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Aclu Norcal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fellow

Fresno, CA · On-site

$113K - $124K/yr

ACLU NorCal seeks two Fellows to join our Legal Advocacy department. The Fellows will serve a two-year term, starting in Fall 2027. Over the course of those two years, the Fellow will help to develop ...

Campaign Coordinator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$28.84 - $37.26/hr

The Campaign Coordinator will support ACLU NorCal's electoral engagement work ahead of the November 2026 general election through a variety of voter contact methods. The campaign coordinator will ...

Campaign Coordinator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$28.84 - $37.26/hr

The Campaign Coordinator will support ACLU NorCal's electoral engagement work ahead of the November 2026 general election through a variety of voter contact methods. The campaign coordinator will ...

Aclu Norcal information

What are some common challenges faced by staff at ACLU NorCal, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Staff at ACLU NorCal often work on complex legal and advocacy projects that require balancing multiple priorities, responding to urgent civil liberties issues, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. New team members should be prepared for a fast-paced environment where flexibility and strong communication skills are essential. Gaining familiarity with current civil rights issues and the organization's active campaigns can help new hires hit the ground running. Additionally, being comfortable working across departments and with community partners is key to success in this dynamic setting.

What is ACLU NorCal?

ACLU NorCal, or the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and advancing civil liberties and civil rights for all individuals in Northern California. The organization focuses on issues such as free speech, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, immigrants’ rights, and police practices. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, ACLU NorCal works to protect and expand individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ACLU of Northern California (ACLU NorCal) staff member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ACLU NorCal staff member, you need a strong background in civil rights, public policy, legal research, or advocacy, often supported by a relevant degree or professional experience. Familiarity with legal databases, case management systems, and advocacy tools such as social media platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and cultural competency are important soft skills for engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to effectively advance civil liberties and social justice initiatives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

What is the difference between Aclu Norcal vs Legal Advocate?

AspectAclu NorcalLegal Advocate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in civil rights or legal workVaries; often requires legal knowledge, sometimes a law degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organization, advocacy-focusedLegal firms, nonprofit legal services, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by civil rights organizations, advocacy groupsLegal services, public interest law, nonprofit legal aid

While both roles involve legal knowledge and advocacy, Aclu Norcal focuses on civil rights advocacy within a nonprofit setting, whereas Legal Advocates may work in legal firms or legal aid organizations providing direct legal support.

More about Aclu Norcal jobs
What cities are hiring for Aclu Norcal jobs? Cities with the most Aclu Norcal job openings:
What states have the most Aclu Norcal jobs? States with the most job openings for Aclu Norcal jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aclu Norcal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 4% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Intake Counselor - Volunteer

ACLU of Northern California

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

This is a volunteer opportunity available in the ACLU Foundation of Northern California's Legal-Policy Department.
About the organization and the department
The mission of the ACLU Foundation of Northern California (ACLU NorCal) is to be an enduring guardian of justice, fairness, equality, and freedom, working to protect and advance civil liberties for all Californians. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the Legal-Policy team which pursues cutting edge impact litigation and promotes policy change in order to defend and expand the civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the California Constitution.
The position
Intake Counselors support the Civil Liberties Intake Program by processing requests for legal assistance, distributing know-your-rights materials, etc. The Intake Counselor position is supervised by the Intake Program Manager.
Responsibilities can include:
  • Answering phone calls received through our Civil Liberties Hotline;
  • Conducting initial interview questions with the callers, writing clear and complete notes during the call, and documenting relevant matters in a concise manner;
  • Reviewing, evaluating, and responding to written requests for assistance, including mail and online complaints; and
  • Working with a web-based database to enter and update information from the intake, as well as catalog that data within the system.

Qualifications
The ACLU NorCal values equity and inclusion and encourages a diversity of candidates from various backgrounds to apply.
Individuals joining the Legal-Policy Department team as a Volunteer Civil Liberties Intake Counselor must have the following skills and qualifications:
  • Strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission of the ACLU of Northern California (for examples of our work, see the ACLU NorCal's online legal docket: https://www.aclunc.org/our-work/legal-docket);
  • Ability to adhere to a strict code of confidentiality;
  • A dedication to ongoing learning on how to best perform intake volunteer duties;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Proficiency with or willingness to learn Outlook;
  • Proficiency with or willingness to learn a web-based database; and
  • Highly organized and careful attention to detail.

Helpful but not required skills and qualifications include
  • Advanced or higher proficiency in Spanish (reading, writing, listening, and speaking);
  • Experience with a web-based database.

Time commitment & benefits
We require a minimum 4-month commitment of at 6 least hours during the workweek (Monday - Friday). This is an unpaid position.
To apply
The cover letter should include why you are interested in this volunteer position and what your availability will be for the coming months.
The ACLU of Northern California advances equity and inclusion in the workplace by providing equal employment opportunity to support a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (over 40), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, and any other basis prohibited by law. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. This equal employment opportunity policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, advancement, training, problem resolution, and separation from employment. Through this policy, the ACLU NorCal strives to establish and maintain an equitable and accessible work environment that is free from discrimination and supportive of a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our communities and the people we serve. ACLU NorCal will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).