National Director, Protecting and Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative

Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law • Washington, DC

294d • $192,994

About The Position

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. Through the Protecting and Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative, the Lawyers' committee provides advice (and when appropriate, representation) to eligible private, nonprofit, and government entities concerned about their DEI or race-conscious programs. The initiative will also create and distribute open-source educational materials through a broader campaign to counter anti-DE&I rhetoric and champion affirmative messaging about the imperative of advancing racial equity and DE&I in all facets of society. Its work will also include influencing federal policy actions designed to end or undermine such efforts. Through this work, the Lawyers' Committee will enhance both the individual and collective capacity of the field in an increasingly hostile legal, regulatory, and political environment. The National Director of the Protecting and Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative will coordinate these efforts by working closely with a team of in-house attorneys and policy advocates, and collaborating with pro bono and coalition partners to advance the Initiative's goals and priorities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years' experience working on civil rights issues, preferably related to employment discrimination, DEI, and/or contracting.
• Graduation from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the DC Bar; pending admission to the DC bar; or have the ability to waive into the DC Bar.
• Strong initiative, leadership and people management skills.
• Deep and demonstrated commitment to the advancement of civil rights and racial justice.
• Experience writing complex legal memoranda, managing and maintaining relationships with clients, and working with or leading teams of people in legal advocacy and/or investigations.
• Exceptional oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Experience working on federal policy related to employment, education, or housing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to produce high-quality work under pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Ability to build trust and credibility with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, Westlaw, and internet research tools.
• Experience working with or for communities of color.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally competent advocacy that centers communities harmed by discriminatory practices.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with diverse groups and coalitions.
• A high degree of professional ethics, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to take the initiative, think creatively, and work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel for litigation, conferences, and speaking engagements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the strategic advisory component of the Initiative, including monitoring intake processing, assigning cases, and ensuring timely case completion.
• Review and approve work product such as advice memoranda to clients, ensuring accuracy and quality control for all external-facing products.
• Work with the organization's Director of Pro Bono to recruit and deploy pro bono volunteers and law firms to assist in analysis, client advisory efforts, and production of internal and external materials.
• Lead ongoing community of practice among pro bono volunteer attorneys, including leading regular meetings and developing agendas and substantive meeting topics.
• Work with the organization's Director of Public Policy and policy team members to advance policy advocacy related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Represent the organization in high-level meetings with Congress, agencies, and the administration.
• Write or contribute to congressional testimony, administrative comments, and other policy documents.
• Engage in public speaking, including during events and briefings.
• Lead and coordinate work with coalitions and sister organizations.
• Coordinate efforts with sister organizations to ensure alignment in the provision of advice on pertinent topics.
• Lead development and distribution of open-source resources about the lawfulness of DE&I and race-conscious practices.
• Represent the Lawyers' Committee at related meetings and events.
• Deliver presentations analyzing the impacts of relevant court rulings, executive and regulatory actions, and anti-DE&I legal challenges.
• Coordinate work with the internal Communications team and technology consultants to amplify the Initiative's work.

Benefits

• Projected salary for this role is $192,994.88

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree