About Root & Rebound
Root & Rebound (R&R) works to restore and protect the rights, dignity, and opportunities of formerly incarcerated people and people touched by the criminal justice system.
Our mission is to transfer power and information from the policy and legal communities to the people most impacted by the criminal justice system through public education, direct legal services, and policy advocacy, so that the law serves, rather than harms, low income communities and communities of color in the United States. The web of collateral consequences is pervasive and complex, and Root & Rebound has a holistic approach to dismantle the two-tiered system of injustice in this country, working in rural and urban communities, and across all areas of life, including housing, employment, family reunification, parole and probation advocacy, court debt, tribal law, and immigration.
Learn more about R&R’s work and existing resources at www.rootandrebound.org.
Location: Oakland, CA. Open to flexible/remote work if candidate is a stellar fit.
The Opportunity
R&R has developed comprehensive and high-quality legal guides and self-help toolkits for formerly incarcerated and justice-involved people, service providers supporting people in reentry, as well as topic-specific tools on fair chance hiring, housing, higher education, and more.
The National Legal Resource Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the continued high caliber of legal resources in California with annual updates; developing legal resources in new states with strong partners and stakeholders; and developing structures and pipelines that ensure the growth and sustainability of R&R reentry legal resources across the country.
R&R seeks someone with strong skills in legal research and writing, project coordination and management, partnership development, and is business and tech savvy to ensure sustainable access to our resources.
Responsibilities
● Serve as primary point of contact at R&R for all partners interested in replicating or working with R&R to develop legal and educational resources across the country
● Ensure the continued high quality of R&R's existing reentry legal resources through the implementation of annual updates and improvements
● Work with partners to ensure that national resources are updated regularly
● Research, draft, and consult with partners on the creation of new resources in states across the country
● Identify key stakeholders and partners in new states, cultivate partnerships, and develop MOU and licensing agreements when partnership is secured
● Support the fundraising of new resources, as needed
● Lead and coordinate convenings, conferences, and public education when resources are developed
● Create online and printed communications materials that compliment our resources
● Secure pro bono and volunteer legal support for development of new resources
● Develop relationship with, engage, and support a wide range of stakeholders when new resources are being created
● Provide technical assistance and consulting hours to partners across the country
Compensation and Benefits
This position will begin as a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience and employment benefits that include medical, vision, and dental care, as well as three weeks of paid time off per year and holiday closures.
● J.D., L.L.M., or PhD in Law/Criminal Justice-related Field. Experience in law practice is a plus.
● At least 2 years of related professional experience.
● Strong knowledge of the U.S. criminal justice system and a dedication to reforming it.
● Strong skills and experience in legal research and writing in both criminal and civil law issues.
● Strong skills and experience in project coordination and management.
● Excellent time management skills.
● Business savvy-- including strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills, and an ability to develop and implement contacts with state-based partners.
● A flexible and adaptive attitude. A problem solver who proactively seeks to identify, develop, and implement solutions.
● An excellent communicator and person who loves to support a team of people dedicated to this work.
● Strong ability to work independently and report back, looping in team members as needed.
● Strong ability to effectively work simultaneously on multiple projects with varying priority levels and deadlines.
● A humble person who is a natural, active listener, treats others with dignity and respect and has a sense of humor.
● Strong understanding of community outreach and organizing strategies.
● Great relationship builder.
● Ability to learn about how technology, design, and print mediums can catalyze the impact of resources developed.
● Ability and willingness to travel.
● A state bar license is NOT required.
Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and at least three references with contact information and your connection to them in an email to Katherine Katcher (Executive Director) at [email protected]. Resumes without a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references will not be reviewed. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.