The ACLU of Illinois is one of the largest state affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nationwide, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU has been at the forefront of nearly every major battle for civil liberties and civil rights in this country and continues to work through integrated advocacy to advance equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most marginalized in our society.

Job Description:

The ACLU of Illinois seeks a Data and Operations Specialist, eager to join our ambitious, collaborative Philanthropy and Engagement (P&E) team and play a key role in stewarding our donors during an important time for our organization and our country. 

The person in this position will meticulously enter gifts from a variety of funding sources and produce personalized acknowledgement letters for donors of all giving levels. They will liaise regularly with the ACLU of Illinois’ Finance department, working together to reconcile fundraising revenue on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.

The Data and Operations Specialist will maintain a high standard of data integrity, updating supporter contact information and other preferences on a regular basis. This work will influence their ability to pull accurate, impactful reports, which enhance the P&E team’s work to cultivate current donors and prospects and engage ACLU supporters of all affiliations across the state. 

The Data and Operations Specialist will also support and partner with P&E teammates to support our fundraising and engagement activities. Work may include scheduling meetings, tabling at events, responding to general supporter inquiries, and other opportunities to help move the work of the P&E team forward.

The Data and Operations Specialist will report to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement, along with P&E and Finance teammates, to help the ACLU of Illinois reach our ambitious revenue goals and strengthen engagement with supporters. This position will also work collaboratively across the ACLU of Illinois office and engage virtually with colleagues across the country, particularly with regard to data management practices. 

Employment Status:

Full-time exempt position that is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers/United Auto Workers Local 2320. This position is based at our Chicago, Illinois office and, work permitting, offers a hybrid work structure of four days in office and one day of remote work after the introductory training period. 

Responsibilities:

• Processing gifts and entering them promptly and meticulously into our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database (currently using Salesforce but transitioning to Blackbaud in 2027).
• Preparing, printing, and mailing personalized gift acknowledgements, working closely with organizational leadership to ensure each letter is signed and directed properly.
• Liaising regularly with the Finance team to ensure fundraising and financial revenue accounting matches up accurately.
• Build, run, and distribute reports to support donor prospecting and broad supporter engagement efforts of the P&E team.
• Maintain a clean Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database, including regularly updating contact information and account ownership.
• Present organizational fundraising and engagement trends to P&E colleagues on a monthly basis.
• Track and manage event RSVPs, reaching out to event guests for additional information as needed.
• Represent the ACLU at community events, including tabling and connecting with supporters to enhance their connection with the organization and our work.
• Schedule meetings, order supplies, and provide other operational support to the P&E team as needed.
• Support ACLU-IL events and other engagement initiatives as appropriate.
• Contribute to the P&E team’s collaborative shared leadership model.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in data management, preferably using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database.
• Demonstrated competence in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail in research, reporting, and written materials.
• Commitment to the ACLU’s mission and a willingness to be curious about our work and supporters. 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed data analysis, summarize findings, and communicate about complex data. 
• Ability to exercise discretion, uphold the highest level of confidentiality, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, communicating effectively with teammates when timelines change.
• Commitment to the ACLU’s mission and a willingness to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Illinois and activities across the country.
• Ability to give and receive professional feedback.
• Dedication to fostering a positive and welcoming environment for all people. 
• Willingness and availability to work outside of normal 9-5 work hours and on weekends as needed. 

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Salary and Benefits: 

The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience. As an example, the annual salary for an individual with 1 year of experience is $55,000.

Benefits include:

• Vacation: 15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days of paid vacation thereafter. 
• Health benefits: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents. 
• Retirement benefits: 6% employer-paid retirement contribution after 1 year without any employee contribution, plus 50% employer retirement match of the first $125 the employee contributes per pay period (there are 2 pay periods per month / 24 pay periods per year).
• Other benefits: 100% employer-paid life insurance; employee assistance program; short and long-term disability insurance. Paid parental leave after 1 year. Flexible spending account.

ACLU Employment Statement:

The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage 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, criminal record, or veteran status.

The ACLU of Illinois is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email jobs@aclu-il.org. If selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

How to Apply: 

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that shares your motivation for joining our Philanthropy and Engagement team and how this position fits within your career goals. Please do not exceed one page. 

We intend to review applications on a rolling basis and are prepared to have the person in this position begin as soon as May 2026.