Careers, Fellowships, Internships

The Position

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Human Resources Generalist will be a thought partner supporting the development of strategic human resources and organizational development initiatives aimed at creating a workplace culture centered on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The role will also be responsible for managing some of the day-to-day functions of human resources, including recruitment, hiring, and onboarding; professional development; benefits administration; and human capital management. The Human Resources Generalist will ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations and provide internal guidance around human resources-related issues and needs.

The position is full-time and based in Washington, DC.

Implement Human Resources Strategies, Policies, and Procedures

• Work with the COO to ensure that AU’s Human Resource systems, processes, and policies reflect the organization’s values
• Manage the implementation of policies and procedures related to onboarding and orientation, performance management, benefits, or other human resource functions
• Recommend alternative or new procedures and processes to maximize organizational effectiveness and efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local policies and laws
• Review, track, and document compliance with mandatory trainings
• Implement policies around remote, hybrid, and in-office work

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Support consultants, staff, and leadership in developing and implementing internal programs and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ensure completion of trainings for managers and employees on sexual harassment and other workplace policies
• Provide support in resolving employment-related issues, ensuring consistency and equity in handling employee situations and administering policies and procedures

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Support finance staff with the execution of payroll
• Administer company benefits and serve as a resource to staff for benefits questions
• Work with the COO to execute leave processes, including FMLA, parental leave, etc., and track leave balances

Recruitment and Hiring

• Support talent recruitment efforts, including posting position descriptions, coordinating the hiring process with hiring managers, screening candidates, and conducting reference and background checks
• Develop, recommend, and implement strategies to attract, hire, and retain a diverse workforce
• Manage communications with candidates during the hiring process
• Manage the onboarding, orientation, and offboarding processes

Human Capital Management

• Recommend learning and development programs and initiatives that provide internal development opportunities for employees
• Manage the performance review process, ensuring that staff and supervisors receive the necessary forms on schedule and providing support as needed
• Collaborate with the leadership to plan full staff retreats and team-building activities
• Work with COO to design and administer employee engagement surveys
• Advises supervisors regarding appropriate resolution of  employee relations issues
• Collaborate with the internship program manager to ensure a positive and productive experience for summer interns

And manage special projects as needed.

Salary and Benefits 

The salary for this position is $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience. Americans United offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid premiums for health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) with employer match, and commuter subsidy.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:

Americans United has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As a part of that commitment, AU has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all AU employees, interns, and fellows (AU staff) who work regularly or occasionally in the office are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If a candidate selected for hire has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, a medical exemption should be requested from Human Resources.

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a thoughtful, relevant cover letter and resume. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Americans United is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Apply Today

The Position

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) seeks a Digital Marketing Manager. This position, which will report to the Director of Digital Communications, will use a data-driven approach to run the organization’s growing email communication program. Working with the Communications and Development teams, as well as program departments, this role will plan, draft and execute email campaigns to achieve fundraising, advocacy, and organizing goals, as well as to engage, grow, and diversify our base of supporters through paid and organic growth strategies.

Background

Americans United plays a prominent role in the national debate over issues that have taken center stage in recent years, including discrimination in the name of religion, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, religious freedom, school prayer, and vouchers.

As part of this strategy, the organization is seeking a candidate with digital non-profit fundraising, analytics, and written communications skills to hit the ground running and take day-to-day responsibility for  our growing email communications program. The candidate will also work with the Communications team to maximize the impact of a new brand and positioning rolling out in early 2022, developing strategies to reach and educate new target audiences.

Position Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Digital Marketing Manager include:

• Work with the Director of Digital Communications and the Senior Director of Direct Response Marketing to help develop and implement email campaigns that grow the file, meet or exceed fundraising goals, support organizational initiatives, drive action for advocacy and optimize user performance and experience, based on data-driven messaging
• Manage the organization-wide email calendar and collaborate with members of the communications team and other departments to create an engaging communications strategy for our digital audience across platforms, including email, social media, the website, earned media, and other communications tools
• Project manage timelines for the execution of email communications calendar across internal team and external partners
• Help strategize methods for reaching new and diverse audiences
• With assistance from senior Communications staff, draft email content for targeted audiences, rapid response, and specialty emails
• Cultivate AU’s voice and the voice of AU staff and messengers
• Ensure email content is creative, inspiring, and engaging—including a weekly AU newsletter, organizing and advocacy outreach, and fundraising copy
  Oversee internal review routing process and coordinate copy editing

Execute production of email:

