Director of Equity and Culture

ACLU; Florida; Remote; USD 129,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Paid time off (vacation, holidays, and

Sick leave

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

ACLU of Florida seeks a Director of Equity and Culture to lead the affiliate’s Employee Relations Department, overseeing HR, labor relations, benefits, and staff development. This role anchors wellness, learning, and organizational culture across Florida offices and remote staff.

As a member of the Executive team, you’ll collaborate with the ED, CFO, and Board to advance equity, belonging, and effective HR operations. Strong leadership and union-relations experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field required.
• 7+ years HR experience and supervisory background.
• Experience with labor relations and collective bargaining preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee labor relations, recruitment, training, and benefits.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and bargaining agreements.
• Lead equity, wellness, culture, and learning programs.
• Support management with performance and disciplinary issues.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Leadership

Labor relations

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Master’s degree preferred

PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP preferred

Tools

HRIS systems

Learning management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: ACLU Offices (currently Miami or Tallahassee) or Remote within Florida

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Florida seeks a Director of Equity and Culture to join our Employee Relations Department and lead the affiliate’s human resources function. The Director manages employee relations — including coordinating union negotiations, participating in collective bargaining, managing grievances and internal complaints, and advising managers regarding labor laws, contracts, hiring, probation period and annual reviews, performance feedback and disciplinary proceedings — and serves as the anchor for staff wellness, learning and development, and organizational culture. This position may be based in one of the ACLU of Florida’s offices (currently Miami or Tallahassee) or work remotely within the state of Florida.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Florida (ACLU of Florida or ACLU-FL) is an affiliate of the national ACLU, a national public interest organization devoted to the defense of the Bill of Rights. For over 100 years, the ACLU has served as the nation’s primary protector of the liberties that define our democracy. The organization implements its vital civil liberties mission in all 50 states, in large part through affiliate entities such as the ACLU of Florida.

The ACLU of Florida, the state’s largest civil rights and civil liberties organization, employs litigation, public policy advocacy and organizing, and public education to protect and promote a broad range of constitutional values and individual rights, such as freedom of speech, racial justice, right to privacy, religious liberty, criminal justice reform, voting rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and immigrants’ rights. The ACLU of Florida litigates a broad range of complex constitutional cases in federal and state courts through direct representation, filing amicus briefs, and submitting administrative complaints to state and federal agencies.

Because of the confidential nature of this role, it is not a bargaining unit position.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Director of Equity and Culture oversees all aspects of the ACLU of Florida’s workforce, including labor relations, recruitment, hiring, employee training and development, benefits administration, salary surveys, performance management, employee relations, staff wellness, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and the Collective Bargaining Agreement — essentially acting as a bridge between management and employees to maintain a positive, values-driven work environment and optimize talent within the organization.

This position is part of the Executive team and works in close collaboration with the Executive Director (ED), Deputy Executive Director and Strategy Officer (DEDSO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as well as the Board’s Affiliate Equity Officer (AEO). It requires a high level of critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ingenuity in bringing successful resolution to unusually complex, sensitive and strategic situations and issues. The Director supervises the Human Resources Manager, who co-manages the department’s day‑to‑day HR operations — recruitment, onboarding, benefits, leaves of absence, policy and documentation maintenance, and staff engagement.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

Labor & Employee Relations

• Handles routine labor relations and human resources inquiries related to policies, procedures, and the bargaining agreement; coordinates resolution of complex matters in concert with appropriate management staff.
• Manages administration of the collective bargaining agreement, including compliance training, written guidance, checklists and tools for managers and implementation of grievance and arbitration procedures.
• Advises the Board, managers, and employees on sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including providing guidance in managing performance issues and disciplinary actions.
• Manages formal and informal complaints and grievances, oversees investigations, and advises the affiliate on a full range of employee relations matters, including development of performance management plans, disciplinary issues, employee assistance referrals, and reduction‑in‑force issues.
• Facilitates on‑going communication and working relationships with the bargaining unit and other staff, including coordination of joint labor‑management committees.
• May represent the ACLU of Florida in arbitrations and Employment Relations Board hearings related to unfair labor practice complaints.
• Conducts interviews and gathers information for employee relations matters such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other concerns; informs appropriate staff when additional investigation is required.
• Maintains current knowledge of employee and labor relations trends, legal decisions, and statutory changes; conducts research necessary to support employee relations.

HR Policy, Compliance & Operations

• Develops and recommends Human Resources policies, procedures and metrics concerning employee relations and personnel practices.
• Helps directors with hiring, evaluating, training, discipline, and dismissal of staff as necessary.
• Co-manages the Human Resources Manager’s recordkeeping related to hiring, termination, leave, transfer, and promotion, particularly as related to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) initiatives.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of laws, regulations and internal policies related to EEO, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, collective bargaining, unions, labor relations, and human resources and ensures policy cohesion and institutional compliance.
• Assists with preparation of plans, policies, documents, and reports, including EEO‑1 filings, organizational charts, labor agreements, and employee handbooks.
• Provides consultation and recommendations to senior management regarding human resources functions and benefits systems — including compensation and salary administration, employee rewards and benefits programs, professional development, time away and leave policies, and recruitment and hiring practices.
• Creates a variety of written and support materials to facilitate internal communications with staff, including policies, memoranda, project reports, and human resources analytics.
• Supervises the Employee Relations Manager, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback while entrusting day‑to‑day HR operations to that role.

