Justice Center Director

California Rural Legal Assistance; Madera (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Generous paid leave policy

Job summary

California Rural Legal Assistance is seeking a Justice Center Director for its Madera office. This leadership role involves overseeing operations, advocacy efforts, and supervising a dedicated team to address systemic inequities in rural communities.

The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience supporting marginalized groups and a commitment to social justice. Competitive benefits and a supportive work environment are provided, including generous paid leave and employer-paid health insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience working with historically marginalized populations.
• At least 3 years in advocacy roles, primarily as an attorney.
• Demonstrated team leadership and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team and manage a personal caseload.
• Build trust with community leaders for advocacy.
• Design initiatives to empower community members and oversee advocacy efforts.

Skills

Community engagement

Advocacy

Leadership

Relationship building

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Admission to the California Bar

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Madera Office - Madera, CA 93638
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
• Reports to: Associate Director – Rural Justice Program
• Location: Modesto, CA
• Term of Employment: Regular, Full-Time
• Other: FLSA Exempt, Non-Union-Eligible Position
• Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Overview

The Justice Center Director leads the operations and advocacy efforts of a CRLA Justice Center. CRLA’s Rural Justice Program provides direct legal services, place‑based advocacy and specialized litigation to advance civil rights through a network of 17 Rural Justice Centers. The Director is a critical leadership role, ensuring alignment with CRLA’s community lawyering principles and systemic advocacy goals. This role involves supervising a multidisciplinary team, managing a personal caseload, and fostering local partnerships to address systemic inequities and empower communities. The Director ensures the Justice Center is an equity‑focused space where clients and community members can access the full range of CRLA services and resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership – Supervise attorneys, community workers, and support staff to deliver impactful advocacy; lead team meetings, case reviews, and strategy discussions; develop office workplans and other tools to guide and align staff efforts.
• Community Engagement – Build trust and partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to inform advocacy efforts and expand CRLA’s reach; serve as a community leader and trusted partner in external community spaces; represent CRLA in public forums, policy discussions, and community events.
• Direct Advocacy – Design and oversee initiatives that empower community members to identify systemic issues and craft solutions, including facilitating and supporting a local advisory committee (Comité); maintain an active caseload and contribute to affirmative litigation, policy advocacy, and other systemic advocacy efforts.
• Justice Center Operations – Oversee the implementation of annual work plans, ensuring compliance with CRLA policies, LSC regulations, and ethical standards; oversee building management and coordinate facilities requests; ensure collaboration across CRLA staff co‑located at the Justice Center.
• Collaboration – Facilitate resource sharing and collaboration with other Justice Centers and CRLA programs.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience working with historically marginalized populations.
• At least 3 years in advocacy roles, majority of which should be experience as an attorney, with leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse community groups.
• Admitted to the California Bar or another State Bar with willingness to take the next California Bar Exam.

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of program management, supervisory, or leadership experience.
• Proven commitment to social justice and equity.
• Familiarity with systemic advocacy and legal issues impacting rural, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low‑income communities.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language relevant to CRLA’s clients.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a diverse, family‑friendly environment and compensation based on competitive public interest salaries. Benefits include 100% employer‑covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long‑term disability insurance for employees and up to 50% for dependents; a 401(k) retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately; professional dues paid by CRLA (Bar Fees) and, if qualified, up to $8,000 for a law school loan reimbursement assistance program. A generous paid leave policy includes 15 days of sick leave, 15 holidays each year, and vacation that accrues 15 days for the first year of service and 20 days after one year.

Vaccination Requirement

CRLA requires that all employees are fully vaccinated, defined as a CDC‑approved COVID vaccination and one booster shot. This offer is contingent on meeting this requirement. The complete vaccination policy and accommodation process are available for review upon request.

Equal Opportunity Statement

California Rural Legal Assistance Inc. thrives on our diversity, and we are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.