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

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law • Washington, DC, US • 1m ago

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: National Director, Protecting & Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Term (2 years)
Union Affiliation: Non-Union
Accountable to: Acting Co-Chief Counsel

About the Role:
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.

The National Director of the Protecting and Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative works under the supervision of the Acting Co-Chief Counsel.

What You'll be Doing:
Responsibilities of the National Director include but are not limited to:

Coordinate the strategic advisory component of the Initiative, including monitoring intake processing, assigning cases, and ensuring timely case completion; reviewing and approving work product such as advice memoranda to clients; and 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, developing agendas and substantive meeting topics with the goal of building and fostering unified analysis and depth of expertise to deliver the best advice to clients.
Work with the organization's Director of Public Policy and policy team members to advance policy advocacy related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, including:
- Representing the organization in high-level meetings with Congress, agencies, and the administration.
- Writing or contributing to congressional testimony, administrative comments, and other policy documents.
- Engaging in public speaking, including during events and briefings
- Leading and coordinating work with coalitions and sister organizations.
Coordinate efforts with sister organizations, including relevant Lawyers' Committee's affiliates 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 to increase understanding and encourage different audiences to advocate for and remain committed to these 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 to various partners including foundations and philanthropic networks, trade groups, associations, and the broader civil rights community, while ensuring that interest groups receive information tailored to their industry's DE&I and race conscious practices and the potential legal implications of these practices.
Coordinate work with the internal Communications team and technology consultants to better amplify the Initiative's work, and to build systems that support volunteers and the various constituencies served by the initiative.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:

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, including working with pro bono co-counsel.
Exceptional oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse audiences, including the general public, media, clients, and policymakers.
Experience working on federal policy related to employment, education, or housing.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to approach issues creatively.
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 also collaboratively in a team-based decision-making environment.
Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel for litigation, conferences, and speaking engagements.
Collaborate on fundraising efforts, including attending meetings with funders and reviewing reports submitted to funders.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position may supervise interns, fellows and an Assistant

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.

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 on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.

The projected salary for this role is $192,994.88