Careers, Fellowships, Internships

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 people in the United States. 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.

The organization 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 it works on a wide variety of issues with many different communities, Americans United values what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to its work.

Americans United uses high-impact litigation, 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; and discrimination is not justified under the guise of religious beliefs.

Americans United is a 501(c)(3) organization and is headquartered in Washington, DC. This role can work remotely from anywhere in the U.S. or locally in our Washington, DC office. Occasional in-person attendance at events and meetings will be required.

Job Summary

Under the guidance of the VP of Communications and the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Marketing will develop, initiate, and manage a marketing strategy for a national nonprofit, with a particular focus on digital marketing and emerging marketing tactics (podcasts, texting, etc.), that will complement our existing direct mail and email programs. The Director will prepare effective advertising campaigns based on market research that emphasizes data analytics to make strategic and data-driven decisions to ensure positive returns on investment. The Director will oversee strategy execution, propose and manage the marketing budget, and track and report on the progress of these campaigns.

Essential Functions

• Devise an effective nonprofit marketing and promotion strategy.
  • Define company and marketing goals in collaboration with other departments.
  • Oversee the planning, development and implementation of the marketing strategy that includes ads on social media, digital content, and other marketing.
  • Research the core issues and challenges on the target market and identify the best strategic marketing practices relevant to our industry.
  • Run regular campaigns (Giving Tuesday, year end, etc.), that integrate with direct mail and email campaigns.
• Oversee content production to ensure messaging consistency.
• Oversee the development and production of all marketing materials and collateral.
• Plan, allocate, and manage the marketing budget with VP of Communications.
• Prospect growth opportunities through market research and target audience analysis; determine how the organization can grow its audience in the short and long terms.
• Market for the Summit for Religious Freedom (annual conference held in Washington, D.C., organized by AU).
• Coordinate with and manage outside marketing vendors needed.
• Track advertising campaigns’ progress and present the VP of Communications with marketing performance reports.

Skills & Knowledge

• Portfolio of successful marketing/branding projects
• Fluency with current nonprofit marketing and fundraising practices.
• Knowledge of emerging marketing channels and current with online marketing techniques and best practices.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Thorough understanding of marketing strategies and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong data-analysis skills.
• Experience working with CRMs.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field; or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 8 years of marketing experience, especially in fields outside of direct mail and email.
  • Experience in or working with nonprofit organizations preferred.

Compensation

The anticipated salary will be $110,000 to $130,000, with a small upward locality adjustment for higher-cost geographic areas. AU offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee and all dependents.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Americans United has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, we have implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all Americans United employees, fellows, and interns are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to have received a bivalent booster shot. If a candidate selected for hire desires a medical or religious exemption, the candidate should make a request to our human resources personnel, and the request will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a thoughtful, relevant cover letter and resume.

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

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 people in the United States. 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.

The organization 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 it works on a wide variety of issues with many different communities, Americans United values what diversity and diverse perspectives bring to its work.

Americans United uses high-impact litigation, 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; and discrimination is not justified under the guise of religious beliefs.

Americans United is a 501(c)(3) organization and is headquartered in Washington, DC. This role can work remotely from anywhere in the U.S. or locally in our Washington, DC office. Occasional in-person attendance at events and meetings will be required.

Job Summary

The Media Relations Manager’s primary role is to ensure that  AU’s objectives and achievements are communicated efficiently and effectively to the media. The Media Relations Manager will help plan and direct the organization’s press strategy, coordinate organizational response to media inquiries, schedule interviews, pitch stories about the organization and its work, place op-eds, send press releases, monitor press and report on press hits, build and maintain relationships with the media, assess and research unfamiliar/emerging news outlets and manage press events. The candidate must have extensive media contacts at top-tier outlets, including cable news. This role does not include acting as a spokesperson for the organization; rather, the goal is to elevate the profile of the organization and its President.

