Education Civil Rights Attorney

Profile

Education Civil Rights Attorney
Responsibilities: Develop, analyze and promote policy change at the state, federal and local levels, and sustain Public Advocates’ role in amplifying the voices of students of color in local and statewide coalitions. Build and maintain positive relationships with diverse statewide and grassroots student groups and other allies; leverage legal and policy expertise to enhance capacity of student partners and build power of students to impact their college experience through trainings and other resources. Work on precedent-setting cases at the trial level, on appeal and before state and federal agencies, in collaboration with Ed Team attorneys and pro bono co-counsel; initiate and manage litigation and other advocacy depending on experience. Help shape the strategic direction of our education program work, incorporating policy advocacy, community collaboration, media and communication, and litigation to achieve our objectives; take initiative to plan and implement work in collaboration with community partners. Develop and execute outreach and media strategies, including messaging, community education, writing, social media and representing Public Advocates and coalitions to the press and public. Help identify and develop funding opportunities and contribute to foundation relations.

Qualification and Experience

Qualifications: Experience, ability and motivation to do the highest caliber legal work; 5-7 years of active litigation and/or administrative advocacy, legal research and drafting experience. Excellent communication skills, including writing and including the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively about legal and policy issues to legal and lay audiences. Motivation and experience working within Black and other communities of color and/or low-income communities and commitment to community empowerment, self-determination and leadership development. Independence, initiative, creativity, diplomacy and capacity to work collaboratively both internally and with allies. Passion for public education with a growth mindset around becoming an expert in multiple aspects of the education landscape. CA Bar admission (preferred) or a plan to complete Bar admission in the very near future. Preference: Policy experience, generally, and education policy experience, in particular. Higher education systems expertise. Communications and storytelling experience. Experience and interest in supervising others (law clerks and fellows, junior attorneys). Experience teaching in public schools. Experience in securing program grants and other fund development, organizational planning and/or writing for publication. Spanish-speaking skills.
Term: through March 31, 2021

Additional info

Send: 1) a cover letter that a) explains specific interest in this role and in advocacy model, b) addresses how identity and background have prepared you to be an effective advocate for social justice and c) describes a project or challenge you have managed that will help understand qualifications; 2) a resume; 3) writing samples that illustrate reasoning and communication skills; and 4) names of 3 references, at least 2 of whom have directly supervised work.

Company info

Hiring Coordinator
Public Advocates, Inc.
1225 Eighth Street
Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95814