The American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado (ACLU-CO or the ACLU of Colorado) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of executive director. This is an in-person leadership role based in Denver and may be eligible for a flexible or hybrid schedule. The executive director is expected to take office in early 2026.
The ACLU of Colorado is the state’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. It was incorporated as an affiliate of the national American Civil Liberties Union in 1952. ACLU-CO is a dynamic, nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that engages in litigation, lobbying, field organizing, public education, and multi-platform communications to protect and promote civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice throughout Colorado. ACLU-CO has over 40,000 members and a $4.8 million budget, and its pivotal work is carried out by 23 staff members, as well as volunteers, interns, and cooperating attorneys.
As chief executive officer, the executive director reports to the boards of directors of ACLU-CO’s two corporate entities. The executive director ensures the organization is fiscally sound and operates effectively to achieve its mission and goals. Key responsibilities include overseeing a talented and diverse staff, shaping the internal culture, fostering continuous improvement, leading fundraising efforts, and serving as the primary spokesperson. In addition, the executive director ensures that the affiliate’s litigation, policy, advocacy, fundraising, and communications programs meet the needs and interests of its constituents. Reporting to the executive director is a senior management team, which currently includes a deputy director, a legal director, a philanthropy director, a policy director, an advocacy director, a communications director, and an executive assistant and board manager.
Qualifications
The ACLU of Colorado seeks a proven leader with a profound commitment to advancing civil rights and liberties and a track record of success in leading both people and programs within complex organizations. This role requires significant management experience, fundraising ability, and demonstrated capacity to build high-performing teams, drive innovation, and lead organizational change. The ideal candidate is a people-centric, strategic leader who can bring new energy to ACLU-CO, is attuned to the pressing issues of the day, and is driven by a passion that centers the well-being and development of both the organization and the communities it serves.
A complete position specification, including a full list of the qualifications and characteristics sought in the next executive director, can be found https://apptrkr.com/6566738.
Salary Range: $250,000 to $275,000
Application and Nomination
The ACLU of Colorado 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 and continue until the position is filled. Complete applications received by October 17, 2025, will be assured full consideration. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/6566738.
This search will be fully confidential, with no announcement of finalist names. References will be contacted only after the initial round of interviews and only with the candidate’s prior knowledge and approval.
• Contact Jim Norfleet at [email protected] for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email [email protected].
Visit the ACLU of Colorado website at www.aclu-co.org.
The ACLU of Colorado is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. It is our policy to employ qualified people without regard to: race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; ancestry; disability; sexual orientation; veteran’s status; marital status; civil union status; arrest or court record; citizenship; credit history; genetic information; gender identity or expression; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking; or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law.