Workers’ Rights Program Director

Asian Law Caucus • San Francisco, CA

77d • $161,197 - $176,144 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Asian Law Caucus (ALC) is seeking an experienced attorney to direct its Workers’ Rights Program, which works to strengthen worker power and protect Asian and Pacific Islander and other immigrant communities from wage theft, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, and employer retaliation. The Program Director will guide a team advancing workers’ rights through strategic litigation, community-centered policy advocacy, and direct legal services. The work also includes building partnerships with worker centers and community organizations to support workplace organizing, worker-led campaigns, and systemic change.

The Program Director will shape and execute the program’s strategic goals, lead advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, and work with other ALC programs and departments. The director will manage the program team, directly supervise attorneys, support staff development, oversee the program budget, and contribute to organizational leadership and decision-making. The role reports to the Legal Director and leads a team that includes a Managing Attorney, staff attorney, paralegal, and community advocate.

This is a regular, full-time, exempt management position based in San Francisco, California. It is hybrid and requires working in the office two days per week. Staff also participate in regular check-ins and organizational meetings, two annual retreats, an anniversary celebration dinner, and meetings as needed in the San Francisco Bay Area. Annual compensation ranges from $161,197 to $176,144, depending on relevant experience.

Requirements

• J.D. degree and membership in the California Bar.
• At least eight years of relevant experience in employment or workers’ rights law, or relevant legal practice.
• At least three years of experience supervising staff, managing a team, or equivalent demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience on cases.
• Experience in civil litigation, including law and motion work, discovery, and/or taking and defending depositions; direct legal services; or policy.
• Excellent research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to the audience.
• Experience working with external co-counsel or in coalitions with multiple organizational partners, and ability to resolve conflicts constructively.
• Ability to conduct long-term visioning and strategic planning for both the program and the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently and collaboratively with attorneys, community advocates, and community-based organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to building power for and with grassroots communities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with AMEMSA and API community members impacted by the immigration system.
• Non-English language skills in AMEMSA and/or Asian languages.
• Familiarity with the intersection of workers’ rights and immigration, national security, civil rights, or housing.
• Familiarity with practicing in a nonprofit organization.
• Problem-solving ability and a team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Advance a workers’ rights agenda at the local, state, and federal levels using integrated advocacy strategies.
• Develop and lead impact litigation to expand workers’ rights, with guidance and support from the Legal Director, Litigation Director, and Senior Counsel.
• Provide legal support for worker-led and worker-center-supported campaigns.
• Develop direct service priorities and plans and oversee their implementation with guidance and support from the Legal Director and Legal Services Director.
• Identify intersecting workers’ rights issues with other programs and collaborate with other Program Directors on strategy and execution.
• Develop community engagement, policy advocacy, and narrative-shifting strategies and coordinate their execution with the Community Engagement, Policy, and Communications Departments.
• Maintain technical expertise in employment law, workers’ rights, and related economic justice issues affecting clients and communities.
• Build and deepen relationships with grassroots partners, advocacy and legal organizations, and government officials, and oversee the program team’s coalition and community engagement.
• Represent the program and organization at conferences, coalitions, meetings, and other forums.
• Engage with funders in partnership with the Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, including providing written analyses and identifying opportunities.
• Work with Development and Program staff on grant proposals, reporting, and fundraising events.
• Participate as a leadership and management team member in organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Lead, manage, mentor, and directly supervise program staff and attorneys; recruit and hire program team members.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to attorneys and support staff, particularly in strategic litigation and creative advocacy.
• Develop and manage the program budget and resources with the Finance Director.
• Promote a healthy culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Benefits

• Generous vacation
• Paid holidays
• Medical insurance; ALC pays 100% of employee premiums and 75% of premiums for qualified dependents.
• Dental insurance; ALC pays 100% of employee premiums and 75% of premiums for qualified dependents.
• Disability insurance; ALC pays 100% of employee premiums and 75% of premiums for qualified dependents.
• Life insurance; ALC pays 100% of employee premiums and 75% of premiums for qualified dependents.
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Commuter benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match

What This Job Offers

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