Job Description
2026 ACLU-NC Board of Directors and Trustees Application The ACLU is the United States’ preeminent civil liberties organization, dedicated to defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by our Constitution and laws. We do this through multi-tiered advocacy that includes litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, and civic education. Our issue areas comprise some of the most pressing civil rights and civil liberties issues of our time, including racial justice, immigrants’ rights, reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ equality, criminal justice reform, and voting rights.
The ACLU of North Carolina is one of 50-plus state affiliates. Our unique structure allows us to have our own priorities and leadership structure, while working with the national organization and other state affiliates to fulfill wide-ranging goals. We seek passionate, driven North Carolinians with diverse backgrounds and experiences to join our board of directors to help guide the ACLU-NC as we maintain our role as a leader in the fight for justice in North Carolina and beyond.
The ACLU-NC Board of Directors and Trustees (the “Board”) is a governing board, not a board that involves ourselves in the daily operations of the organization and staff. The Board is responsible for effective governance of the organization: ensuring fiscally sound programs, providing strategic direction for the organization, and working with the Executive Director to ensure we have the greatest impact. All directors are expected to learn the organization’s policies and priorities, prepare for and attend board meetings, represent the organization publicly, and serve on committees. Board members do NOT have required fundraising goals.
We hold quarterly 5-hour meetings (usually on a Friday or Saturday), an annual all- day retreat, monthly committee meetings, and occasional teleconferences when quick decisions are required. These meetings require prior preparation, depending on leadership role and special topics to be raised at the meetings. We also encourage board members to support the organization however they can, by attending public events, writing op-eds, participating in social events, and more.
To keep large meetings effective and efficient, most of our work is done in committees. Every board member must be a member of at least one committee, and committees hold virtual meetings, typically monthly for an hour (at a mutually convenient time for their members). The work done for these committees ranges from less than an hour to a few hours per month depending on one’s role. 2026 will be an exciting time to be a part of the organization, as we will be engaging in our strategic planning process.
The ACLU-NC places a high priority on promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for its staff and volunteer leadership. Therefore, we strongly encourage all qualified individuals to apply—especially people that have been traditionally marginalized in North Carolina and people who are formerly incarcerated or otherwise directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
Please consider applying if you have the experience, time, and commitment to our mission. Selected nominees are interviewed by the Executive Director and at least one board member. Deadline for applications is 5:00pm, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The ACLU-NC and the ACLU-NCLF is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Recognizing that strict minimum requirements tend to disproportionately discourage women and people of color from applying for jobs for which they would otherwise be competitive, we encourage all qualified individuals to apply -- especially people of color; women; people from low-income backgrounds; people with disabilities; people who identify as LGBTQ+; and people who are formerly incarcerated or otherwise directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
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