SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY – CALIFORNIA ADVOCACY DIRECTOR
SUMMARY
NHLP seeks a California Advocacy Director to lead our work on housing justice issues with a focus on NHLP’s role as a California legal and advocacy support center. NHLP is actively involved in advocacy, training and litigation related to tenants’ rights and affordable housing preservation in California with a particular focus on the federally assisted housing programs. This is a dynamic position that will allow the attorney to work with advocates across California, the Housing Justice Network, and a tremendous team at NHLP.
ABOUT NHLP
The National Housing Law Project is a national legal and advocacy organization and serves as a support center to legal aid attorneys, organizers, and other advocates. NHLP’s mission is to advance housing justice for poor people and communities. We achieve this by strengthening and enforcing the rights of tenants, increasing housing opportunities for underserved communities, and preserving and expanding the nation’s supply of safe and affordable homes. NHLP works at the crossroads of housing and community development advocacy, legal services for the poor, and civil rights. We believe that access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed by everyone. Our work is grounded in the realities that shape poor people’s housing choices. Housing security is an essential component of racial and civil equality and a critical foundation for education, health, employment, social engagement, and opportunity. We provide communities and their advocates with the tools they need to advance those rights. NHLP has offices in San Francisco and Washington, DC and staff in over five states.
The National Housing Law Project is committed to an environmentof inclusion and equitable opportunity for members of the Housing Justice Network, our partner organizations, clients, staff, and board. We seek to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially people with lived experiences impacted by housing insecurity and discrimination, or who have experienced the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination. We actively promote mutual respect, acceptance, appreciation and teamwork across all lines of difference.
SCOPE OF THE POSITION
The California Advocacy Director will provide strategic direction for NHLP’s work in California with special attention to areas where NHLP’s national work aligns with and supports California
priorities. The California Advocacy Director will coordinate NHLP’s role as an IOLTA-funded California support center and provide technical assistance, conduct trainings, and engage in policy advocacy and litigation.
A background in eviction defense, affirmative litigation and federally-assisted housing (including HUD programs, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Rural Development Housing, and/or others) will help the attorney be successful in the position.
With the help of NHLP’s California-focused legal team, the position is responsible for providing substantive legal and technical support to housing attorneys, other housing advocates, resident organizations and nonprofit agencies on legal issues related to federally assisted housing and eviction prevention. The position will help lead NHLP’s legislative efforts in the state and may work on federal housing policy that intersects with California priorities. In addition, with support from NHLP’s litigation director and associate litigation director, the attorney will engage in strategic impact litigation in NHLP’s California priority areas. The attorney will be responsible for organizing and facilitating statewide working groups and helping prepare the submission of regulatory comments.
NHLP delivers most of its services by phone, video or email, although the staff attorney will need to occasionally travel for litigation, policy advocacy, conferences, or to provide in-person trainings. The attorney can be located anywhere in California.
The California lead will supervise and manage one attorney staff member and lead strategic planning for NHLP’s California team. The position will also engage with other NHLP teams to ensure that California priorities are included among all of our broader work areas.
REQUISITE SKILLS
- Understanding of and, preferably, working experience with public and assisted housing programs
- Supervision and/or management experience
- Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and the Violence Against Women Act
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Experience in training and litigation
- Excellent group facilitation skills
- Excellent analytical skills
- Strong research and writing skills
- A demonstrated, strong commitment to advancing the housing rights and interests of very low-income persons and households
- A demonstrated, strong commitment to advancing racial justice, diversity, and inclusion
- J.D. degree
- License to practice law in California
- A minimum of 10 years of legal experience
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will depend on the qualifications of the applicant but will be tied to NHLP’s attorney salary scale. The salary scale is dependent on years of professional experience and expected range within the scale is $120,000+. For attorneys with more than 15 years of experience, the scale begins at $128,000. NHLP provides fully paid health, dental, vision and other insurance for its employees. NHLP also contributes 3% of salary to an employer sponsored 401(k).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications should include the name of the position in the subject line. Please email the following to
hr@nhlp.org :
- Cover letter that details your interest in the position and includes a brief summary of your work experience
- Resume
- Three references that we can contact
- A writing sample that is no more than 10 pages
The position was posted on August 20, 2024. This position will remain open until filled, but an initial review of applications will begin on September 27, 2024.
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Managing Attorney
LOCATION: California
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