Justice Center Director
About The Position
The Justice Center Director leads the operations and advocacy efforts of a CRLA Justice Center. CRLA’s Rural Justice Program provides direct legal services, place-based advocacy to expand equity in civic institutions, and specialized litigation to advance civil rights via a network of 17 Rural Justice Centers. The Justice Center Director is a critical leadership role, ensuring alignment with CRLA’s community lawyering principles and systemic advocacy goals. This role involves supervising a multidisciplinary team, managing a personal caseload, and fostering local partnerships to address systemic inequities and empower communities. In addition to their direct reports, the Director ensures the Justice Center is an equity-focused space where clients and community members can access the full range of CRLA services and resources.
Requirements
- A minimum of 4 years of experience working with historically marginalized populations.
- At least 3 years in advocacy roles, the majority of which should be experience as an attorney, with leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse community groups.
- Admitted to the California Bar or another State Bar with willingness to take the next California Bar Exam.
Nice To Haves
- 2 or more years of program management, supervisory, or leadership experience.
- Proven commitment to social justice and equity.
- Familiarity with systemic advocacy and legal issues impacting rural, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities.
- Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to CRLA’s clients.
Responsibilities
- Supervise attorneys, community workers, and support staff to deliver impactful advocacy.
- Lead team meetings, case reviews, and strategy discussions.
- Develop office workplans and other tools to guide and align staff efforts.
- Build trust and partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to inform advocacy efforts and expand CRLA’s reach.
- Serve as a community leader and trusted partner in external community spaces.
- Represent CRLA in public forums, policy discussions, and community events.
- Design and oversee initiatives that empower community members to participate in identifying systemic issues and crafting solutions, including facilitating and supporting a local advisory committee (Comité).
- Maintain an active caseload, contributing to both affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and other systemic advocacy efforts.
- Oversee the implementation of annual work plans, ensuring compliance with CRLA policies, LSC regulations, and ethical standards.
- Oversee building management, ensuring facilities requests are addressed.
- Ensure collaboration across CRLA staff co-located at the Justice Center.
- Facilitate resource sharing and collaboration with other Justice Centers and CRLA programs.
Benefits
- 100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance for employees and up to 50% for dependents coverage
- 401K retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately
- Professional dues are paid by CRLA (Bar Fees)
- Up to $8,000 law school Loan Reimbursement Assistance Program (LRAP)
- 15 days of sick leave
- 15 holidays each year
- Vacation (accrue 15 days for the first year of service and 20 days after one year of service at CRLA)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
