Alliance for Justice is a national association of more than 100 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy. For over 30 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 their voices heard when government makes decisions that affect their lives.

Over the course of three decades our vision has remained steadfast—to protect and expand pathways to justice and the democratic process—while our programs and tactics have been nimble and resilient, evolving with changing times and the needs of our members and the progressive community. AFJ is known for identifying and addressing threats to public interest and civil rights organizations, as well as opportunities they can seize. We pool resources and talents, organize campaigns, mobilize constituencies and drive strategies.

AFJ’s Bolder Advocacy Initiative advances and protects the role of nonprofits in influencing public policy, by helping organizations fully understand the legal rules governing advocacy activities, and become assertive in their right to pursue their policy goals. By tracking and responding to legislation that affects nonprofit advocacy, fighting for the rights of nonprofits and foundations to conduct advocacy, and responding to potential threats to nonprofit advocacy, we lay the groundwork for more nonprofit organizations to advocate effectively on behalf of their communities.

Alliance for Justice has its main office in Washington, D.C. and additional offices in Oakland and Los Angeles, CA, as well as Dallas, TX. The Oakland office was established in 2004.

Position Summary

The Counsel position will primarily be part of AFJ’s Bolder Advocacy Initiative. The Counsel reports to the Northern California Director, who works closely with the Legal Director of Bolder Advocacy in Washington, DC. This position is based in AFJ’s Northern California office in Oakland, CA.

Responsibilities

• Master the current federal tax and federal election law for tax exempt organizations and communicate the material to a non-legal audience. The candidate will be responsible for continuing their education in federal tax and federal election law.
• Master California state law on lobbying disclosure, ballot measure, and campaign finance issues impacting advocacy organization.
• Conduct trainings for nonprofit organizations and foundations on federal tax and federal election rule, California state law governing their ability to participate in public policy, and the importance and effectiveness of advocacy. Also be active in the publicity/outreach needed to produce the desired audience for workshops.
• Provide technical assistance to nonprofits and foundations on federal tax and federal election law as well as California state laws thatimpact advocacy organizations.
• Identify and build funding relationships (major donor, individual and foundation) for AFJ programs in Northern California in close collaboration with AFJ’s national development team.
• Represent the organization at conferences of nonprofits and foundations.
• Write, in collaboration with AFJ staff and/or outside attorneys, relevant technical assistance guides, articles, op-eds, regulatory comments and occasional amicus briefs.
• Participate in federal tax and federal election law policy matters, CA state public policy efforts, and other subjects as they may arise.
• Collaborate with staff from other AFJ programs to deliver appropriate program content.
• Work with both AFJ staff on program activities and special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school, CA bar membership and 1-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience lobbying and engaging in administrative advocacy.
• Knowledge of federal tax and election law and CA state lobbying disclosure and election laws; some familiarity with other state lobbying and elections laws a plus.
• Experience conducting training programs.
• Appreciation for and experience working with coalitions.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in the nonprofit sector highly desirable.
• Electoral experience, especially on campaigns in California, a plus.
• Experience in fundraising, including building funder relationships, making presentations, writing proposals, and drafting reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and quickly.
• Strong collaborator, and able to adapt quickly to changing situations.
• Able to travel up to 25-30%.
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals and interests.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and juggle multiple tasks.
• Commitment to social justice causes.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits.

To submit resume and cover letter online, click button below.  To submit via e-mail, send to:[email protected].

Alliance for Justice is an equal opportunity employer.