Equity, Wellness, Culture & Learning

• Leads the creation, revision, and management of internal processes and protocols that advance equity through transparency and consistency across the organization.
• Develops and manages execution of the affiliate’s Staff Wellness Plan and Learning & Development strategy, including workshops, onboarding curricula, and internal cultural and identity‑responsive programming.
• Designs and administers tools to assess the cultural health of the organization — including a periodic culture and climate survey — and translates findings into recommendations and action plans for the Executive Team.
• Ensures the setting of guidelines and standards for organizational and workforce culture in alignment with principles of inclusion, equity, belonging, non‑discrimination, and the ACLU‑FL’s mission and core values.
• Disseminates information and manages the administration of regular trainings, workshops, and discussions for staff and the Board related to the elimination of individual and systemic bias, inequities, and exclusionary practices.
• In collaboration with the Employee Relations Manager, develops and facilitates the delivery of leadership and management trainings for supervisors — including foundational training during onboarding, annual refreshers, and deep‑dive training series.
• Supports staff during milestone and transition periods (e.g., leave, promotion, reorganization) and works with department leads to build coverage redundancies and succession plans.
• Assists with the planning and execution of staff culture events, including the organization’s all‑staff retreat, and manages relevant outside vendors and consultants where appropriate.
• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to racial equity competencies and addressing structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions by identifying and implementing changes that can produce more equitable outcomes — not only in terms of race/ethnicity, but also at the intersection of race/ethnicity, national origin, language, ability, age, veteran status, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation.

Talent Acquisition, Retention and Benefits Administration

• Supports and supervises Employee Relations Manager in developing and implementing effective recruitment, retention, onboarding and benefits management practices and systems.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment.

The ACLU of Florida reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

FUTURE ACLU’ERS WILL

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU of Florida and the broader civil liberties movement.
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging in their work, using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socio‑economic circumstance.
• Be committed to working collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflict.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

While no one person will have all of the qualities enumerated below, the successful candidate will bring many of the following qualifications and attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Human Resources or a business-related field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of Human Resources experience, including benefits administration, recruitment, and leaves of absence, and a working knowledge of state and federal labor laws.
• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience in Human Resources.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and labor relations processes preferred.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, or SHRM‑SCP preferred.
• Experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in HR processes preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential issues, research new areas, develop new expertise, and tap internal and external resources to identify solutions across a broad array of issues.
• Experience creating, implementing, or directly supporting values‑driven work, including culture and climate assessment and learning and development programming.
• Strong operations, project management, and experience leading trainings, workshops, and staff retreats.
• High emotional intelligence and self‑awareness, with demonstrated ability to build trust across a diverse workforce.
• Self‑motivated, with the ability to manage and complete a complex workload with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of administration of benefits and compensation programs.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that do not rely on the usage of generative AI.
• Meticulous and thorough record‑keeping skills, with the utmost discretion and confidentiality in handling employee records and personnel files.
• Proficiency in HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and related software.
• Knowledge of learning management and survey/data collection systems (e.g., LMS platforms, engagement survey tools).
• A valid driver’s license and regular access to a car; ability to drive to locations within Florida as necessary and to work evenings and weekends on occasion when needed.
• Unwavering commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and civil rights issues.

Preferred, But Not Required Qualifications

• Experience performing HR duties in a mid‑sized nonprofit (between roughly 15 and 80 employees).
• Experience performing HR duties for an organization engaged in litigation or legislative advocacy.
• Experience performing HR duties in a unionized environment.
• Strong visual presentation skills and familiarity with digital design tools (e.g., Canva) for internal culture and wellness communications.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based work, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

COMPENSATION

The ACLU of Florida is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, within the range of $128,600 to $160,700 (Pay Grade 20).

The ACLU of Florida provides excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance with generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies, as well as a Defined Contribution 401(k) Retirement Plan. Base vacation leave is five weeks per year, increasing to six weeks per year after five years of service.

WHY THE ACLU OF FLORIDA

Founded in 1955, the ACLU of Florida has spent seven decades defending and preserving the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States for the people of our state. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU of Florida takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all Floridians.

We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just to their work, but to their overall well‑being. At the ACLU of Florida, we offer a broad range of benefits designed to support the whole person — from time away to focus on the things that matter, to comprehensive healthcare coverage, retirement planning, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values of the ACLU of Florida and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us, these are not just check‑box activities, but a chance to make long‑term, meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization — one that respects and embraces difference, treats everyone equitably, and empowers our colleagues to do their best work. We are as committed to anti‑oppression, anti‑ableism, and anti‑racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe ‘We the People’ means all of us.

With this commitment in mind, we strongly 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, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, or to perform the essential functions of this job, the ACLU of Florida will provide one. We make every effort to ensure that our recruitment and employment efforts provide people with disabilities full opportunities for employment in all positions, and we undertake affirmative action strategies to help make that a reality.