NAACP National Headquarters Seeks General Counsel

Founded in 1909 by W.E.B. DuBois and others, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest nonprofit civil rights organization.  With its long history and deep roots—over 2000 local branches, youth and college chapters, and prison chapters in 50 states and approximately 250,000 members—the NAACP has played a critical leadership role in advancing the rights of African Americans and evolving American democracy in ways that are relevant to the lives of all Americans.  We are seeking a dynamic and experienced civil rights attorney to lead our in-house legal team as General Counsel.  You will serve as the NAACP’s chief attorney on civil rights issues, advising on legal strategies and representing the organization in state and federal courts.  We are particularly interested in finding an innovative and visionary leader who has deep knowledge of the field, and who can bring this expertise to bear in determining how the NAACP can best bring about meaningful and lasting change in the lives of our constituents. 

You will also guide a department that is responsible for providing legal advice to board, senior management and staff regarding all NAACP activities, including: strategic planning, compliance requirements, policy advocacy, litigation, nonprofit transactions, intellectual property, human resources, governance, and a variety of other corporate issues.  Moreover, you will serve as corporate secretary to the board. QUALIFICATIONS - Ideal candidate will have the following traits:
• J.D. required and at least ten years of experience as an attorney representing clients in civil rights cases in state and federal courts. 
• Experience gained at a nonprofit advocacy organization is preferred, but we will also consider candidates from corporate firms who have been exposed to substantial civil rights litigation practice. 
• Demonstrable record of successful litigation.
• Capacity to analyze complex legal and factual issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Ability to maintain an active travel schedule as litigation requires.
• Capacity to lead and inspire a dedicated group of professionals.
• Team player who can work well with other senior managers.

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Nondiscrimination:  The NAACP does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status. Interested candidates should send a current resume and cover letter to:

NAACP Human Resources Department
410-580-5777
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore, MD 21215
Fax Resume: (410) 580-5735

-jl