Deputy Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Washington)

Deputy Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. It implements its mission and objectives through its expert staff and also by marshaling the pro bono resources of the private bar in litigation, public policy, advocacy, research, and other forms of service. The nationwide network of law firms with lawyers committed to the cause of civil rights differentiates the Lawyers’ Committee from other civil rights groups.

The organization’s current project areas include the following, each supported by Public Policy and Communications teams:

1. Criminal Justice
2. Digital Justice
3. Economic Justice
4. Educational Opportunities
5. Fair Housing
6. Voting Rights & Election Protection

Position Overview

The Lawyers’ Committee seeks a Deputy Executive Director to partner in this transformation and to lead, manage, and ensure execution of its programmatic agenda, which includes litigation, policy, and programs.

The Deputy will work closely with the President and Executive Director to effectuate these strategic shifts, manage the internal programmatic work, and enhance execution and impact. The Deputy will have a strategic mindset, a sophisticated, nuanced sense of prevailing civil rights issues, and understand how litigation, policy, and advocacy programs work together to drive change.

Professional Experience

1. A deep understanding of litigation, policy, and advocacy work and how they feed into each other to create change;
2. Experience with complex civil and civil rights litigation, preferably in more than one subject matter area;
3. A sophisticated understanding of political dynamics and opportunities for action from a non-partisan platform; experience with Congress, the White House, or a federal agency is a plus;
4. Demonstrated experience building consensus, empowering others, and working in coalition;
5. An experienced leader and manager with a proven track record of successfully leading large teams, mentoring staff, and fostering cross-team collaboration;
6. Demonstrated experience working with and for Black people and communities of color.

Personal Assets

1. Ability to communicate well and clearly in an inspiring fashion both internally and externally, verbally and written;
2. Deep and demonstrated commitment to advancing racial justice and civil rights;
3. Willingness to embrace the organizational commitment to center the work in the lived experience, struggles, and aspirations of Black people and communities of color;
4. Discipline and energy;
5. Superior interpersonal communication skills;
6. Ability to understand organizational dynamics and serve as a strong coach and diplomatic change agent.

The Relationships

Reports to: President and Executive Director

Currently manages: Acting Co-Chief Counsels, Director of Public Policy, Director of Pro Bono, Director of Campaigns and Field Programs (Election Protection)

The Location

The Deputy ED will work at the Lawyers’ Committee office in Washington, D.C.

Compelling candidates will come from a variety of backgrounds. Compensation for this role will be competitive and commensurate with experience and ability. The expected range for this role will be $275,000 - $300,000.

How To Apply

For potential consideration or to suggest a prospect, please email: or call Lysondra Somerville or Crystal Stephens, at 404-262-7392.