and driving organizational change. The ideal candidate will not arrive at ACLU-TN with a playbook; they will bring a history of promoting and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, driving innovation, and finding solutions that lead to positive outcomes. They will have a strong moral center, unimpeachable integrity, superb judgment and diplomatic skills, and dedication to bringing effective, long-term leadership to the organization. Prospective candidates should have many of the following qualifications and characteristics: Demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial justice and to defending and expanding civil liberties and civil rights. Knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights issues and familiarity with the ACLU and the current landscape in the state of Tennessee. Strategic outlook and experience, including the ability to develop and implement a shared vision and strategic plan. Significant management experience, including supervising staff, managing teams, and driving performance improvements within an organization. Strong business acumen and ability to manage financial, budgeting, and related administrative operations. History of successful community outreach and engagement, coalition building, and strategic partnerships. Track record of successful fundraising or evidence of the knowledge, personal skills, and talent for fundraising. Ability to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization to create a genuine culture of belonging. Experience working with or serving on a volunteer board of directors or a similar governing body. Proficiency at navigating and responding to politically charged or sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. At least ten years of relevant professional experience with a track record of increasing leadership responsibility and accomplishment. Bachelor’s degree; an advanced degree is preferred. ACLU-TN is based in Nashville, a vibrant city with a temperate four-season climate that is frequently singled out as one of the best U.S. cities for work, family, and quality of life. Home to more than 1.8 million people, the Nashville metropolitan area has over a dozen colleges and universities and features many cultural and recreational amenities, including a symphony orchestra, professional sports, an extensive park system, great restaurants, and abundant live music offerings across a variety of genres. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated hiring range is $135,000 to $160,000. Salary will be determined by various factors, including the knowledge, skills, and experience of the individual selected. ACLU-TN offers an excellent benefits program , including health and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Application The ACLU of Tennessee has exclusively retained Spelman Johnson, a national executive search firm, as its partner in the search for a new executive director. Review of applications will begin immediately with the goal of announcing the new executive director in July of 2025. Complete applications received by May 2, 2025, will be assured full consideration. A resume with a cover letter addressing the themes and requirements outlined in this position specification may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at . Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson by phone at 413-529-2895 or email at info@spelmanjohnson.com . This will be a fully confidential search, with no public announcement of finalist names. References will not be contacted until after the first round of interviews and not without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to: The ACLU of Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Tennessee encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Spelman Johnson

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