The ACLU is an non-profit, non-partisan organization of people who believe in the power of action. We are united by the quest – “We the people dare to create a more perfect union.”
Whether in the courts, statehouses, Congress or communities, we fight to defend the rights that the Constitution guarantees to all of us —regardless of who we are, where we come from, whom we love, or what we believe.
Together, we take up the toughest civil rights and liberties challenges of our time. We seek to inspire those who want change to become the ones who make change.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
4
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: The best part about working here is the mission itself. As a Senior Product Designer, my work directly supports critical civil liberties initiatives, which is incredibly rewarding. The team culture within the product and design departments in New York, NY, is collaborative and supportive. I've had solid opportunities for career growth by taking on challenging projects and mentoring junior designers. The work flexibility is also a huge plus, making it easier to balance personal life with a
Cons: While overall great, some internal communication processes could be smoother, especially across different departments within the national organization. Sometimes it feels like design decisions go through a slightly longer approval process due to the complex nature of our work and the various stakeholders involved in a non-profit setting. Also, compared to some tech companies, the pay and benefit package, while competitive for the non-profit sector, might not match pure tech industry
Advice to Management: My advice to management would be to continue investing in streamlining cross-departmental communication. Clearer pathways for feedback and decision-making could further enhance efficiency for product design projects. Also, exploring ways to further recognize and reward employees, perhaps through
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Pros: The opportunity to work on critical civil rights issues at a national level is unparalleled. My colleagues are brilliant, passionate, and deeply committed to the ACLU's mission. The work itself is intellectually stimulating, and you feel like you're contributing to something truly meaningful every day. The policy research and advocacy efforts are impactful.
Cons: The demanding nature of advocacy work means long hours are often the norm, especially during legislative sessions or major campaigns. Burnout can be a real risk if you don't actively manage your time and energy. While flexibility exists, the sheer volume of work can sometimes make it hard to disconnect completely.
Advice to Management: Continue fostering a culture that supports employee well-being and recognizes the demanding nature of our work. Perhaps explore additional resources or flexible scheduling options to mitigate burnout risks.
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Pros: The mission is what drives everyone here. It's inspiring to contribute to civil liberties advocacy. The colleagues are dedicated and brilliant, and there's a real sense of community. I've learned a lot about the non-profit sector and public interest law. The hybrid work model offers decent flexibility for a role like mine.
Cons: As with many large non-profits, processes can sometimes feel a bit slow or overly bureaucratic, which can impact the pace of projects. Resource allocation can occasionally be a challenge, affecting team capacity. It's important to be patient and persistent.
Advice to Management: Continue streamlining internal processes and enhancing cross-departmental communication to ensure faster project execution and better resource planning.
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I get 15 days of PTO annually as a program assistant at the ACLU, which is pretty standard for non-profits in Washington D.C. It accrues monthly, and you can roll over unused days, which is great for planning longer breaks.
Does the ACLU offer any employee discounts or special benefits for its staff working in nonprofit advocacy?
While the ACLU focuses on its mission, I found they offer competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits for employees in their national and local offices, which I appreciated during my time there.
What's the ACLU's hiring process like for roles in civil rights advocacy in New York?
My experience with the ACLU hiring process for a legal role was thorough, involving an initial screening, a technical interview, and a final panel discussion, which felt standard for a large non-profit organization focused on civil liberties.
What is the overall working culture like at the ACLU, especially for policy analysts in their New York office?
The ACLU fosters a highly collaborative and mission-driven working culture, encouraging open dialogue among staff. Policy analysts often work closely with legal and advocacy teams, contributing to a dynamic environment focused on civil liberties and civil rights.
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