Deputy Law & Policy Director

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice is seeking a Deputy Law and Policy Director in Newark, NJ. The role leads the legal and policy agenda, aligning advocacy, litigation support, and public education with organizational priorities.

It requires proactive leadership, cross-team coordination, and the ability to mentor a diverse team. The Deputy will supervise staff, drive strategic initiatives, and collaborate with communications, development, and operations to advance racial justice at the

Responsibilities

• Oversee the coordination and execution of the Institute's legal and policy agenda.
• Supervise policy and legal staff, including attorneys and fellows.
• Lead advocacy campaigns and cross-functional collaboration across departments.

Job description

Overview

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice is in a season that demands both courage and discipline.

Position Description

Deputy, Law & Policy Director

New Jersey Institute for Social Justice

Newark, NJ

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice is in a season that demands both courage and discipline.

As the racial justice sector contracts nationally, the conditions that gave rise to our work — structural inequality, attacks on democracy, barriers to wealth, justice and opportunity — have only deepened.

In this moment, durable progress will be shaped by institutions capable of building power, telling the truth, shaping narrative, and advancing structural change at the state and local level.

It will be carried by institutions like the Institute that are strong enough to fight and build at the same time — institutions capable of building power from the ground up while sustaining the infrastructure necessary for durable change.

The Institute has grown significantly in recent years — in the size of our team, budget, influence, and statewide impact. We are implementing the recommendations of the first-of-its-kind New Jersey Reparations Council, advancing our racial justice advocacy and expanding our litigation capacity. We are deepening our presence in communities across New Jersey and helping shape a national conversation about the role of states in advancing racial justice.

Position Summary

The Deputy Law and Policy Director will serve as a senior leader responsible for overseeing the coordination, execution, and day-to-day management of the Institute’s legal and policy agenda. Reporting to the Law and Policy Director, this role provides operational and strategic leadership across the Institute’s programmatic pillars, advancing advocacy campaigns, supervising staff, and strengthening cross-functional collaboration. The Deputy Law & Policy Director provides direct supervision to team members, which may include Program Directors, Community Organizing staff, Litigation staff, or others as assigned.

The Deputy Law and Policy Director will lead internal program operations, support strategic advocacy initiatives, and help align legal, policy, communications, and development efforts to maximize organizational impact. This role requires a proactive and solutions-oriented leader who can manage complex projects, mentor staff, and drive initiatives forward in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Execution

Help lead the implementation of the Institute’s strategic vision for legal and policy programs, including legislative advocacy, public education initiatives, strategic campaigns, and litigation support as needed.

Drive day-to-day execution and coordination across pillars to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and goals.

Lead internal Programs Team meetings, planning discussions, cross-functional initiatives, and regular programmatic check-ins.

Identify ownership and accountability for shared responsibilities and cross-departmental initiatives.

Monitor progress on strategic priorities and proactively address operational or programmatic challenges.

Support the development and execution of advocacy campaigns and grassroots engagement strategies.

Ensure strong coordination and communication across legal, policy, communications, development, and operations teams.

Staff Management & Team Leadership

Recruit, supervise, mentor, and support policy and legal staff, including attorneys, policy analysts, fellows, interns, and other junior team members.

Conduct regular staff check-ins and provide clear, timely, and constructive feedback.

Lead Programs Team evaluation processes and support staff growth through coaching and professional development opportunities.

Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing workplace culture rooted in teamwork, accountability, and shared purpose.

Identify and coordinate training and leadership development opportunities for staff.

Support the professional development and advancement of junior staff members.

Advocacy, Communications & External Engagement

In partnership with the Communications Team, help lead the development, review, and dissemination of advocacy and public education materials, including reports, talking points, op-eds, press materials, public education resources, campaign messaging and communications strategies.

Review and edit research reports, policy briefs, flyers, presentations, and public-facing materials to ensure consistency, quality and strategic alignment.

Coordinate closely with the Development Team on grant proposals, reports, funder communications and program updates.

Represent the Institute in coalition meetings, advocacy spaces, public forums, and strategic partnerships as appropriate.

Operations & Internal Coordination

Strengthen internal communication systems and improve coordination across teams and initiatives.

Ensure smooth execution of programmatic operations, timelines, and deliverables.

Help establish systems and processes that improve collaboration, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.

Support internal planning, priority-setting, and organizational alignment efforts.