Associate Director
About The Position
The Associate Director – Rural Justice Program provides critical leadership and operational support to CRLA’s Justice Centers. CRLA’s Rural Justice Program delivers direct legal services, place-based advocacy to expand equity in civic institutions, and specialized litigation to advance civil rights through a network of 17 Rural Justice Centers. The role bridges local and systemic advocacy by fostering collaboration, aligning local priorities with program priorities, and mentoring Justice Center Directors. Associate Directors ensure high-quality legal services that meet community needs and advance systemic change. The position supervises 5–8 Justice Center Directors, supports staff professional development, coordinates local advocacy with statewide initiatives, strengthens community partnerships, oversees complex litigation and systemic initiatives, and assists with strategic planning and program evaluation. It is a regular, full-time, exempt, non-union position. The listed job location is CRLA Headquarters in Modesto, California; the position description also states that the location may be any CRLA office.
Requirements
- At least 6 years of experience working with historically marginalized populations.
- At least 4 years of program management, supervisory experience, team leadership, or other leadership focused on developing skills and meeting program goals.
- At least 6 years in advocacy roles, the majority of which should be experience as an attorney.
- Admission to the California Bar or another State Bar, with willingness to take the next California Bar Exam.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in systemic advocacy and cross-functional team leadership.
- Knowledge of issues impacting rural, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities.
- Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to CRLA’s client communities.
Responsibilities
- Supervise 5–8 Justice Center Directors, fostering leadership, professional development, and a culture of equity.
- Provide formal and informal professional development and mentorship to CRLA staff.
- Serve as Acting Justice Center Director when a vacancy occurs.
- Coordinate local advocacy efforts with CRLA’s statewide systemic initiatives.
- Conduct regional case reviews and ensure consistency in advocacy approaches.
- Strengthen partnerships with local organizations so advocacy reflects community needs and priorities.
- Represent CRLA in public forums, policy discussions, and community events.
- Provide senior-level oversight of complex litigation and systemic initiatives, ensuring compliance with CRLA policies, grant requirements, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Assist the Program Director in developing logic models and work plans and evaluating advocacy outcomes.
- Implement strategic goals related to resource development, growth, recruitment, and retention.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
