Civil Rights Director

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Job location
1501 Cherry St.
Suite 330
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Council on American-Islamic Relations, Philadelphia
Job type: 
Legal - Civil
Position Description: 

CAIR is a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding. Our mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
CAIR-Philadelphia seeks a qualified individual to serve as its Civil Rights Director. The Civil Rights Director will lead CAIR-Philadelphia’s legal department, engage in public education and advocacy campaigns on civil rights issues facing Muslims, and help manage other CAIR-Philadelphia program operations.

Legal Responsibilities:
• Develop and litigate civil rights cases in state and federal court, including conducting research, writing demand letters,
drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, writing briefs, and trying cases
• Handle cases alone or in partnership with outside counsel
• Assess requests for assistance and identify appropriate clients to represent
• Recruit volunteer attorneys and legal interns

Public Education Responsibilities:
• Speak and write on Muslim American civil liberties issues
• Represent CAIR-Philadelphia in the media
• Present public educational seminars such as "Know Your Rights", "Muslim Youth Leadership Program", and others.
• Coordinate with and assist our Outreach Coordinator to develop and implement methods to mobilize the Muslim
community

Requirements: 

• J.D. with 2 years of civil legal experience, with at least some prior work in federal court
• Membership in PA Bar (extraordinary candidates who have not yet taken the PA Bar may be considered)
• Effective writing and communication skills, judicial clerkship a plus
• A high degree of responsibility and dedication
• Demonstrated ability to establish positive working relationships with colleagues and community members
• Experience as lead or sole attorney in litigation
• Civil rights advocacy and litigation experience preferred
• Familiarity with Islam and Muslim culture experience preferred
• Public speaking or media relations experience
• Client counseling and alternative dispute resolution experience
• Experience recruiting and working with outside counsel, knowledge of Philadelphia legal community a plus

To apply: 

Please send a résumé, detailed letter of interest, writing sample, and the contact information of three professional references by email to [email protected] with “Civil Rights Director” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled. Target start date is flexible.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
DOE