Essential Functions

• Builds relationships with local and national reporters to book AU team members for media spots at the top TV, print, radio, podcast and online outlets
• Respond to media inquiries, schedule interviews, help AU team members to prepare for those interviews
• Pitch AU stories to media and AU op-eds to premier outlets
• Distribute press releases to media
• Monitor news to determine how AU is portrayed by the media and compile internal reports and tracking
• Coordinate, with VP of Comms, rapid response to developing news stories that concern AU’s issues (aka, newsjacking)
• Draft press releases, talking points, interview prep documents, and other media- and press-related documents
• Serve as the main point of contact for all media
• Use Cision (or similar media-monitoring software) to track earned media and contact reporters

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience working with the press
• Outstanding attention to detail and the ability to juggle priorities under tight deadlines
• Superior writing, editing and speaking abilities
• Able to produce text quickly and accurately
• Familiar with the press and what reporters require
• The ability to perform extensive research
• Ability to exhibit professional demeanor in fast-paced and high-pressure work environment
• Ability to prioritize and manage a wide array of projects to completion
• Reliable communicator, organized

Experience & Education

• Extensive media contacts at top-tier outlets, including cable news, and ability to manage and prioritize those contacts
• 4 years experience working in or with media in public relations, journalism
• A Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, public relations, communications, or related field; or equivalent experience

Compensation

The anticipated salary will be $72,000 to $92,000, with a small upward locality adjustment for higher-cost geographic areas. AU offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee and all dependents.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Americans United has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, we have implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all Americans United employees, fellows, and interns are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to have received a bivalent booster shot. If a candidate selected for hire desires a medical or religious exemption, the candidate should make a request to our human resources personnel, and the request will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please submit a thoughtful, relevant cover letter and resume.

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

Americans United for Separation of Church and State is looking for a two-year (Aug./Sep. 2024–Aug./Sep. 2026) Constitutional Litigation Fellow who is committed to civil rights, impact litigation, and upholding core First Amendment protections. Your work will include defending the rights of women, LGBTQ people, and racial and religious minorities against religion-based discrimination and oppression. 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 recent years, for example, we have litigated lawsuits and submitted amicus briefs challenging or opposing:

• Religion-based refusals by businesses, foster-care agencies, and government officials to provide services to LGBTQ people and religious minorities.
• Race-based and sex-based employment discrimination by religious employers.
• Efforts to deprive women of access to abortion and contraceptives.
• Trump Administration regulations that licensed healthcare workers to refuse care to women, LGBTQ people, and religious minorities.
• The Trump Administration’s anti-Muslim travel and immigration ban.
• Demands for religious exemptions from COVID-19-related public-health orders.

Fellows participate in all aspects of litigation before trial and appellate courts. Fellows write briefs, draft pleadings and discovery, work with clients, interview witnesses, participate in settlement negotiations, screen incoming complaints, and assist with development of new cases. Fellows may also have opportunities to take and defend depositions, conduct in-court examinations of witnesses, take part in oral arguments, and do public speaking. Under the close supervision of our experienced litigators, Fellows receive the intensive training in trial and appellate litigation needed to become the next generation of leading impact litigators. Fellows regularly go on to serve as judicial clerks or work for public-interest organizations, government, academia, or plaintiffs’-side civil-rights firms.

Eligibility and Requirements: Third-year law students, recent law-school graduates, and judicial clerks 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: $75,000–$78,000 annually, depending on experience. A comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) with match, and commuter subsidy.

Work Location: Fellows can work remotely from anywhere in the United States or locally in our Washington, D.C. office. Occasional in-person attendance at events and meetings in Washington, D.C. will be required, most likely twice per year.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: Americans United has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, we have implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all Americans United employees, fellows, and interns are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to have received a bivalent booster shot. We anticipate updating this policy to require any future booster shots recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. If a candidate selected for hire desires a medical or religious exemption, the candidate should make a request to our human-resources personnel, and the request will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, a resume, a law-school transcript, a writing sample, and a list of three references. 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. Please include your transcript, writing sample, and reference list in the same PDF file as your resume. If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Deadline: Open until filled. We encourage you to apply by September 12, 2023.

