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

Overview

This role is for a Deputy Program Director - Texas, focused on building and leading a legal services program that supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Texas. The position involves providing legal guidance on advocacy-related matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and helping clients advance their missions effectively. The role reports to the Program Director and requires Texas bar admission.

Responsibilities

Professional Leadership & Independent Judgment

• Establish and lead the legal services practice in Texas in partnership with the Program Director.
• Manage a portfolio of nonprofit clients, serving as trusted outside counsel.
• Exercise independent legal judgment on complex issues with minimal supervision.
• Navigate novel legal questions in Texas and provide timely, well-reasoned guidance.

Mission-Centered Legal Counsel

• Develop deep understanding of clients’ missions, programs, governance, and goals.
• Translate complex legal requirements into practical, mission-aligned advice.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks that could affect clients’ mission delivery.
• Stay current on federal and Texas laws related to nonprofit advocacy.

Legal Guidance on Advocacy & 501(c)(3) Compliance

• Counsel clients on permissible lobbying, issue advocacy, and reporting requirements.
• Advise on voter registration, get-out-the-vote efforts, candidate forums, and other nonpartisan election activities.
• Review and advise on advocacy policies, internal tracking, and staff training.
• Provide guidance on governance best practices and public-facing materials.
• Conduct risk assessments related to programmatic and communications strategies.

Client Outreach and Engagement

• Identify and build relationships with local advocacy organizations and community partners.
• Support or conduct trainings, events, and advocacy activities as needed.

Program Administration

• Maintain confidential client records and documentation.
• Participate in client intake and eligibility assessments.
• Contribute to legal resource development for client use.
• Represent the program at community events and professional gatherings.
• Support fundraising and grant management efforts.
• Promote an inclusive, equitable organizational culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active bar admission in Texas in good standing; admission or eligibility for admission in DC.
• Minimum 7 years of legal experience, including advising nonprofit or public-interest clients.
• Expertise in federal nonprofit advocacy laws and Texas state laws.
• Ability to work independently and provide practical, mission-aligned legal advice.
• Familiarity with movement lawyering principles and collaborative work with advocacy groups.
• 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.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage diverse client caseloads.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace.

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 in Texas.

Traits for Success

• Ability to prioritize and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
• Enjoy building relationships with grassroots advocacy groups.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Understanding of holistic advocacy strategies.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $135,000 - $143,000 annually (union position with collective bargaining agreement).
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and employee assistance programs.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer contribution.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Vacation accrual starting at 11 days/year, increasing with tenure up to 21 days/year.
• Parental leave: up to 16 weeks total, including 12 weeks fully paid bonding leave.

Work Environment

• Full-time, fully remote position based anywhere in Texas.
• Occasional travel to events such as staff retreats and meetings (1-4 times per year).
• Standard work hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings or weekends.
• Ability to work long hours when needed (rare).

Physical Demands

• Regular use of computer and communication tools.
• Occasional travel by car, train, or airplane.
• Reasonable accommodations available to perform essential job functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer provides equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age (18+), sexual orientation, national origin, religion, political affiliation, marital or familial status, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, medical condition, disability, physical characteristics, ethnicity, ancestry, or any other protected status under federal or state law. The organization does not inquire about arrest records that did not lead to convictions and conducts background checks only after conditional offers.

Additional Information

• This job description is not exhaustive and may be updated as needed.
• The position currently has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may in the future.