Director, Educational Opportunities Project

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

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.

Job Title: Director, Educational Opportunities Project

• Location: Washington, DC
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Union Classification: Non-Union
• Accountable To: Acting Co-Chief Counsel

About the Role

The Lawyers’ Committee is seeking an experienced, talented, and dynamic Director to lead the organization’s Educational Opportunities Project (EOP). The EOP strives to support the organization’s racial justice mission by ensuring access to equal and respectful treatment and equitable educational opportunities in PK-12 and higher education for and in partnership with Black communities and other communities of color. The EOP employs a three-pronged approach to its work: litigation, policy, and advocacy. The EOP also collaborates with other Lawyers’ Committee projects on intersectional work.

The Director of the Educational Opportunities Project will oversee all aspects of the project’s litigation and programs and develop and implement an integrated strategy that uses impact litigation, public policy advocacy, innovative programs and initiatives, and public education to promote racial justice and educational equity. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to racial justice, as well as cultural competency and experience working with underserved and marginalized communities.

The Director of the Educational Opportunities Project will lead a team that includes litigators, program managers, a senior coordinator, and one or more legal fellows. The Director reports directly to the Chief Counsel and is responsible for operationalizing the Project’s mission to promote educational equity and access for all students.

What You’ll Be Doing

Responsibilities of the Director, Educational Opportunities Project, include but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage all aspects of the Project’s litigation docket, public policy agenda, and programs and initiatives.
• Supervise all Project staff, including litigating and non-litigating attorneys, program managers, coordinators, and law fellows and legal interns. This may also include participating in the supervision or support of pro bono attorneys and other co-counsels supporting the Project’s active docket.
• Lead the Project’s litigation efforts in the courts.
• Identify the Project’s priorities and ensure that the Program’s resources are used effectively in support.
• Translate the organization’s strategic goals and priorities into realistic and flexible plans and monitor those plans to ensure positive outcomes.
• Serve as a thought leader on all issues related to all aspects of the Project’s work, and regularly engage in public speaking on panels, Congressional briefings, and other engagements.
• Represent the Lawyers’ Committee in coalition work, with the media, and at meetings with members of Congress and high-level staff at federal agencies.
• Coordinate with other Projects at the Lawyers’ Committee to develop and implement an intersectional approach to racial justice work.
• Work collaboratively with coalition partners to formulate legal and non-legal strategies to combat racial discrimination in education.
• Develop and manage the Project’s budget in conjunction with the Finance Department.
• Help develop grant proposals to fund EOP’s work, manage the spend-down of programmatic grants, and report programmatic updates to and engage with funders.
• Collaborate with Development and Communications staff in elevating the impact of the Project’s work.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies

• Admission to the bar of at least one state and, if not already admitted, will seek admission to the DC bar within one year of hire.
• A minimum of eight to ten years of professional experience is strongly preferred, although individuals with less experience but the requisite skills are encouraged to apply.
• Significant experience in litigating complex matters.
• Substantial litigation and/or advocacy experience on education discrimination matters and the ability to work with communities harmed by discriminatory practices.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including the general public, media, and policymakers.
• Highest integrity, sound judgment, and strong communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusiveness and respect for differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic circumstances.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully and the ability to resolve obstacles and/or conflicts.
• Commitment and demonstrated ability to provide culturally competent advocacy.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, think creatively, and work independently.
• Ability to travel for litigation, conferences, speaking engagements, and client development.
• Experience in management and supervision, with a demonstrated commitment to optimizing each team member’s skills and potential, is preferred.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today

Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits

The Lawyers’ Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability, and an employer-paid monthly cell phone stipend.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate based on actual or perceived race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, parental status, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, immigration status, union activities, political affiliation, military veteran status, credit information, or any other status protected under law.

Pay

$140,000-$185,000 annually.

Learn more here