Communication Associate

About Acacia Center for Justice:

The Acacia Center for Justice (“Acacia”) provides legal support and representation to vulnerable immigrants facing deportation through the development, coordination, and management of national networks of legal services providers serving immigrants across the country. Acacia’s goals are twofold: to support immigrant legal services and defense networks to provide exceptional legal services to immigrants; and to advocate for the expansion of these programs and the infrastructure critical to guaranteeing immigrants access to justice, fairness, and freedom. Acacia ensures accountable, independent, zealous, and person-centered legal services and representation to protect the rights of  vulnerable immigrants. 

Job Summary:

The Communications Associate will play a vital role in Acacia’s Communications department by managing Acacia’s digital content calendar, including posting, scheduling, community engagement and proactively monitoring the digital space for emerging trends and best practices to educate, motivate, and influence target audiences through digital advocacy and other activations, e.g. Acacia merchandise. The Associate should be excited about creating high-quality digital content ]for our channels and influencer relationship management. They should be eager about collaborating with external partners and approach new ideas and feedback with curiosity. The Associate will also provide a small amount of administrative support to the Communications department, including scheduling, note-taking, and other responsibilities as assigned.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the Communications Manager, the Communications Associate will manage Acacia’s digital content calendar on relevant social channels. This will include coordinating with external vendors who also post on our channels on our behalf. 
• Monitor community engagement to ensure discussion on posts is in line with our guidelines. 
• Lead content creation for Acacia, including drafting blogs, short videos, and posts for social media and coordinating across departments to ensure timely reviews for posting. 
• In collaboration with the Communications Manager and Director, support Acacia’s development of long-term narrative and storytelling work. This includes attending in-person events to document and capture digital assets and create a photobank. 
• Proactively create compelling and high-quality digital content for external audiences, and internal uses.
• Manage relationships with Content Creators and continue to build a robust influencer cohort with regular briefings and collaborations to uplift Acacia’s messaging 
• Conduct initial research for informational and promotional materials as assigned.
• Provide administrative support as requested. This may include scheduling meetings and calls, and handling invoices. 

Required Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a fast-paced team to create digital content in line with an organization’s voice and priorities. Ability to proactively identify opportunities to share Acacia’s work with relevant audiences. 
• Expertise in creating compelling, vibrant, and appropriate digital content to inform and persuade audiences.
• Proficiency in online and digital tools such as WordPress, Sprout Social, Canva, Asana and social media platforms including but not limited to: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, BlueSky, Threads. Other similar tools/expertise are also welcome.
• Proficiency with Adobe Suite: Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and InDesign. 
• Social media mastery and digital organizing
• An eagerness to learn about non-profit communications and the immigrants' rights movement. In lieu of direct experience in the immigrants’ rights space, a demonstrated commitment to human rights and knowledge of the current socio-political landscape is welcome. 
• Project management skills, including with multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge about the US immigration system and current political context.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:

• Proficiency in a language other than English, Spanish a plus
• Comfort in editing, copyediting, formatting, of reports and publication
• Proficiency with WordPress themes and custom layouts
• DMV-area candidates are preferred, but residency in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area is not required. 

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in communications or related field, or 2-3 years of relevant work experience in a similar field. In lieu of degree requirements, applicable work or life experience may be considered.

Compensation and Benefits:

Acacia has established an internal compensation philosophy that centers equity and pay transparency. The salary for this position is set at $80,000. The salary listed is just one component of Acacia’s total compensation package for employees. Supporting Acacia staff—both personally and professionally—is our priority.

• Medical/Dental/Vision- Some plans at $0 cost to the employee
• Employee Assistance Program
• 20 days per year of vacation time
• 12 days per year of sick time
• 5 personal days
• 4 organization-wide Wellness Days
• 11 observed holidays, including the last week of December
• First time home office set-up stipend
• Internet Stipend
• 401k with 5% employer contribution, no employee participation required.

People of color and those who have been impacted by the criminal system and immigration system are strongly urged to apply. Acacia is deeply committed to race equality, inclusion and belonging and strives to create a work culture that recognizes everyone's unique lived experience.

To Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter through the Acacia Careers site. If you encounter technical issues or have accessibility needs, email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Subject: ATTN: Human Resources / [Job Title], Acacia Center for Justice

PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT THROUGH ONE METHOD.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Acacia is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and support their retention and advancement within the organization. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture inclusive of people with respect to their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, marital status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic. Our commitment to justice and diversity also means providing a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and engaging.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities and requirements but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function within our organization.

Acacia Center for Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.