Housing Justice Program Director
Smartstartofmeck, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28245
Housing Justice Program Director
Full-Time | Hybrid Work Schedule
Location:
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Website:
https://www.charlottelegaladvocacy.org
Position Overview The Housing Justice Program Director will lead the revival and expansion of the Advocacy Center's housing eviction diversion program serving unrepresented populations. This role is grounded in two core pillars:
Direct Legal Representation
Systemic Advocacy
The Program Director will maintain a regular presence in eviction court to provide immediate legal assistance to tenants appearing for summary ejectment proceedings. Responsibilities include:
Defending evictions
Providing legal information and advice to tenants
Negotiating with landlords and their counsel
Asserting counterclaims when appropriate
Additional duties include initiating affirmative litigation (illegal evictions, systemic unlawful fees), handling limited appellate cases, and collaborating with community partners and policymakers to advance systemic reforms.
Key Responsibilities Program Leadership and Strategy
Develop and implement a strategic plan to revive the eviction diversion program
Monitor legal trends and report significant developments
Direct Legal Representation
Represent tenants in eviction proceedings
Provide legal advice and negotiate settlements
Serve as co-counsel in selected cases and appeals
Systemic and Impact Litigation
Identify and develop systemic litigation opportunities
Initiate affirmative cases addressing illegal practices
Engage in appellate advocacy
Staff Development
Mentor legal staff and provide technical assistance
Develop training programs for high‑quality legal services
Collaboration and Outreach
Work with community partners and policymakers
Represent the organization in external meetings and coalitions
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) and active NC State Bar membership (or ability to obtain promptly)
5-7 years of litigation experience, including trial and appellate work
Strong written and oral advocacy skills
Ability to manage complex caseloads and work independently
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Experience
Housing law or eviction defense
Systemic or impact litigation
Appellate advocacy beyond routine appeals
Leadership or mentoring experience
Skills and Competencies
Exceptional litigation judgment and advocacy skills
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Passion for serving low‑income clients and advancing social justice
Work Schedule & Compensation
Hybrid schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Full‑time, salary‑exempt position; salary commensurate with experience
Benefits
100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
Generous leave: 22 paid days + 12 holidays
Professional liability coverage
Parental leave, life insurance, disability insurance
Bar dues and CLE opportunities
Application Process Send a resume and detailed cover letter to
jrobinson@ascendnps.org . Include:
Interest and qualifications for the role
Experience with low‑income individuals and trauma survivors
Names and contact info for three references (one must be a supervisor)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Website:
https://www.charlottelegaladvocacy.org
Position Overview The Housing Justice Program Director will lead the revival and expansion of the Advocacy Center's housing eviction diversion program serving unrepresented populations. This role is grounded in two core pillars:
Direct Legal Representation
Systemic Advocacy
The Program Director will maintain a regular presence in eviction court to provide immediate legal assistance to tenants appearing for summary ejectment proceedings. Responsibilities include:
Defending evictions
Providing legal information and advice to tenants
Negotiating with landlords and their counsel
Asserting counterclaims when appropriate
Additional duties include initiating affirmative litigation (illegal evictions, systemic unlawful fees), handling limited appellate cases, and collaborating with community partners and policymakers to advance systemic reforms.
Key Responsibilities Program Leadership and Strategy
Develop and implement a strategic plan to revive the eviction diversion program
Monitor legal trends and report significant developments
Direct Legal Representation
Represent tenants in eviction proceedings
Provide legal advice and negotiate settlements
Serve as co-counsel in selected cases and appeals
Systemic and Impact Litigation
Identify and develop systemic litigation opportunities
Initiate affirmative cases addressing illegal practices
Engage in appellate advocacy
Staff Development
Mentor legal staff and provide technical assistance
Develop training programs for high‑quality legal services
Collaboration and Outreach
Work with community partners and policymakers
Represent the organization in external meetings and coalitions
Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor (JD) and active NC State Bar membership (or ability to obtain promptly)
5-7 years of litigation experience, including trial and appellate work
Strong written and oral advocacy skills
Ability to manage complex caseloads and work independently
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Experience
Housing law or eviction defense
Systemic or impact litigation
Appellate advocacy beyond routine appeals
Leadership or mentoring experience
Skills and Competencies
Exceptional litigation judgment and advocacy skills
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Passion for serving low‑income clients and advancing social justice
Work Schedule & Compensation
Hybrid schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Full‑time, salary‑exempt position; salary commensurate with experience
Benefits
100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
Generous leave: 22 paid days + 12 holidays
Professional liability coverage
Parental leave, life insurance, disability insurance
Bar dues and CLE opportunities
Application Process Send a resume and detailed cover letter to
jrobinson@ascendnps.org . Include:
Interest and qualifications for the role
Experience with low‑income individuals and trauma survivors
Names and contact info for three references (one must be a supervisor)
#J-18808-Ljbffr