Application Guide

How to Apply for Communication and Event Coordinator

at National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement

🏢 About National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement

NACOLE is the only national organization dedicated to civilian oversight of law enforcement, jails, and prisons, making it uniquely positioned at the intersection of criminal justice reform and community advocacy. Working here means contributing directly to increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement nationwide, which is especially meaningful given current social justice movements. The remote nature of the role allows for flexibility while engaging with a mission-driven team focused on systemic change.

About This Role

This Communication and Event Coordinator role is central to amplifying NACOLE's mission by developing and executing strategies that raise awareness of its programs and events. You'll create content across digital platforms, manage newsletters and donor communications, and assist in planning key events like the annual conference and webinars. Your work will directly support oversight agencies and practitioners, making law enforcement more responsive to communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking and scheduling social media posts to promote an upcoming webinar, then drafting a newsletter segment about NACOLE's latest oversight resources. In the afternoon, you could design graphics for an event flyer using Adobe Creative Suite, followed by coordinating logistics for a regional meeting via event management software, all while collaborating remotely with team members on strategy calls.

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🎯 Who National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Is Looking For

  • Has 2-3 years of experience specifically in communications or event planning within nonprofit, advocacy, or justice-related sectors, with proven ability to craft compelling narratives about complex issues.
  • Demonstrates proficiency with email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp), social media management platforms, and event software (e.g., Eventbrite), plus basic graphic design skills using Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Possesses strong storytelling and editing skills, able to translate NACOLE's technical oversight work into accessible content for diverse audiences, including donors and the public.
  • Is highly organized and independent, capable of managing multiple projects like webinar promotions and conference logistics in a remote setting while aligning with NACOLE's brand and mission.

📝 Tips for Applying to National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement

1

Tailor your resume to highlight experience with advocacy or justice-related communications, such as creating content for social justice campaigns, nonprofit newsletters, or community events.

2

Include specific examples of using email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) and event management tools in your work history, quantifying results like open rates or attendance numbers.

3

Showcase any graphic design skills or collaboration with designers by linking to a portfolio or describing projects that involved Adobe Creative Suite for promotional materials.

4

Research NACOLE's recent events, such as their annual conference or webinars, and mention how your skills could enhance their promotion or execution in your cover letter.

5

Emphasize your ability to work remotely with minimal supervision, providing examples of past remote projects where you managed communications or events independently.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine passion for NACOLE's mission of civilian oversight and criminal justice reform, explaining why this cause resonates with you personally or professionally.", 'Detail your experience with event coordination, especially for nonprofits or advocacy groups, highlighting skills in planning, promotion, and post-event follow-up.', 'Provide concrete examples of your communications work, such as developing a successful email campaign or social media strategy that increased engagement for a similar organization.', "Mention your proficiency with key tools like Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing software, and event platforms, tying them to NACOLE's specific needs as outlined in the job description."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore NACOLE's website and social media channels to understand their current content style, event offerings (e.g., past conferences, webinars), and key messaging around oversight.
  • → Review recent news or reports related to civilian oversight of law enforcement to grasp the broader context and challenges NACOLE addresses, such as transparency in policing.
  • → Look into NACOLE's membership and stakeholders, including oversight agencies and practitioners, to tailor your application to their needs and community focus.
  • → Examine NACOLE's mission statement and programs to identify how your skills could directly support their goals, such as increasing awareness through events or digital campaigns.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a communications strategy to promote NACOLE's annual conference to diverse stakeholders, including oversight practitioners and community supporters?
2 Describe a time you managed multiple projects simultaneously, such as coordinating an event while creating digital content, and how you prioritized tasks in a remote setting.
3 What experience do you have with donor communications or fundraising-related marketing, and how would you tailor messages to engage NACOLE's supporters?
4 How would you handle creating content about complex oversight topics (e.g., police accountability) to make it accessible and engaging for the general public on social media?
5 Can you discuss your experience with event planning software and registration platforms, and how you've used them to streamline processes for webinars or conferences?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning NACOLE's specific mission or how your experience relates to advocacy, justice, or nonprofit work.
  • Overlooking the technical requirements, such as failing to highlight proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing tools, or event platforms in your resume or cover letter.
  • Focusing solely on corporate or for-profit communications experience without demonstrating an understanding of the unique challenges in nonprofit or mission-driven environments.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement!

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