Digital Communications Strategist

Digital Communications Strategist

The Digital Communications Strategist is, above all, a storyteller someone who translates the mission and impact of the ACLU of Maryland into content that moves people to understand, care, and act. This position leads the strategy, development, and execution of high-impact digital communications, shaping how the public engages with the ACLU of Maryland by mobilizing supporters and strengthening public understanding of civil rights and civil liberties.

This role requires two distinct and equally essential skill sets in service of that storytelling: advanced social media strategy and professional-level graphic design. We are looking for a storyteller who brings both disciplines at a high level: someone who can craft platform-native narratives informed by algorithms and analytics, and who can independently produce polished, on-brand visual design using both Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. This is not a generalist role. Candidates must demonstrate depth and a strong portfolio in both areas, and every tactic (every post, ad, and graphic) should be in service of a larger story about civil rights in Maryland.

The Strategist reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and works closely with the Senior Communications Strategist to ensure cohesive storytelling across earned and digital media. The role requires strong collaboration with policy, legal, and development teams, as well as coordination with the national ACLU and other affiliates.

This is a hybrid role and the position is a member of the ACLU-MD staff bargaining unit.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Graphic Design & Visual Communications

• Independently design compelling visual content including graphics, infographics, digital ads, reports, email headers, event collateral, and campaign assets using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro).
• Translate complex civil rights and civil liberties issues into clear, visually compelling storytelling for digital audiences.
• Develop and maintain ACLU-MD's visual brand standards across all digital platforms, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and impact.
• Create platform-optimized visual content with awareness of each platform's format specifications, aesthetic norms, and audience expectations.
• Produce and edit short-form video content, including motion graphics and Reels/TikTok-style videos.
• Develop graphics and multimedia toolkits for advocacy campaigns, coalition partners, and rapid response communications.
• Maintain and organize a digital asset library for consistent and efficient content production.

Social Media Strategy & Execution

• Lead ACLU-MD's social media strategy across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook, with a clear understanding of each platform's algorithm, audience behavior, content formats, and best practices.
• Develop and execute platform-specific content strategies, tailoring tone, format, length, and cadence for each channel rather than replicating content across platforms.
• Produce and publish engaging, timely, platform-native content that educates, motivates, and mobilizes audiences around civil rights and civil liberties issues.
• Manage and optimize paid social media advertising campaigns, including audience targeting, A/B testing, budget management, and performance optimization across Meta, TikTok, and other platforms.
• Monitor platform algorithm changes and adjust content strategy proactively to maintain and grow organic reach.
• Track and analyze KPIs, including reach, engagement, follower growth, conversion rates, and campaign ROI, and use data to continuously refine strategy.
• Monitor online trends and news events, respond strategically in real time, and evolve ACLU-MD's social media tone and approach to stay culturally relevant and mission-aligned.
• Appear in short-form videos and capture photo and video content at events to support authentic digital storytelling.
• Represent ACLU-MD at community events to capture live digital content and extend our reach in real time.

Digital Strategy & Content Planning

• Develop and manage a comprehensive digital content calendar across all platforms and channels.
• Lead strategy for digital advertising, including ad creative development, placement, and optimization.
• Support digital storytelling and content development for email, web, and multimedia channels in partnership with the Senior Communications Strategist.
• Ensure ACLU-MD is viewed as a trusted, accurate source for information on civil liberties and civil rights across all digital touchpoints.
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in balancing competing priorities and allocating resources across projects and campaigns.

Campaign Integration & Collaboration

• Collaborate with policy, legal, and development staff to design and implement effective digital actions that move Marylanders up the ladder of engagementfrom awareness to action, including attending events and contacting elected officials.
• Work closely with coalition partners on digital tactics to advance shared goals on civil liberties and civil rights; develop shared resources and toolkits where possible.
• Coordinate with the national ACLU and other state affiliates to align messaging, share resources, and amplify campaigns.
• Ensure all digital efforts are consistent with ACLU-MD's voice, brand, and mission.

Education & Experience

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated success in digital communications strategy, preferably in nonprofit, advocacy, or government sectors.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating both advanced graphic design work AND social media strategy. Candidates must show evidence of both competencies.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro. Ability to produce original, polished design work without reliance on pre-built templates.
• Demonstrated expertise in social media strategy across multiple platforms, with a clear understanding of platform-specific algorithms, content formats, and audience behavior.
• Experience planning, executing, and optimizing paid social media advertising campaigns, including audience targeting and performance reporting.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible messages tailored to different audiences and platforms.
• Experience with videography, photography, and short-form video production for social media.
• Comfortable appearing in short-form videos and photos for social media content.
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple projects, make strategic decisions, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals into actionable digital plans that drive measurable outcomes.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in communications, graphic design, marketing, or a related field.
• Experience working in coalition or movement spaces.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards for digital content.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Experience with motion graphics (Adobe After Effects).

Competencies

• Natural storyteller who can turn policy and legal work into stories people connect with, across formats and platforms.
• Strategic thinker who can connect digital tactics to organizational mission and campaign goals.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to work effectively across teams, including with colleagues at all organizational levels and with external stakeholders and coalition partners.
• Exceptional attention to detail in design, proofreading, and accuracy of information.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive communicator who responds in a timely manner to requests and follows through on commitments.
• Diplomatic and adaptable, with a steady approach to shifting priorities and urgent communications needs.
• Strong belief in the ACLU of Maryland's mission to uplift the humanity of every Marylander.

How to Apply Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio demonstrating both graphic design and social media work. Your portfolio should clearly illustrate your design capabilities beyond template use, as well as examples of platform-specific social media content or campaigns you have led. Applications submitted without a portfolio will not be considered. The ACLU of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.

• Organization is currently in a hybrid remote work environment.
• On-site environment is a professional office.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent written and verbal communication.
• Frequent and extended periods of standing and sitting.
• Visual activity for extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing