Criminal Justice Reform Program Director

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Job location
2006 Wheeler
Houston, TX 77004
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Texas Civil Rights Project
Street address: 
1405 Montopolis Dr.
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

About TCRP
For over twenty-five years, TCRP has used legal advocacy to empower Texas communities
and create policy change. Today — with dozens of high-caliber attorneys and professionals
in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley and an extensive network of
pro bono counsel and community allies — TCRP is among the most influential civil rights
organizations in Texas. Learn more at www.texascivilrightsproject.org.

Position Overview
TCRP’s Criminal Justice Reform Program works to bring about systemic change through
impact litigation and strategic advocacy aimed at dismantling the underlying causes and
ameliorating the effects of mass incarceration in Texas. With a prison population of
approximately 140,000, Texas locks up more people than any other state. Imposition of fees
and fines and failure to appoint counsel at early stages of the criminal justice system
perpetuate mass incarceration in Texas and disproportionately impact poor persons and
communities of color. Inhumane conditions of confinement deprive inmates of meaningful
mental healthcare and rehabilitative opportunities, which exacerbates the problem.

The Criminal Justice Reform Program Director will be responsible for developing and
implementing the Program’s vision and core priorities, managing its overall caseload,
supervising a team of legal and paralegal staff, and working collaboratively with that team to
develop and litigate cases. Through this work, the Director will become a leading advocate in
the movement to end mass incarceration in Texas.

TCRP is preparing to embark on a strategic planning process, and the successful candidate
will play a leading role in shaping the continued success and growth of the organization. The
Director will be a key member of TCRP’s leadership team and will report directly to, and
work closely with, TCRP’s Executive Director.

Roles and Responsibilities
• Vision & Leadership
o Develop strategic plan for TCRP’s Criminal Justice Reform Program, with
TCRP’s Executive Director and Board of Directors
o Identify cutting-edge legal theories and claims to challenge institutional civil
rights abuses in Texas’s criminal justice system
o Report to TCRP’s Board of Directors and other key stakeholders, as needed
o Assist in Program-specific development activities such as grant proposals,
reporting, donor meetings, and solicitations for select fundraising events
• Legal Management
o Litigate complex civil actions aimed at reforming the Texas criminal justice
system
o Design and implement strategic advocacy campaigns throughout Texas
o Supervise, manage and mentor staff attorneys, law fellows, legal interns,
paralegals and other staff, particularly in connection with Program-specific
docket
o Recruit and cultivate relationships with pro bono counsel
o Participate in evaluation and feedback process for legal staff
o Participate in hiring process as Program continues to grow
• Community Outreach
o Serve as TCRP’s chief spokesperson on criminal justice reform through various
communications outlets, becoming a leading voice on these issues statewide
o Establish and deepen relationships with local and national partners
o Represent TCRP in various public fora

Requirements: 

• Minimum of six years post-J.D. experience, with substantial litigation experience
• Minimum of two years managerial experience, including proven ability to motivate, train, evaluate and mentor attorneys, paralegals and legal interns
• Awareness of the significant problems underlying the criminal justice system
• Experience with press and media communications
• Ability to build and successfully manage coalitions
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Licensed to practice in Texas or eligible to waive into Texas bar
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

To apply: 

The Texas Civil Rights Project (“TCRP”) seeks a Director of our Criminal Justice Reform Program, based in Houston, Texas. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references to Megan Garcia at [email protected]. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Notes: 
Compensation TCRP offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including employer-paid health insurance, four weeks paid vacation, six weeks paid family leave (with avenues to extend leave to 12 weeks in total), and extensive holidays. Non-Discrimination TCRP is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, physical ability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, previous incarceration, veteran status, union membership or activism, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. TCRP offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance.
Salary range: 
$70,000 - $79,000
Submission deadline: 
Wednesday, March 1, 2017