Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Associate Director- Educational Opportunities Project

Washington, DC
Full Time
Educational Opportunities Project
Manager/Supervisor
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Associate Director, Educational Opportunities Project
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role:
The EOP is dedicated to ensuring equitable educational opportunities from PK-12 through higher education, in partnership with communities of color. Applying a three-pronged approach encompassing litigation, policy, and advocacy to carry out its work, the EOP also collaborates with other Lawyers’ Committee projects on intersectional work. Interfacing with private law firms and community leaders, the EOP has been successful in promoting diverse and integrated learning environments; enforcing the rights of students with disabilities and English language learners, challenging discriminatory school discipline policies, student assignment practices; as well as school funding inequities. 

We're seeking an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic attorney with civil rights expertise, to hold the title Associate Director, leading the Educational Opportunities Project (EOP) and their initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a dedication to racial justice and cultural competency and have experience working with communities of color and other underserved and underrepresented communities. The successful candidate will have a consistent record of leadership and the ability to drive a vision within a complex and multi-faceted organization, as well as a track record of developing short and long-term strategic plans.

What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of the Associate Director include but are not limited to:
  • Serve as lead counsel drafting litigation documents, presenting oral arguments, examining witnesses, and handling expert witnesses regarding education discrimination cases.
  • Support the EOP Director in leading the EOP’s work, including identifying priorities and ensuring effective resource utilization.
  • Lead 1-2 major programmatic lines of work that EOP handles, subject to the direction of the Project Director.
  • Engage in public speaking, lead events, and draft articles to advance priorities.
  • Represent the Lawyers’ Committee at events, conferences, or meetings of national or regional significance.
  • Identify funding opportunities in conjunction with development staff and work with funders to ensure program compliance.
  • Develop and manage the project’s budget collaborating with the Project Director.
  • Manage EOP staff compliance with maintaining detailed time records and using case management tools.
  • Assist with administrative tasks, including drafting the Quarterly Board Report.
  • Identify continuing legal education and professional development opportunities for staff.
  • Amplify the Project’s work and reach in alignment with other Projects at the Lawyers’ Committee.
  • Translate the organization’s strategic goals into realistic and flexible plans.
  • Monitor plans to ensure positive outcomes and participate in management meetings.
  • Serve as a thought leader, supervising project staff, and actively engaging in investigations.
  • Assist the Project Director in evaluating employees for performance purposes.
  • Supervise and mentor EOP law student interns.
  • Assist other staff with supervising and mentoring undergraduate interns.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
  • Admission to the DC Bar or ability to waive into the DC Bar.
  • Minimum of eight years of professional experience is required, although individuals with less experience but the requisite skills are also encouraged to apply.
  • Experience in leadership, management, or supervision, with a proven commitment to optimizing each team member’s skills and potential.
  • Significant experience in litigating complex matters.
  • Significant litigation, policy, and advocacy experience in educational civil rights issues.
  • Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Deep commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Ability to work collaboratively, resolve conflicts, and provide culturally competent advocacy.
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to travel for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements, and client development.
Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!
Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.
 
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