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ACLU · 3 weeks ago

Deputy Project Director, Disability Rights Program.

Washington, DC

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$220K/yr - $220K/yr

The ACLU is seeking a full-time Deputy Project Director for their Disability Rights Project, located in either San Francisco, CA, or Washington, D.C. The role involves assisting the Project Director with management, strategic planning, and litigation related to the rights of people with disabilities, while also supervising staff and engaging in advocacy efforts.

AdviceLegalNon Profit

Comp. & Benefits

Responsibilities

Serve as strategic partner to the Project Director in building and developing initiatives for the Disability Rights Project

Assist the Project Director with development and implementation of strategic plans, including setting short and long-term goals and reviewing substantive filings to ensure alignment with strategic priorities

Collaborate with and share ownership of decisions made by the Project Director, Center Director, and Senior Staff

Supervise staff attorneys, legal fellows, and/or administrative staff as directed

Support staff retention, feedback, and professional development efforts for all project staff

Assist Project Director in ensuring balance of work across project staff, including opportunities for writing, discovery, witness examinations, arguments, and other professional growth

With an eye on developing and maintaining an excellent and diverse staff, collaborate with other members of management team to: Improve process for hiring, onboarding, and managing new staff, fellows, and interns, which includes recruiting excellent candidates and furthering our board-mandated goal to increase the percentage of staff with disabilities and significant disabilities and to work in furtherance of our other announced diversity hiring initiatives; and Oversee sustained efforts to create and nurture pools of diverse candidates from which to recruit

Engage in litigation in federal and state court, including drafting pleadings, briefs, and affidavits; conducting discovery and motion practice; handling hearings and trials; and arguing appeals in both federal and state courts

Represent DRP in public-facing meetings, speaking events, and media opportunities

Provide technical assistance and expert legal advice to ACLU affiliates, cooperating attorneys and others who seek assistance from DRP

Collaborate with staff across the ACLU, including with other Projects within the ACLU’s Legal Department, Communications, Affiliate Support and Nationwide Initiatives, the National Political Advocacy Department, and state affiliates

Build relationships with stakeholders and conduct outreach to national, state, and community partners to develop and join coalitions and further advocacy goals

Travel as required for litigation, conferences, and case and strategy development

Assume responsibility for ongoing administrative functions such as maintenance of the case docket, recruitment of pro bono firms, and other work, as directed

Assist the Project Director and Development Department with fundraising and donor cultivation as directed

Assist the DRP Project Director with expense tracking and budgeting, as directed

Qualification

J.D. degreeState Bar membershipComplex civil litigationDisability rights lawsLegal researchStaff supervisionVerbal communicationTeam collaborationWriting skillsSelf-motivated

Required

J.D. degree and active State Bar membership

Based on desired location, current California or D.C. bar membership, or admission to the California or D.C. bar within one year of hire

Significant years of complex civil litigation experience in federal court

Demonstrated experience working on behalf of people with disabilities, including professional and/or personal, lived experience

Excellent legal research, writing, and verbal communication skills

Ability to engage in complex legal analysis and fact finding

Demonstrated ability to write and to speak clearly and persuasively

Ability to work with a wide range of people and foster a team environment

Preferred

Self-motivated, diligent and able to meet strict deadlines while under pressure

Extensive experience in litigation under federal and state disability rights laws

Experience supervising and managing staff

Benefits

Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy

Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)

Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match

We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops