Associate Director- Educational Opportunities Project

Washington, DC, United States

Associate Director- Educational Opportunities Project Ready to Make a Difference? Join Our Team: Associate Director - Educational Opportunities Project (EOP)

About Us: The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, founded in 1963 under President John F. Kennedy's directive, stands as a leading national civil rights legal organization. Our mission remains steadfast: fighting racial discrimination against African Americans and other communities of color, addressing inequality of opportunity, and advancing justice.

The Opportunity: We're seeking an experienced, talented, and dynamic Associate Director to assist in leading the organization’s Educational Opportunities Project (EOP). The EOP is dedicated to ensuring equal and equitable educational opportunities from PK-12 through higher education, in partnership with Black communities and other communities of color. Utilizing 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.

Position Details: This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, working under the supervision of the Director for the Educational Opportunities Project.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential responsibilities of the Associate Director include but are not limited to the following:

Program Development and Management: Subject to the direction of the Project Director, develop and manage 1-2 major programmatic lines of work that EOP handles.

Responsibilities within these lines of work include serving as a thought leader, supervising project staff, and actively engaging in investigations and litigation.

Duties include serving as lead counsel, drafting litigation documents, presenting oral argument, examining witnesses, and handling expert witnesses.

Intern Supervision and Management: Supervise and mentor EOP law student interns.

Assist other staff with supervising and mentoring undergraduate interns.

Compliance and Resource Management: Manage EOP staff compliance with maintaining detailed time records and utilizing litigation management tools.

Identify funding opportunities in conjunction with Development staff and work with funders to ensure program compliance.

Develop and manage the Project’s budget in conjunction with the Project Directors.

External Engagement: Engage in public speaking, lead events, and draft articles to advance the Project’s priorities.

Represent the Lawyers’ Committee at events, conferences, or meetings of national or regional significance.

Project Support and Collaboration: Support the EOP Director in managing the EOP’s work, including identifying priorities and ensuring effective resource utilization.

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 conjunction with other Projects at the Lawyers’ Committee.

Strategic Planning and Management: Translate the organization’s strategic goals into realistic and flexible plans.

Monitor plans to ensure positive outcomes and participate in management meetings.

Team Evaluation and Development: Assist the Project Director in evaluating employees for performance purposes.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

An ambitious and dedicated Attorney will fill the Associate Director position with civil rights expertise, including educational civil rights issues. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to racial justice and cultural competency and experience working with communities of color and other underserved and underrepresented communities. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of leadership and the ability to drive a vision within a complex and multi-faceted organization, and a track record of developing short and long-term strategic plans.

Required Qualifications: Admission to the DC Bar or ability to waive into the DC Bar.

Minimum of eight years of experience in leadership, management and supervising direct reports.

Experience in project-based grant management and interacting with funders.

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.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience in litigation, policy development, and advocacy related to educational civil rights issues is preferred.

Experience in project- based grant management and communication with funders is desirable.

Join Us in Advancing Educational Equity: If you are passionate about ensuring equal access to education and driving positive change in our society, we encourage you to apply. Together, let's work towards a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Apply Today: Be a part of our mission to create a more just and inclusive educational system. Submit your application and help us build a brighter future for all.

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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