Executive Director
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN or the ACLU of Tennessee) 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. This is an on-site, in-person leadership position based in Nashville, Tennessee. Ideally, the executive director will take office in the summer of 2025.
The https://www.aclu-tn.org/ is one of 54 affiliates of the https://www.aclu.org/, 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.
The executive director has primary responsibility for managing the organization’s day-to-day activities and operations, leading fundraising efforts, directing the work and development of a diverse and dedicated staff, and serving as the primary spokesperson for ACLU-TN. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director ensures 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 is responsible for a $2.6 million budget and a staff of 15, including three direct reports.
Qualifications
The next executive director will have the opportunity to make a transformational impact on the ACLU of Tennessee. The organization 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, driving innovation, and leading organizational change. The successful candidate will be able to bring new energy and life to ACLU-TN, 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 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 and Nomination
The ACLU of Tennessee has exclusively retained Spelman Johnson to assist in this search. Review of applications will begin immediately with the goal of announcing the new executive director in July 2025. Complete applications received by May 2, 2025, will be assured full consideration. To submit a resume and cover letter as well as view the position specification, including a full list of the qualifications and characteristics sought in the next executive director, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6116162
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.
• 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 Tennessee website at https://www.aclu-tn.org/.
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.