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In this moment, the future of our rights, our bodily autonomy, our freedom feels uncertain. What we do next will make a difference for decades to come.
Counsel, Education & Workplace Justice
The Position
The National Women’s Law Center seeks a Counsel for the Education & Workplace Justice team to advance the Center’s work advocating for the rights of students, with a particular focus on the rights of pregnant and parenting students at the secondary and post-secondary level.
Using a variety of legal, policy and advocacy strategies, the Counsel’s work will be centered on efforts to defend, strengthen, enforce, and expand gender justice in schools through federal, state, and local interventions, with a particular focus on the experiences of women and girls of color. In addition to work to advance the rights of pregnant and parenting students, the Counsel may take on other projects related to Title IX, menstrual equity, student access to reproductive health care, student access to child care, and other matters as assigned to advance gender justice in education and, potentially, workplace justice.
The Organization
The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society—working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.
We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us—especially women of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and low-income women and families.
For 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women. Find out more at NWLC.org.
Responsibilities
- Conduct legal and policy analysis of federal legislative and administrative proposals;
- Engage in federal advocacy and lobbying before Congress and relevant administrative agencies;
- Represent NWLC in coalitions and at external meetings with other stakeholders to identify and advance policy goals;
- Draft a variety of written materials, including reports, fact sheets, regulatory comments, legislative testimony, etc.;
- Support litigation efforts to advance the rights of students, including contributing to amicus briefs and potentially representing clients;
- Collaborate on and provide support for efforts to advance state and local laws and policies that promote gender justice in schools, including by protecting the rights of pregnant and parenting students and providing support for them to complete their education;
- Help shape program strategies and priorities in collaboration with the broader Education & Workplace Justice team;
- Monitor relevant legal trends in the Supreme Court and lower courts;
- Use project management strategies to coordinate with key NWLC staff to strategically and collectively further NWLC’s work;
- Represent NWLC in the press and in public speaking opportunities;
- Collaborate with teams internally to create products that advance policy priorities and increase awareness;
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
A candidate must possess:
- A law degree and two to five years of relevant experience;
- Membership in the D.C. Bar or ability to waive into the D.C. Bar;
- Demonstrated interest in education policy, antidiscrimination law, and/or Title IX through coursework or otherwise;
- Demonstrated commitment to gender and racial equity and centering communities of color in their approach to legal and/or advocacy work;
- Commitment to prioritizing diversity and equity in executing key job responsibilities;
- Strong research, analytical, oral, and written communications skills;
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills;and
- Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
Additional preferred skills and knowledge:
- Work experience in education policy, antidiscrimination law, and /or Title IX, whether through litigation, legislative advocacy, legal teaching, etc.;
- Demonstrated ability to engage key stakeholders, incorporate community experiences, and build long-term collaborative relationships with key organizational and individual partners;
- Demonstrated ability to perform well independently and collaborate with others on a team.
Key Relationships
The Counsel will report directly to the Director of Educational Equity and will collaborate closely with other members of the Education & Workplace Justice team and other NWLC staff. The Counsel may have supervisory responsibilities for interns.
Compensation & Benefits
A minimum salary of $85,660 will be provided to the successful candidate having at least 2 years of experience directly relevant to this role, consistent with the National Women’s Law Center’s compensation framework, which is based on role and experience. The Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, and four weeks of annual vacation.
NWLC is a non-profit organization whose headquarters and staff are based in Washington, D.C. NWLC’s telework policy is currently under review as we prepare to move into our new office at 1350 Eye Street N.W., Washington DC, in March 2023. The assumption is that all roles are based in D.C. and will be required to work in person at least monthly. We continue to monitor public health guidance and keep safety, science, and flexibility top of mind as we evaluate what reopening looks like for our team.
Classification
NWLC recognizes a staff bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70, a union for non-profit workers. This position is included in NWLC’s bargaining unit. Specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining how your professional background is a good fit for this position. Resumes should include exact start and end dates (month and year) of employment. Please send application materials via email to: [email protected] and include the position title in the subject line. Applications accepted until position is filled.
The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans.
Reasonable Accommodations
If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email [email protected].