Overview
This role is for a Deputy Program Director based in Texas, licensed to practice law in Texas, focused on providing legal guidance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations engaged in advocacy. The position involves building and leading a legal services program in Texas that supports nonprofits in advancing their missions through compliant advocacy.
Responsibilities
Professional Leadership & Independent Judgment
- Establish and lead a legal services practice in Texas, setting strategic priorities and operational direction with minimal supervision.
- Serve as primary legal counsel for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients, proactively identifying and managing legal risks.
- Exercise independent legal judgment on complex and novel issues, consulting peers as needed.
Mission-Centered Legal Counsel
- Develop deep understanding of clients’ missions, programs, governance, and strategic goals.
- Translate complex legal requirements into clear, actionable advice aligned with client missions.
- Identify and mitigate legal vulnerabilities that could affect mission delivery.
- Stay current on federal and Texas laws and regulations related to nonprofit advocacy.
Legal Guidance on Advocacy & 501(c)(3) Compliance
- Advise on permissible lobbying, issue advocacy, and reporting requirements.
- Counsel clients on voter registration, get-out-the-vote efforts, candidate forums, and other nonpartisan election activities.
- Review and provide guidance on advocacy policies, internal tracking, and staff training.
- Advise on governance best practices and public-facing materials including websites, reports, and social media.
- Conduct risk assessments related to programmatic and communications strategies.
Client Outreach and Engagement
- Identify and build relationships with local advocacy organizations and community partners to expand the client base.
- Support or conduct trainings, events, and advocacy activities in person as needed.
Program Administration
- Maintain accurate and confidential client records.
- Participate in client intake and eligibility assessments.
- Contribute to legal resource development including practice guides and templates.
- Represent the program at community events, conferences, and bar association activities.
- Support fundraising and grant management efforts by providing necessary information.
- Promote an organizational culture that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active bar admission in good standing in Texas; admission or eligibility for admission in DC.
- Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, including advising clients, with significant exposure to nonprofit law, tax-exempt organizations, or public-interest legal services.
- Expertise in federal nonprofit advocacy laws, including tax code lobbying limits and 501(c)(3) nonpartisan advocacy, with knowledge of Texas state laws.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound legal judgment, and provide practical, mission-aligned recommendations.
- Familiarity with movement lawyering principles and collaborative work with advocacy organizations.
- Demonstrated commitment to pro bono service, racial equity, and social change through the nonprofit sector.
- Established relationships with Texas advocacy organizations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of explaining complex legal concepts to non-lawyers.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a diverse caseload independently.
- Ability to provide timely, practical legal advice aligned with nonprofit goals and values.
- Commitment to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful organizational culture.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual Spanish speaker.
- Experience advising nonprofits on lobbying compliance, public-policy advocacy, or election law.
- Familiarity with the progressive nonprofit landscape and regulatory climate related to nonprofit advocacy.
Traits for Success
- Ability to prioritize and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
- Enjoy building and deepening relationships with grassroots advocacy groups.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently while contributing to a team.
- Understanding of the integrated nature of advocacy strategies.
Location
Texas-based; requires active Texas bar licensure.