Senior Program Manager and Staff Attorney, Edley Center on Law & Democracy (5219C), Berkeley La[...]

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 130,500 - 163,200; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley seeks a Senior Program Manager and Staff Attorney to design and direct innovative national programming that strengthens state capacity to combat public corruption and promote civil rights protections. The role leads in partnerships, publications, and policy development, with potential staff growth as the Center expands.

Responsibilities include program design, budgeting, mentoring student researchers, and coordinating with faculty and external institutions

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state constitutional and administrative law and practice.
• Expertise in legal research, analysis, and advocacy strategy.
• Strong program design, development, and evaluation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including policy materials and public presentations.
• Experience leading litigation or administrative enforcement and policy work.

Responsibilities

• Design and direct national programs engaging diverse stakeholders in line with the Center's mission.
• Direct program management, including budgets, staff, and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Lead drafting and filing amicus briefs, motions, and policy materials to advance state capacities.
• Develop partnerships, MOUs, and external relations to sustain funding and impact.
• Oversee evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement of initiatives.

Skills

Constitutional law

Administrative law

Legal research

Advocacy strategy

Program design

Budgeting

Staff management

Intergovernmental work

Policy development

Public speaking

Collaboration across diverse groups

Education

J.D. or LL.M. (Advanced degree in Law)

Tools

Video conferencing tools

Productivity software

Job description

Overview

The Senior Program Manager and Staff Attorney in the Edley Center on Law & Democracy designs and directs innovative national programming to strengthen state capacity to combat public corruption and promote civil rights protections; build a national association of state civil rights chiefs; produce public reports on program effectiveness; and lead in related areas at Berkeley Law.

The role supports the Edley Center's mission to strengthen democratic institutions through actionable research, program development, and public leadership. It includes developing academic program proposals and funding proposals, MOUs, model policy and practice development, engaging program participants, supervising student researchers, and guiding curriculum development. As the Center grows, the position may hire additional staff.

The position requires experience in developing and leading sensitive, high-stakes programming, litigating and enforcing civil rights and/or anti-corruption, staff management and development, complex budgeting, intergovernmental cooperation, and scalable student training opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Program Design and Partnership Lead
  • Design and develop programs engaging students, practitioners, policy-makers, and the public in lines with the Edley Center\'s work and mission.
  • Coordinate with internal partners (e.g., pro bono program) and stakeholders to explore initiatives such as practicums and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Direct development of conferences, publications, training materials, online resources, and other tools.
  • Propose and develop litigation and advocacy strategies, independently or with partners, to support Center initiatives.
  • Identify emergent topics and respond to changing circumstances with new programs.
  • Build capacity and partnerships to expand and iterate programs through political acumen and subject-matter knowledge.

• Program Management
  • Direct program administration to strengthen state and local capacity to address unlawful government actions.
  • Oversee student employees, student organizations, and staff; create opportunities for directed student research and experiential learning.
  • Collaborate with faculty, Berkeley Law staff, and external institutions to design and implement high-quality programs.
  • Develop systems to manage multiple programs serving diverse audiences with coordination and efficiency.
  • Direct administrative work to meet program needs and deliverables.

• Direct Impact Work
  • Lead drafting and filing of amicus briefs, motions, and policy materials to advance state and local capabilities.
  • Makes court appearances as needed.
  • Design programs that provide student learning opportunities.
  • Build coalitions and partnerships via MOUs and other vehicles.
  • Supervise research and direct student and partner work on specific programs.
  • Deliver public presentations, trainings, convenings, and outreach strategies to engage external audiences.

• Program Evaluation and Budget Management
  • Assess program effectiveness and recommend changes to content, policies, and procedures.
  • Solicit feedback and identify performance measures with the Executive Director.
  • Participate in advanced program budgeting to support financial sustainability.
  • Prepare reports and status updates for the Executive Director.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce costs, increase revenue, and support growth.
  • Collaborate with Finance to monitor budgets and ensure policy compliance.

• Fundraising and External Relations
  • Identify funding opportunities and revenue streams to support programs.
  • Represent the Center with external partners to advance knowledge and state capacity initiatives.
  • Develop proposals for new initiatives and strategic opportunities.

• Supervision
  • Hire, train, and supervise student employees; support workforce planning and staffing initiatives.
  • May supervise administrative staff and advise on vendor engagements as needed.
  • Provide guidance to students, affiliates, and Center partners to support programmatic initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state constitutional and administrative law and practice.
• Expertise in legal research, analysis, and advocacy strategy.
• Strong understanding of program design, development, and evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with law student development and legal education frameworks.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Computer and technical skills with standard productivity, communication, and video conferencing tools; ability to learn new software.
• Strong project and program management skills with ability to oversee multiple initiatives.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including reports, policy materials, and public presentations.
• Significant litigation and/or administrative enforcement and policy experience.
• Experience leading sensitive intergovernmental and coalition policy-building.
• Experience administering multi-source budgets, including grants and restricted funds.
• Advanced problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strategic planning capabilities to design long-term initiatives affecting legal and policy outcomes.
• Strong understanding of complex legal issues.
• Exceptional legal research, analytical, and persuasive writing skills, including drafting legal documents.
• Commitment to high ethical standards and attention to detail.
• Experience supervising others and fostering collaboration across diverse groups.
• Commitment to an inclusive environment and ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal skills across varied backgrounds.

Education / Training

• Advanced degree in Law (J.D., LL.M.) or equivalent experience. (Required)

Licenses / Certifications

• Active good standing with the California Bar (Required)

Salary & Benefits

For information on the benefits package, visit the UC Compensation & Benefits website. The posted annual salary range is $130,500.00 - $163,200.00. This is an exempt, full-time position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position allows up to 1 day/week remote work within the United States, as arranged with the supervisor.
• This is not a visa sponsorship opportunity. No H-1B sponsorship is provided.
• This position is covered by the UAW collective bargaining agreement for RP.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.