Director, State Courts

Alliance for Justice (AFJ) and Alliance for Justice Action Campaign (AFJ Action)

Alliance for Justice (AFJ), a 501(c)(3) national association of nearly 140 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy, and Alliance for Justice Action Campaign (AFJ Action), an affiliated 501(c)(4) advocacy organization, are seeking a Director of State Courts.

AFJ envisions a vibrant, ambitious, multi-racial democracy where historically marginalized voices are amplified to upend exclusionary systems and center justice in our institutions of power. AFJ works toward that vision by building the strength of progressive movements with training and education for nonprofit organizations on advocacy, while harnessing their collective power to transform our state and federal courts.

AFJ Programs

AFJ has two primary programs:

Justice Program

This program works to ensure that our state and federal courts protect our democracy, advance core constitutional values, preserve human rights and access to justice, and adhere to the even-handed administration of justice for all. A key aspect is vetting and advancing a diverse pool of highly qualified state judicial nominees and leading a campaign to educate the public on the importance of state supreme courts. The program also promotes structural and policy reforms to ensure courts provide equal justice under the law.

Bolder Advocacy Program

This program works with nonprofits and foundations to help them navigate the rules surrounding 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PACs so they can be more courageous and effective in their advocacy.

AFJ Action promotes a national conversation about the importance of courts by educating and mobilizing progressive advocates and voters. AFJ Action educates voters to fight for judges who will protect rights and holds elected leaders accountable for their judicial appointments. The organization conducts research and equips advocates, officials, political leaders, and media with tools to elevate the courts during elections.

Director of State Courts Position

The Director of State Courts will have experience with the broad range of legal policy issues handled by AFJ and AFJ Action and will report to the Justice Program Director.

Job Purpose

State courts handle over 95% of the nation’s cases, including more than 70 million cases annually, and are the source of over 30% of federal judges. Given the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, state courts have become essential in protecting vital rights and democracy. AFJ and AFJ Action are committed to defending state courts vigorously. Since 2020, AFJ has led on state supreme court issues, advocating for equal justice and diverse judicial appointments.

The Director of State Courts will oversee AFJ and AFJ Action’s work to raise awareness about the importance of the state judiciary, develop strategies, grow the team’s capacity, and engage directly in state court appointments and campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop strategy and set AFJ/AFJ Action program priorities related to promoting the importance of state supreme courts and their justices.
• Direct AFJ/AFJ Action’s advocacy related to state courts, including judicial campaigns and post-appointment advocacy.
• Manage and grow a team, including the hiring and supervision of unionized staff such as a Regional State Courts Senior Manager and Regional State Courts Counsel.
• Coordinate with the Director of Building the Bench on pre-appointment advocacy and assist with preparing demographically and professionally diverse judicial candidates.
• Oversee research, materials development, and public-facing content for AFJ/AFJ Action state court-related projects, ensuring timely and accurate resources.
• Strengthen and expand engagement with organizations and individuals in key states, representing AFJ/AFJ Action in coalitions on state court issues.
• Lead convenings, strategy sessions, and coalitions of national and state-based progressive groups engaged in the courts.
• Speak at conferences, serve as a media surrogate, and brief key stakeholders on state court issues.
• Collaborate with development and executive teams to secure funding for state court programs.
• Advise the Justice Program Director, VP of Strategy, and AFJ President on state court issues, and help prepare the AFJ President for public appearances.

Qualifications

• J.D. and 8+ years of experience in legal policy or advocacy work preferred.
• Familiarity with state supreme court judicial selection and advocacy or state-level elections.
• Staff management experience, including hiring, supervision, and professional development.
• Project or campaign management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Understanding of nonprofit operations, including the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities.
• Ability to communicate complex legal topics to non-legal audiences.
• Fundraising and grant writing experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to public interest and civil rights law.

Other Details

• Structure: This is an exempt position with at least two direct reports.
• Position Type/Hours: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Physical Demands: Requires domestic travel and long hours when needed. Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
• Racial Equity: AFJ is committed to increasing racial diversity in its movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into its work, and fostering an inclusive organizational culture.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $125,000–$131,000.
• Health: Medical, dental, vision benefits, and an employee assistance program.
• Savings: 401K plan with employer matching, health savings account, and flexible spending account.
• Time Off: 21 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 bereavement days per year.
• Family Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid family leave.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume. No phone calls, please. Reasonable accommodations during the hiring process can be requested by emailing [email protected].

AFJ/AFJ Action provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

Disclaimer

This job description is not comprehensive and may be updated as needed. Responsibilities may change over time. This description does not form the basis of a contract.

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