• Set up emails including HTML production, and dissemination
• Work closely with Design and Creative Manager on graphics & other creative content
• Build online petitions, advocacy actions, sign-up forms, and other landing pages
• Determine audiences and segmentation for email communication
• Manage quality control process for all mass email communication
• Conduct and report out performance analytics:
• Pull results and update performance tracking documents
• Identify the most effective strategies and messages
• Update team on metrics and performance in meetings and written narrative
• Other duties as assigned

Experience, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Minimum of 3-6 years professional email marketing experience with a proven record of success.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills and strong project management skills required.
• Experience working with a CRM like EveryAction/NGP VAN or similar email software required.
• Experience gathering data and using data to drive strategic decisions.
• Basic HTML/CSS skills required.
• Ability to troubleshoot email coding and email marketing software issues.
• Experience working with an advocacy organization strongly preferred.
• With guidance from senior Communications staff, ability to take complex policy/legal jargon and convert it into compelling, engaging, and simple actionable content.
• Ability to plan and manage under a tight deadline with the ability to multitask and be flexible and effective in fast-paced and high-pressure situations.
• Ability to manage up, collaborate with other departments on multiple projects and work effectively with senior colleagues in the organization.
• Ability to think strategically about AU’s big-picture goals and align the email program within those goals.
• Support and passion for church-state separation issues with a worldview that aligns with AU’s mission.

About Americans United For Separation Of Church And State

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all of us. Founded in 1947, Americans United is a diverse and dynamic organization composed of people from all walks of life: lawyers and lobbyists, students and activists, religious leaders, and impassioned Americans. AU includes people of faith and people who don’t profess any particular faith. It is a community that includes and welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, classes, and abilities. We welcome people who will want to help us protect religious freedom for all and help to protect the separation of church and state, and we recognize that that requires diverse perspectives.

Americans United uses high-impact litigation, powerful lobbying, and grassroots advocacy to ensure that:

• Religion does not dictate public policy.
• The government does not tell Americans what to believe or how to practice their faith.
• Discrimination is not justified under the guise of religious beliefs.

Through a strong, diverse national supporter network, both on the ground and online, AU defends the separation of church and state and protects religious freedom for all in communities across the country. Americans United is a 501(c)(3) organization and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Competitive Salary and Generous Benefits : Salary is $60,000-75,000 commensurate with experience. Americans United offers a comprehensive benefits package including employer-paid premiums for health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) with match, and commuter subsidy.

To Apply

Please e-mail a cover letter that explains why you are interested and qualified, and a resume to [email protected]

The Opportunity

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) is seeking a fundraising professional to serve as its Prospect Development Manager to support the development team with portfolio management, prospect development and research. The successful candidate will help build, evaluate, maintain and rate portfolios for four front-line fundraising professionals while also assisting with implementing and tracking a moves management system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for development of prospect and donor research, moves management, portfolio curation and pipeline building for both major gifts and foundation relations.
• Work directly with fundraisers to ensure portfolio assignments are clear and transparent, information is accurate, and moves management activities are tracked in the CRM to evaluate the success rate of converting prospects to donors and upgrading current donors.
• Research donors and prospects on a reactive and proactive basis with the goal of making appropriate assignments to development officers or building a roster of qualified prospects ready for assignment.
• Draft initial general operating support concept notes, proposals and reports for major donors and foundation funders.
• Compose detailed briefings for donors and prospects for use by fundraisers and executive staff and other team members ahead of events, meetings and calls.
• Ensure complete, accurate, and timely updates of information are maintained in the CRM as it relates to staff contacts, research notes, and prospect management data.
• Produce current and prospective donor profiles and help determine appropriate solicitation ranges and proposal ideas.
• Contribute to the identification and cultivation strategy of prospects by researching and identifying personal and professional affiliations.
• Develop dashboards to assess capacity, balance and overall health of portfolios for fundraisers.
• Design pipeline and fundraising activity reports for development officers.
• Provide regular reporting on metrics, portfolio baselines and pipeline management practices for development officers and departmental leadership.
• Assist and help manage prospect management meetings, contribute to the overall organizational structure of the development meeting and attend and participate in cross-department meetings.

Marginal Duties and Responsibilities (10%)

• Participate in appropriate professional development activities to keep current with issues and trends in the fundraising field.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree preferred
• Minimum of three to five years conducting prospect research and/or prospect management, with demonstrated experience in prospect research methodology and practice.
• Experience working with EveryAction or comparable fundraising-focused CRM.
• Experience using wealth screening and analysis tools and foundation research platforms for prospect research and portfolio management.
• Employee must have strong writing and communication skills to develop individual proposals and prospect reports.
• The ability to maintain accountability and to work independently and creatively, while functioning as part of a cooperative and coordinated team.

