Regional State Courts Managers

Alliance for Justice is a national association of more than 130 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For nearly 50 years, we have been leaders in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency of environmental, consumer, civil and women’s rights, children’s, senior citizens and other groups. Alliance for Justice is premised on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have our voices heard when government makes decisions that affect our lives. Alliance for Justice Action Campaign (AFJ Action) is the 501(c)(4) affiliate that promotes a national conversation about the importance of the courts through advocacy, research, and mobilizing progressive advocates and voters.

Job Purpose:

AFJ/AFJ Action is seeking two Regional State Courts Managers. The people hired will, with the leadership of the Senior State Courts Counsel and Deputy State Courts Counsel, help manage AFJ/AFJ Action’s work to raise awareness about the importance of state judiciaries; to build relationships and networks dedicated to more diverse and equity-centered judiciary in several priority states; to research judicial nominees, candidates, and cases and track legal issues demonstrating the importance of state courts; to develop a pipeline of future state court judges; to do outreach and advocacy in appointment states; and to directly engage in state court campaigns.

State courts are critical to our justice system. In general, they handle over 95 percent  of the nation’s cases, more than 70 million cases every year. They are also the source of more than 30 percent of federal judges. And now, because conservatives hold a majority on the U.S. Supreme Court and scores of lower courts, state courts are increasingly vital to protect our essential rights, including the right to vote, and our democracy.

State courts have become increasingly political, with conservative money pouring into state races at unprecedented rates. AFJ/AFJ Action is committed to defending our state courts with as much vigor as they defend us.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Regional State Courts Managers will be familiar with the landscape of state supreme courts, state judicial selection, and state progressive advocacy organizations and will ideally have some experience engaging in judicial selection or elections. The people serving in this position will:

• Manage AFJ/AFJ Action’s advocacy related to state courts in a geographic region (West, Great Lakes/Midwest, or South), including engagement in judicial campaigns and advocacy with commissions, gubernatorial selection, or other selection methods;
• Develop research and advocacy materials for AFJ/AFJ Action projects related to the state courts in their region, working with the Deputy State Courts Counsel and other AFJ/AFJ Action teams, including reports, vetting documents, op-eds, fact sheets and other materials for grassroots and voter education, media, and other audiences;
• Develop compelling voter engagement strategy and plan in priority state(s) in the region;
• Help maintain public facing research and campaign content such as online State Courts Action Hub to ensure materials are timely and accurate;
• Work with state courts counsel to disseminate public education and campaign materials to ensure state partners have resources to support their work and engage new partners;
• Track state court developments such as significant cases, media, and policy developments
• Work with Outreach team to strengthen and expand AFJ/AFJ Action’s engagement with organizations and individuals in their region;
• Represent AFJ/AFJ Action to other organizations as part of coalitions on issues related to state courts. Build those coalitions where they do not currently exist;
• Manage relationships with consultants and vendors as needed;
• Grow AFJ/AFJ Action lists and members in priority states and engage those members in actions on the state courts;
• Brand AFJ/AFJ Action as a leading voice on state court issues in the region;
• Lead, working across Outreach and Justice teams, convenings of state-based progressive groups engaged in the courts in priority states in the region; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience with increasing responsibilities in advocacy/legislative campaign, community, or electoral outreach;
• Familiarity with landscape of state supreme court judicial selection, with experience in advocacy or state level political elections preferred;
• Familiarity with state-based progressive organizations;
• Familiarity with voter targeting and data management strategies;
• Demonstrated experience managing relationships and communicating with a variety of stakeholder organizations and individuals to engage and motivate to joint action in short- and long-term partnerships, including underrepresented constituencies and organizations;
• Innovative with a proven ability to drive new initiatives from idea to implementation; 
• Strong writing and communications skills with experience crafting compelling pitches such as organizing/recruitment or development materials;
• Ability to develop systems and manage large amounts of data, with familiarity with CRMs such as EveryAction, Salsa, VAN or similar preferred;
• Experience working on issues related to social justice, familiarity with progressive causes, and committed to justice and equity for all;
• Demonstrated commitment to centering underrepresented and diverse constituencies, such as communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ communities, and others;
• Experience in a variety of nonprofit structures preferred, including an understanding of both 501(c)(3) and (c)(4)/political programs;
• Demonstrated experience breaking down complex topics to non-expert audiences;
• Exceptional analytical, writing and speaking skills;
• Ability to work quickly under pressure, with shifting deadlines and priorities;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to work long hours and some travel, when required;
• Ability to inspire and work collegially with others; and
• Strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a union position covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035, which includes salary minimums based on job position category. This position is in Group 4 and has a salary minimum of $70,000. But if the candidate demonstrates greater experience and qualifications, the position may be hired at a level 5 with a salary minimum of $85,000.

We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits program, including:

Health
We offer medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as an employee assistance program for physical and mental well-being.

Savings

Save for retirement with our employer matching 401K plan. Other insurances include life and disability.

Time

We have a generous paid time off policy.

Family

We provide a range of paid and unpaid family leave programs that allow our employees to bond with and care for their children and other dependents.

Racial Equity

Our employees share our commitment to increasing racial diversity in our movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.  

Job Location

Based in priority state (Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin)  

Work Environment

This is a full-time position. Some evening/weekend hours and travel may be required when needed.  

How to Apply

Apply here: https://afj.applytojob.com/apply/RoVhtw6FoP/Regional-State-Courts-Manager

AFJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFJ prohibits discrimination against its employees and applicants for employment based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, sero-status and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or income.  

Disclaimer

This description is intended to provide an overview of this position and is not all-inclusive.  The incumbent in this position will be expected to perform other duties as required.  Responsibilities may change over time.  This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.