Legal Program Director - Rural Education Equity Program

Profile

Legal Program Director - Rural Education Equity Program
The candidate will report to the Deputy Director and Director of Litigation, Advocacy and Training (DLAT). Will focus on targeted, outcome-oriented advocacy to reduce education disparities for low-income immigrants, communities of color, and other vulnerable communities in rural areas of California. Engage in direct representation of individuals and groups by developing and implementing outreach and education strategies, responding to legislative requests, and participating in public rule-making that impacts education in rural communities. Develop impact litigation, advocacy initiatives, co-counsel significant litigation with regional offices, and provide oversight, including direction, coordination, state/local support, and monitoring of education advocacy to reduce education disparities by ensuring that priority area outcomes are met. Develop and implement program goals, objectives, outcomes, annual work plan designed to reduce and eliminate education disparities for vulnerable populations in rural areas, with particular emphasis on limited English proficient students, students of color, immigrants, migrant students, and the educational rights of students referred to the juvenile justice system. Develop and act as lead or co-counsel in impact litigation and individual casework with offices and programs with potential for replication, organizational learning, and significant impact on client communities and client groups. Work and provide support to local offices and programs on developing and reviewing education advocacy through the education task force, office case reviews, and consultation on individual cases. Coordinate, monitor, evaluate advocacy strategies and projects, including local litigation, that advance advocacy towards reaching the identified program outcomes related to eliminating education disparities in rural communities. Respond to legislative requests and comment on regulatory matters, coordinating with the DLAT, in a manner consistent with LSC regulations. Collaborate with the Deputy Directors, Regional Directors of Advocacy, and Directors of Litigation, Advocacy, and Training (DLATs), to ensure new substantive legal knowledge, advocacy strategies, and grant-supported projects are successfully executed, completed, and implemented throughout the organization. Conduct training and professional development activities for advocates related to skills, legal knowledge, and related advocacy strategies to advance work towards identified outcomes. Oversee and develop related outreach and education for action materials in collaboration with the Director of Community Workers. Chair the Education Task Force. Lead efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization's education advocacy by working collaboratively with advocacy staff and administrative departments to bring in the financial resources to fulfill the Rural Education Equity Program five-year Implementation Plan. Coordinate and support partnerships with statewide or national education advocacy organizations. Attend state and national conferences and convenings to elevate program efforts. Supervise project staff as assigned.

Qualification and Experience

The candidate should have a J.D. degree with Bar admission in California. Must have 3+ years of work experience with 1+ year of management experience. Working knowledge of Federal, and State laws regarding school discipline, language access, migrant education, juvenile justice, and funding of special needs in public schools is required. Experience working in community-based settings with low-income families, plus experience with Limited English proficient and migrant populations is needed. Should have demonstrated ability to manage, supervise, coordinate professional teams and legal work. The ability to establish rapport and trust with a diverse set of teams, partners, and leaders is essential. Experience in non-profit or public service is preferred. Education/training related to education theory and practice is desired. Bilingual Spanish skills would be an asset.

Company info

Hiring Coordinator
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.(CRLA)
2050 G South Broadway
Santa Maria, CA 93454