Apply Today

Americans United seeks 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 oppression. 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 recent years, for example, we have litigated lawsuits and submitted amicus briefs challenging or opposing:

• Religion-based refusals by businesses, foster-care agencies, and government officials to provide services to LGBTQ people and religious minorities.
• Race-based and sex-based employment discrimination by religious employers.
• Efforts to deprive women of access to abortion and contraceptives.
• Trump Administration regulations that licensed healthcare workers to refuse care to women, LGBTQ people, and religious minorities.
• The Trump Administration’s anti-Muslim travel and immigration ban.
• Demands for religious exemptions 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 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: A stipend of $6,800 for a ten-week term for summer interns.  For spring and fall interns, support in obtaining academic credit or a prorated stipend will be available. A commuter subsidy is also provided.

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.

Work Location: Interns can work remotely from anywhere in the United States or locally in our Washington, D.C. office.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: Americans United has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, we have implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all Americans United employees, fellows, and interns are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to have received a bivalent booster shot. We anticipate updating this policy to require any future booster shots recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. If a candidate selected for hire desires a medical or religious exemption, the candidate should make a request to our human-resources personnel, and the request will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, law-school transcript, writing sample, and a list of three references. 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. First-year law students who apply before receipt of their initial grades may submit a law-school transcript that shows their initial courses or an undergraduate transcript. Please include your transcript, writing sample, and references in the same file as your resume. If you have any questions about an internship position, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Apply Today

The Public Policy Intern will help to monitor legislation introduced in the states, analyze state bill language, and conduct legal research. They will also help draft letters, amendments, and social media content, including blog posts.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State – the nation’s leading church-state advocacy organization – seeks second- or third-year law students or recent graduates who are interested in civil rights, legal policy, and upholding core First Amendment protections to work as a Public Policy Intern. Both part-time and full-time positions are available during the spring (January – May).

For the last 75 years, Americans United has fought to protect the separation of church and state, which is the foundation of religious freedom for all. As a public policy intern, you will get experience working as a legislative lawyer, operating at the intersection between law and state policy. You will be working most closely with the State Policy Counsel on state advocacy, where some of the most notable and novel policy battles in the area of constitutional law and religious freedom happen. In the last year, we have tracked more than 1,600 bills, including bills that were designed to promote religion in public schools, that would misuse religious freedom in order to discriminate against LGBTQ people and deny women access to reproductive healthcare, and those that would create private school voucher schemes

The Public Policy Intern will receive a substantive legal and policy experience while working on a variety of issues. The Intern will help to track state legislation as it moves through the legislative process, analyze bills, conduct legal research, and draft letters, amendments, and social media content, including blog posts. This work will help you recognize and assess the legal and political aspects of state legislative issues; perform background research necessary to understand and address the issues; and develop legal and policy arguments to respond to the issue.

Eligibility and Requirements: Second- and third-year law students and recent law-school graduates are eligible to apply. Applicants should have strong research, writing, and analytical skills, an interest in statutory interpretation and legislative advocacy, and an interest in First Amendment jurisprudence.

Compensation: Interns will either obtain credit or funding through their law schools or receive a stipend from Americans United in an amount based on the number of hours/week worked and duration of the internship.

Work Location: Spring 2024 internships are remote and can be performed from anywhere within the United States. Interns may make arrangements to work in AU’s Washington, D.C. offices, if desired.

How to apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, law-school transcript, writing sample, and one reference. 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 should be 3-5 pages; 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: Applications are considered on a rolling basis through December 15, 2023.

COVID Vaccination Policy: Americans United has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, we have implemented a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all Americans United employees, fellows, and interns are required to be vaccinated against COVID and to have received a bivalent booster shot. If a candidate selected for hire desires a medical or religious exemption, the candidate should make a request to our human resources personnel, and the request will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. AU 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