Personal Characteristics

• Advocate for church-state separation issues with a worldview that aligns with AU’s mission.
• Tact and diplomacy in building strong working relationships with colleagues.
• Conducts oneself in a professional, friendly and truthful manner.
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks and negotiate several priorities simultaneously.

About Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all of us. Founded in 1947, Americans United is a diverse and dynamic organization composed of people from all walks of life: lawyers and lobbyists, students and activists, religious leaders and impassioned Americans. AU includes people of faith and people who don’t profess any particular faith. It is a community that includes and welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, classes and abilities. Because we work on a wide variety of issues with many different communities, we value what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to our work.

Americans United uses high-impact litigation, powerful lobbying and grassroots advocacy to ensure that:

• Religion does not dictate public policy
• The government does not tell Americans what to believe or how to practice their religion
• Discrimination is not justified under the guise of religious freedom

Through a strong, diverse national supporter network, both on the ground and online, AU defends the separation of church and state and protects religious freedom for all in communities across the country. Americans United is a 501(c)(3) organization and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Competitive Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000

Generous Benefits: Americans United offers a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid premiums for health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and a 401(k) with match and commuter subsidy.

Position Closes: April 15

To apply:

Please send cover letter and resume [email protected]. No calls, please.

Because we work on a wide variety of issues and with many different communities, we value what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to our work.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) seeks a Development Intern to assist the Development department in its national fundraising efforts. Due to COVID-19, this internship will be remote. The Development Intern will report to the Major Gifts Officer and will work with the development team to support the organization’s ongoing fundraising efforts; activities include but are not limited to donor stewardship, major gift donor and foundation research, and development operations.

The Development Intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks in support of the department, including but not limited to:

• Conducting donor research (this include but not limited to google search, wealth engine, Foundation Directory Online, and EveryAction)
• Assisting in identifying donor prospects
• Maintaining prospect files
• Offering support for donor events
• Drafting letters and emails
• Updating AU’s database as needed

The strongest candidates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the separation of religion government, be responsible and hard-working, and have some or all of these skills:

• Writing concisely and persuasively
• Meeting deadlines and communicating about progress
• Organized and eager to learn new skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Drive

The internship is 25 hours/week from June 1 – August 6 (with some flexibility to accommodate the intern’s academic or other scheduling needs).

Americans United is an equal-opportunity employer and places strong emphasis on a diverse environment in which individuals are valued regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

How to Apply
When you submit your application, use this subject line: [First and Last Name] Development Internship Application. Send the following to [email protected] as attached PDFs:

• A resume (one page) outlining your relevant academic, campus, and professional experience
• A cover letter (one page) describing how your experience relates to the Development Internship and explaining why AU’s mission is important to you

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No calls, please.

Benefits
The Development Intern will be paid a stipend of $4,000. Interns receive substantive experience with in-depth exposure to some of the most important issues facing the country. Interns are encouraged and provided time to learn across the organization and from outside organizations as well as take advantage of learning opportunities in Washington, D.C.

AU can provide documentation for academic credit upon successful conclusion of the internship.

About Us

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the separation of religion and government as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all.

We envision a nation where everyone can freely choose a faith and support it voluntarily, or follow no religious or spiritual path at all, and where the government does not promote religion over non-religion or favor one faith over another.

We use high-impact litigation, powerful lobbying and grassroots advocacy to ensure that:

• Religion does not dictate public policy.
• The government does not tell Americans what to believe or how to practice their faith.
• Discrimination is not justified under the guise of religion.

Internship Description
Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) seeks a Digital Communications Intern to assist the Communications Department in social and digital marketing and communications. The Intern will report to the Digital Communications Director.

Interns have the opportunity to meet and learn from staff across the organization including communications, policy, and legal departments. They will get to connect with and learn alongside a cohort of summer interns working in various departments at AU. All interns also have the opportunity to be published on AU’s Wall of Separation blog.

The Digital Communications Intern will assist with creating and posting social media content to all of AU’s platforms, content management of the website, and assist with projects including graphic design and video production. The intern’s specific responsibilities may include assisting with the launch of AU’s official TikTok account, creating TikTok content, building AU’s TikTok following and engaging with social media audiences across all platforms.

The strongest candidates will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the separation of religion government; be responsible, hard-working, and excited to work with diverse staff and supporters; and have some or all of these skills:

• Writing concisely and persuasively
• Experience with social media management tools like Hootsuite.
• Strong interest or experience with Adobe Creative Cloud software (or other creative digital tools) for graphic and video production
• Knowledge of creative ways to build TikTok followings a plus
• Initiative and drive in offering suggestions to staff regarding digital media.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Drive
• Meeting deadlines and communicating about progress

The internship is 25 hours/week from May 31 – August 6 (with some flexibility to accommodate the intern’s academic or other scheduling needs). The intern will attend weekly all-staff meetings, team meetings, and 1:1 meetings with their supervisor.

