AFJ Law Deputy Program Director - Texas (Texas-Based & Texas Licensed)

| **Job title** | ***AFJ Law Deputy Program Director – Texas*** ***(Texas-Based & Texas Licensed)*** | | --- | --- | | **Reports to** | ***AFJ Law Program Director*** | | **FLSA Status** | ***Exempt*** | ## About Alliance for Justice (AFJ) and AFJ Law Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is a national association of more than 135 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. For more than 45 years we have been leaders in the fight for a more equitable society on behalf of a broad constituency based on the belief that all Americans have the right to secure justice in the courts and to have their voices heard when government makes decisions that affect their lives. The AFJ Law Program is a new initiative designed to strengthen legal capacity within movements and provide strategic legal support to organizations advancing progressive policy goals. For more information, visit [www.afj.org](http://www.afj.org/). Building on the success of Bolder Advocacy, AFJ Law goes beyond providing technical assistance to providing legal advice on clients’ activities. By offering critical guidance on the most challenging advocacy rules and regulations, AFJ Law empowers nonprofits to be both bold and secure in their advocacy as they fight to advance their missions, protect their communities, and transform our democracy. AFJ Law provides legal guidance and review in the following areas: - Public-facing material, including reports, communications, websites, etc. - Advocacy campaign development and risk-assessment - Navigating political activity restrictions - Lobbying - Civic Engagement - Advocacy during election cycles - Governance and organizational structure - Organizational bylaws, policies and procedures ## Job Purpose The AFJ Law Deputy Program Director - Texas will be responsible for building AFJ Law’s presence in Texas. This position will deliver legal guidance on advocacy related matters to 501(c)(3) organizations, with an emphasis on enabling each client to advance advocacy as part of its charitable mission effectively and in compliance with applicable law. The successful candidate will cultivate long-term relationships with client organizations, develop deep fluency in client infrastructure and program, and translate complex legal requirements into practical guidance that organizations can act on. Strong candidates will combine legal expertise with a genuine ability to build trust and understand the clients they serve. In addition, this role will carry the responsibility of building a new legal services program in Texas. ## Duties and Responsibilities **Professional Leadership & Independent Judgment** - In partnership with the AFJ Law Program Director, set up and establish the AFJ Law practice for the state of Texas - Lead and manage a direct legal services practice in Texas serving 501(c)(3) organizations, setting strategic priorities and operational direction in partnership with the AFJ Law Program Director with little day-to-day supervision - Serve as primary legal relationship holder for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients, functioning as trusted outside counsel and proactively identifying legal risk before issues escalate - Exercise independent legal and strategic judgment across a broad, complex caseload with minimal supervision, escalating selectively and appropriately - Navigate novel and high-stakes legal questions in Texas by rapidly assessing applicable law, consulting peer networks, and delivering well-reasoned guidance under time pressure **Mission-Centered Legal Counsel** - Develop thorough understanding of clients’ mission, programs, governance structure, and strategic goals. - Translate legal requirements and risk considerations into plain-language advice that is grounded in each client's mission and operationally actionable for nonprofit leadership. - Identify legal vulnerabilities that could impede mission delivery and proactively…