Director of People and Culture
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its newly created director of people and culture position.
This inaugural leadership role will provide high-level human resources (HR) and organizational strategy support to the ACLU-TN and to the executive director, Miriam R. Nemeth, who has led the organization since September of 2025. This is a hybrid leadership role based in the Nashville office.
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 director of people and culture leads all aspects of human resources operations, including recruiting, onboarding, retention, performance management, and training and development. The director leads and promotes an organizational culture consistent with the mission of the ACLU-TN, which is rooted in transparency, collaboration, equity, integrity, and accountability. This role requires a leader who can address complex personnel and organizational challenges directly, exercise sound judgment, and build and maintain a culture of accountability, respect, and exemplary performance.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience in human resources or a related field are required. A master's degree and a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification are preferred. A demonstrated commitment to ACLU-TN's mission, vision, values, and to supporting the fight for civil rights, civil liberties, and racial justice in the South is required.
Candidates are required to have a deep knowledge of HR laws, policies, and practices, including employment laws (e.g., FMLA, FLSA, COBRA, ADA, HIPAA, EEO), compliance requirements, HR best practices, and have the ability to read and analyze relevant legal and policy documents (laws, contracts, regulations, reports, data collections).
A preferred candidate will have experience or training in restorative justice or other conflict-resolution practices and strong leadership experience with a proven ability to influence staff dynamics, build collaborative teams, and cultivate a positive work environment.
In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to engage and work with diverse stakeholders (including colleagues, board members, vendors, and community members) in an open, respectful, and positive way.
- Experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff in leadership development and effective workplace communication.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the competence to communicate effectively, exercise diplomacy, and navigate complex workplace challenges.
- Demonstrated project management skills with exceptional organization, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities while ensuring the timely completion of key initiatives.
- Familiarity with financial management systems used for budgeting, financial tracking, reporting, and records management, along with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
The salary range for this position is: $110,000 - $115,000.
Application and Nomination
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with this search. Review of applications will begin September 4, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://apptrkr.com/9760329
- Contact Julie A. Leos 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 American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee (ACLU-TN) 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.
ACLU-TN is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.