Americans United is an equal-opportunity employer and places strong emphasis on a diverse environment in which individuals are valued regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

How to Apply
When you submit your application, use this subject line: [First and Last Name] Digital Communication Intern

Send the following to [email protected] as attached Word documents or PDFs:

• A resume (one page) outlining your relevant academic, campus, and professional experience
• A cover letter (one page) describing how your experience relates to the Digital Communication Internship and explaining why AU’s mission is important to youA sample TikTok video on a church-state separation issue of your choice (ex. why religious freedom matters, discrimination in the name of religion, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, etc.)
• Optional: 1 or 2 sample social media graphics on a church-state separation issue of your choice (ex. why religious freedom matters, discrimination in the name of religion, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, etc.)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No calls, please.

Benefits
The Digital Communications Intern will be paid a stipend of $4,000. Interns receive substantive experience with in-depth exposure to some of the most important issues facing the country. Interns are encouraged and provided time to learn across the organization and from outside organizations.

AU can provide documentation for academic credit upon successful conclusion of the internship.

About Us
Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a nonpartisan educational and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the separation of religion and government as the only way to ensure freedom of religion, including the right to believe or not believe, for all.

We envision a nation where everyone can freely choose a faith and support it voluntarily, or follow no religious or spiritual path at all, and where the government does not promote religion over non-religion or favor one faith over another.

We use high-impact litigation, powerful lobbying and grassroots advocacy to ensure that:

• Religion does not dictate public policy.
• The government does not tell Americans what to believe or how to practice their faith.
• Discrimination is not justified under the guise of religion. ​

AU has a staff of over 30 people and 5-10 interns during the summer. At this time AU staff are fully remote. Staff communicate via Outlook email, zoom meetings, and Slack.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is seeking legal interns who are committed to civil rights, impact litigation, and upholding core First Amendment protections. Full-time positions are available during the summer; both part-time and full-time positions are available during the fall and spring.

Your work will include defending the rights of women, LGBTQ people, and racial and religious minorities against religion-based discrimination. And you will fight to keep religion out of government—including through challenges to religious activities in public schools, public financing of religious institutions, and government-sponsored religion in the public square.

Americans United is the nation’s leading church-state advocacy organization. For the last 75 years we have litigated church-state issues in federal and state courts across the country, with a substantial practice before the federal courts of appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Most of our cases involve novel, cutting-edge First Amendment and other constitutional issues. In just the past few years, for example, we have litigated lawsuits and submitted amicus briefs challenging or opposing:

• Religion-based refusals by businesses and government officials to provide services to LGBTQ individuals and same-sex couples.
• Race-based and sex-based employment discrimination by religious employers.
• Trump Administration regulations that permit religious objectors to deprive women of insurance coverage for contraceptives.
• Trump Administration regulations that license healthcare workers to refuse care to women, LGBTQ people, and religious minorities.
• The Trump Administration’s anti-Muslim travel and immigration ban.
• Demands for exemptions for religious activities from COVID-19-related public-health orders.

Legal interns receive a substantive legal experience with in-depth exposure to some of the most important issues facing the nation. Interns assist with ongoing litigation by conducting legal and factual research and writing, analyze potential new litigation, and draft demand letters to resolve constitutional violations without filing suit.

Interns may also draft pleadings, briefs, or discovery. Our attorneys endeavor to prepare interns for public-interest legal practice, including by providing training and practical experience, in house and in conjunction with partner organizations. Interns are also encouraged to take full advantage of the many events that take place in Washington, D.C., or are available virtually.

Eligibility and Requirements: Law students (any year) who are committed to advancing the public interest and the separation of religion and government are encouraged to apply. Americans United includes and welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions or beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, and abilities. Because we work on a wide variety of issues and with many different communities, we value what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to our work.

Compensation: Academic credit may be arranged, and a stipend may be available. A commuter subsidy is also provided.

How to apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, law-school transcript, writing sample, and the names of three references to [email protected]. The cover letter should highlight why you want to work with us and what perspectives you would bring to strengthen our practice. The writing sample may be of any length; it should be your best example of comprehensive and detailed legal argument or analysis, should be your own work, and should not be substantially edited by anyone else.

Deadline: Positions will remain open until filled. Applicants for summer positions are encouraged to apply by January 15. Applicants for positions during the fall are encouraged to apply by September 1; applicants for positions during the spring are encouraged to apply by December 15.