Director, Education and Law

North Carolina Justice Center • Raleigh, NC

8d • $100,000 - $106,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking an accomplished attorney and inspiring leader to serve as the next Director of the Education and Law Project. This is an opportunity to lead one of North Carolina's most respected education advocacy teams while helping ensure that every child—regardless of race, income, disability, language, or zip code—has access to a high-quality public education. This role is for a leader who is equally comfortable developing legal strategy, mentoring a high-performing team, building coalitions, influencing public policy, and representing the organization as a trusted voice on educational equity. If you are energized by complex legal work, collaborative leadership, and advancing systemic change, we'd like to meet you. As Director, you will provide strategic leadership for the Education and Law Project while serving as one of the organization's senior legal experts. You will guide the project's vision, manage talented staff, strengthen partnerships across North Carolina, and help shape policies that improve educational outcomes for students and families.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina or a state with reciprocal jurisdiction
• Brings significant expertise in education law, with the ability to navigate complex legal issues while advancing equitable outcomes for students, families, and North Carolina public schools.
• Significant experience practicing law, with substantial experience in education law, civil rights, public interest litigation, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, managing projects, and developing staff.
• Excellent litigation, legal writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Experience building partnerships across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to racial equity, educational opportunity, and the mission of the North Carolina Justice Center.

Nice To Haves

• Active member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar.
• Experience with nonprofit leadership, legislative advocacy, impact litigation, grant- funded initiatives, and coalition building is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Leading the overall strategy, operations, and performance of the Education and Law Project.
• Supervising, coaching, and developing attorneys and other project staff.
• Providing legal leadership through litigation, legal analysis, advocacy, and strategic counsel on complex education law issues.
• Developing and implementing innovative strategies that advance educational equity through the courts, public policy, and community engagement.
• Building strong relationships with clients, educators, advocates, policymakers, coalition partners, and community organizations.
• Managing project budgets, grants, contracts, and reporting requirements.
• Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities while partnering with development staff on grant proposals and funder engagement.
• Serving as a member of the Justice Center's Coordinating Council, contributing to organizational leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Representing the Justice Center before courts, administrative agencies, legislative bodies, public forums, and the media.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree