Employment

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The mission of Equal Justice Works is to create a just society by mobilizing the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice.

Equal Justice Works is a recognized leader in the public interest law movement. We provide a continuum of opportunity that begins with incoming law school students and extends into later careers in the profession. From advocating for law school programs that instill public service values among students, to creating summer and postgraduate public interest jobs, to addressing the staggering educational debt that blocks lawyers from going into public service, Equal Justice Works inspires and provides opportunities for the legal community to change lives, make careers, and deliver on the promise of justice for all.

Please note Equal Justice Works only posts internal job announcements. We recommend visiting Idealist, NALP, NLADA or PsLawNet for posting job opportunities.

 

 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ABOUT THE POSITION

Working closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Board of Directors of this $11 million nonprofit organization, the Executive Assistant (EA) works on high-level projects and strategic initiatives, while cultivating and sustaining important relationships with key stakeholders, including major donors, program participants, and the legal community.  The EA helps to guide and prioritize the Executive Director’s agenda, ensuring he has time to meet with key stakeholders and staff, respond to email, return phone calls and prepare for meetings.  The Executive Director conducts a significant amount of fundraising and as a result, his EA coordinates daily with the Fellowships and Advancement unit to assist in the implementation of donor relations work.

The position has significant administrative responsibilities. The EA manages the Executive Director’s calendar which includes frequent scheduling and rescheduling of meetings and makes all travel-related arrangements.  In addition, the EA processes check-requests and reconciles expense reports.   The EA is also responsible for all of the Executive Director’s filing; the preparation of Board Books; and other materials. It is critical that anyone interested in this position be able to move quickly and efficiently back and forth between high-level work and administrative tasks.

  •   Confidentiality is a critical and fundamental aspect to this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage schedule, prioritize and coordinate meetings and travel arrangements for both the Executive and Deputy Directors
  • Manage communications for the Executive Director; ensuring correspondence, email and phone are handled professionally and appropriately.
  • Monitor email sent and received by the Executive Director to ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner.
  • Handle confidential documents and conversations with discretion and good judgment.
  • Prepare the Executive Director for meetings (including assisting with the drafting of fundraising related presentation materials).
  • Serve as a liaison to the Board of Directors; coordinate, attend and take minutes at Board meetings.
  • Attend staff meetings to ensure a constant flow of information between the Executive Director and staff.
  • Collaborate with Fellowships and Advancement staff to draft emails, proof materials, and research prospective and current donors. 
  • Provide administrative support to annual dinner, including assisting with the drafting of invitations and other annual dinner related materials.
  • Handle administrative duties such as filing, expense reimbursements, and circulating materials to staff and key supporters.
  • Support the Deputy Executive Director on special projects as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree and four years (4+) of Executive Assistant level experience.
  • Experience working with a Board of Directors preferred.
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational, strategic, and planning skills.
  • Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and take initiative after being given general guidelines.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Outlook, and Word.
  • Excellent calendar management skills.
  • Ability to create power point presentations.
  • Keen sense of judgment and discretion as well as an ability to be tactful and diplomatic.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is commensurate with experience.  Participation in our standard health insurance policy, dental insurance, flexible spending account plans, life and accidental death and disability insurance policies, 14 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days sick leave and two days of personal leave.  Eligibility to participate in 403(b) retirement plan, and transportation fringe benefit program, as well as ability to apply for participation in our loan repayment assistance plan, which currently provides up to $200 per month to offset educational debt payments.  

TO APPLY

Please send a concise cover letter with your salary requirements; short writing sample; and a resume to William Winfield at wwinfield@equaljusticeworks.org with the subject line "Executive Assistant Application."  Applicants who do not provide a writing sample or provide their salary requirements will not be screened. Applications can also be mailed to William Winfield, 1730 M St. NW, Suite 1010, Washington, D.C. 20036.  We hope to fill the position by March 22, 2013.  Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  No phone calls please.

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SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER - STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

ABOUT THE POSITION

Equal Justice Works seeks a creative, solution-oriented and high-energy individual to cultivate and develop new government opportunities in order to generate additional sources of funding for legal fellowships from public sources.

Recognizing that lawyers play a key role in achieving the goals of various government agencies and that public agencies are likely to face budget cuts,  Equal Justice Works seeks to create new programs in partnership with U.S. and state government agencies.  Recent examples of our work in this field include (1) securing funds from the Department of Justice to launch a public defender fellowship program; and (2) securing funds from a state Attorney General’s Office to fund lawyers helping people facing foreclosure.  The partnership possibilities are endless.

The qualified applicant must have a pioneering spirit, with an ability to recognize opportunities, overcome challenges, and create and foster relationships with the necessary decision-makers.  Essentially, the qualified applicant will be unwilling to take “no” for an answer and will have the perfect blend of tenacity, determination, good judgment and grace.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Manager must be able to demonstrate his/her ability to:

  • Identify opportunities and overcome challenges
  • Get beyond “no”
  • Build productive relationships with federal and state government agencies
  • Identify possible initiatives (e.g., grants, contracts, cooperative agreements) that would provide opportunities for lawyers and law students to contribute to public agencies' missions.
  • Assist senior management and think strategically about positioning and designing publicly-funded programs
  • Analyze opportunities and facilitate decision-making
  • Make dynamic and persuasive presentations to decision makers
  • Manage internal proposal writing process. 
  • Ensure flow of information between relevant units within Equal Justice Works

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Seven or more years’ experience identifying federal or state government funding opportunities, pursuing leads and making presentations, developing programs and proposals and obtaining funding,
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to identify obstacles and to craft and implement creative strategies to overcome them.   
  • Government experience as a staff member, contractor, consultant or grantee preferred. 
  • J.D. or Master’s degree, preferred
  • Available for domestic travel

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include participation in the organization’s standard health insurance, dental insurance, flexible spending account, and life and accidental death and disability plans, 14 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days of sick leave, and two days of personal leave. Employees are eligible to participate in the 403(b) retirement plan and the transportation fringe benefit program and may apply for participation in the loan repayment assistance plan.

TO APPLY

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter, including salary requirements, to Faye Levinat flevin@equaljusticeworks.org with the subject line “Senior Manager - Strategic Initiatives Application."  Applications may also be mailed to Faye Levin, 1730 M St. NW, Suite 1010, Washington, D.C.  20036.
 

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OPERATIONS MANAGER

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Operations Manager provides oversight of operations to include technology, facilities management and administrative services. S/he will supervise and manage the administrative staff and the information technology staff in the office. S/he will serve as staff liaison for human resources and financial services, providing information and assistance for employees, linking them with benefits and personnel systems, recruiting and hiring process, assisting and advising managers on personnel and administration matters and handling the payment of invoices and billing processes. The Operations Manager will be responsible for administrative services such as administration and interpretation of personnel policies, management of consultants, negotiating vendor contracts, the delivery of internal organizational programs and organizational insurance. The Operations Manager reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration

  • Recruit, select and supervise operations and administrative staff, including the database manager.
  • Partners with finance function to determine and prepare appropriate budgets for the organization’s administration and review budgets through year to ensure fiscal responsibility and best practices.
  • Coordinates with finance for audit preparation.
  • Processes bills and invoices for payment – noting appropriate department cost center.
  • Administers, oversees, ensures compliance with, and holds all parties accountable for satisfaction of contracts between Equal Justice Works, and external consultants, contractors, and vendors.
  • Works with management to approve, support and brief consultants as appropriate. 
  • Receives requests for and makes decisions, in consultation with other directors and Chief Operating Office, regarding use of office space.
  • Coordinates purchases and procures office supplies, furniture, and equipment in coordination with departmental staff. 
  • Serves as primary contact point with building management, coordinating complaints, billing, and service requests. 
  • Report appropriate administrative news to staff through staff meetings, email, or other written contact.
  • Provides information on holidays, adjusted hours and office closure and maintains notification and announcement protocols

Human Resources

  • Coordinates and integrates all human resources functions and processes of the organization, under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer and in conjunction with directors and outside consultants. 
  • Serves as point person with regard to all human resources services.
  • Conducts regular briefings for staff on benefits and human resources services.
  • Assists staff to interface effectively with employee benefits providers.
  • At the direction of the Chief Operating Officer or Executive Director, issues letters officially informing staff persons of individual changes in salary, title or benefits.
  • Establishes deadlines, provides date notices, forms, and process information on performance appraisal.
  • Maintains the employee handbook, administers new hire orientation and training process, and exit process for departing employees.
  • Manages employee recognition and professional development programs.
  • Assists directors in recruitment process to fill staff vacancies.
  • Maintains compliance data on employees, staffing changes, and workforce generally, including preparing periodic reports and updates for management and Board. 
  • Develops and implements organizational model for interns and volunteers.
  • Supports leadership team and promotes teamwork and communication.

Information Technology

  • Manages and supervises the Database Coordinator, coordinates and integrates all information technology functions of the organization in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, directors and outside consultants and contractors.
  • Manages technology outsourced services and acts independently to provide appropriate technology, IT services and support to the staff as needed.
  • Recommends technology solutions to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.
  • Prepares annual technology budgets. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
  • At least five years of relevant work experience in office management or administration.
  • Strong computer and database skills and office systems experience.
  • Strong oral and written skills.    

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is commensurate with experience.  Participation in our standard health insurance policy, dental insurance, flexible spending account plans, life and accidental death and disability insurance policies, 14 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days sick leave and two days of personal leave.  Eligibility to participate in 403(b) retirement plan, and transportation fringe benefit program, as well as ability to apply for participation in our loan repayment assistance plan, which currently provides up to $200 per month to offset educational debt payments.  

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: EJW@transitionguides.com.

For more information, contact Ginna Goodenow at TransitionGuides: ggoodenow@transitionguides.com or 301-439-6635.

 

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SENIOR MANAGER OF FELLOWSHIPS AND ADVANCEMENT

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is an exciting opportunity for the qualified applicant hoping to integrate legal experience, strategic, fundraising, storytelling, and organizational skills, and a desire to help mobilize the next generation of public service lawyers committed to equal justice.   The qualified applicant will undertake to help Equal Justice Works expand its fellowship opportunities and fundraising base. The qualified applicant must be able to prioritize among competing demands, be flexible when confronted with obstacles, and think “outside the box.”

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Manager of Fellowships and Advancement serves as a portfolio manager, responsible for an assigned group of current and prospective donors, including individuals, general counsels, law firms, and corporations. The Senior Manager has significant fundraising responsibilities in assigned geographic regions. As a member of the Fellowships and Advancement Unit, the Senior Manager reports to the Associate Director of Fellowships and Advancement who, in turn, reports to the Director of Fellowships and Advancement. 
 

The qualified applicant must be able to demonstrate his/her ability to:

  • Think strategically and creatively
  • Steward and retain existing sponsors
  • Manage the fellow selection process
  • Monitor the performance of the funded fellows
  • Recruit new sponsors and individual donors
  • Solicit contributions to the Annual Dinner
  • Help recruit and steward potential Dinner Steering Committee members
  • Expand the alumni relations program for former Equal Justice Works Fellows
  • Interface with sponsors and facilitate interaction between fellows and sponsors

QUALIFICATIONS

  • JD Degree
  • Five (5) years relevant work experience
  • Law firm experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of social justice issues and non-profit organizations
  • Fundraising experience a plus
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write for third parties
  • Demonstrated communication and marketing skills
  • Demonstrated success with public presentation and networking
  • Ability and willingness to travel (30-40 percent) (20S

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits include participation in our standard health insurance policy, dental insurance, flexible spending account plans, life and accidental death and disability insurance policies, 14 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days sick leave and two days of personal leave.  Eligibility to participate in 403(b) retirement plan, and transportation fringe benefit program, as well as ability to apply for participation in our loan repayment assistance plan, which currently provides up to $200 per month to offset educational debt payments.

TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are invited to send a concise cover letter, responding to the qualifications, including salary requirement; and a resume to Faye Levin at flevin@equaljusticeworks.orgwith the subject line "Senior Manager of Fellowships and Advancement."  Applicants who do not include salary requirements will not be screened. Applications can also be mailed to Faye Levin, 1730 M St. NW, Suite 1010, Washington, D.C. 20036.

 

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COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ABOUT THE POSITION

 

The Communications Manager will work with a dynamic staff to:

  • Develop and execute marketing communications programs that reach varied stakeholders and clearly articulate the organization’s goals, strategies and impact.
  • Collaborate with Fundraising and Programs departments to create effective marketing materials.
  • Develop and implement an annual cycle of marketing communications campaigns to support program recruitment, outreach and fundraising goals.
  • Expand public relations and media outreach activities for the organization.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Write, edit and produce a diverse portfolio of print and digital content, including brochures, press releases, blog content, annual reports and presentations. 

Expand the organization’s media presence to achieve a higher profile and awareness for the organization and its people and programs.

Expand the organization’s web presence in coordination with external vendors and internal resources using digital, web, social media and other tools to promote the organization effectively and communicate with constituents in such a way as to continually advance our programs and brand.

Maintain weekly production schedule ensuring all projects are completed on time and on budget. 

Work with Director of Communications & Marketing on the following:

  • Strategic media relations to enhance awareness of our programs and brand
  • Editorial direction, design and production of electronic collateral, including e-newsletters and email marketing programs
  • Identity materials, ensuring consistency of message and brand

Our environment is fast-paced and requires extreme attention to detail.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or public relations preferred, with 5+ years of experience implementing public relations and marketing communications programs at an agency or communications department of a non-profit organization or corporation.

Strategic thinker with proven ability to execute, strong attention to detail, and ability to balance a variety of projects.

Excellent writing, proofreading, editing and oral communication skills.

Media relations experience a must.

Experience with PR Newswire, Vocus, Factiva or similar media development and tracking sites.

Knowledge of and experience with creating specifications for print and digital production and managing freelance designers and developers.   

Experience with email marketing software and content management systems (preferably Drupal), as well as basic knowledge of HTML, highly desirable.

Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.

Graphic design ability and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience. Employees participate in Equal Justice Work’s standard health insurance, dental insurance, and flexible spending account plans, and life, accidental death and disability insurance policies. Position offers 14 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days sick leave and two days of personal leave.  Employees are eligible to participate in 403(b) retirement plan, and transportation fringe benefit program, and may apply to participate in Equal Justice Work’s loan repayment assistance plan, which currently provides up to $200 per month to offset educational debt payments.

 

TO APPLY

 

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, résumé, salary requirements and three writing samples via email to Peggy Hubble at phubble@equaljusticeworks.org. 

Résumés will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates selected for interview will be asked to bring a portfolio of their work.  No phone calls please.

 

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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer supports and is the internal complement to the largely externally-focused function of the Executive Director.  Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer serves as a lead member of the management team with the primary function to build the Equal Justice Works’ brand, board relations, strategy and contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic goals. In addition to the strategic components, the Chief Operating Officer has day-to-day management oversight for all departments, including Communications, Federal Programs, Fellowships and Advancement, Finance, Human Resources, Law School Relations and Technology.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The COO will play a pivotal role in guiding the operations and growth of Equal Justice Works.  Currently an $11 million organization with 25 staff, the organization has grown nearly every year since its founding in 1986. The organization has a fresh strategic plan that envisions strong expansion in four key areas. The COO will be a key leader in the realization of that plan: (1) ensuring team and unit accountability for achievement of the objectives, (2) facilitating the growth and related change management, and (3) building the teams, systems and infrastructure the future organization will require.

The COO will complement the Executive Director, whose role is largely externally focused, and who is a superb fundraiser, networker, resource connector and brand builder. The vision for the COO role is to partner with the Executive Director and team to ensure that Equal Justice Works delivers on its promises, builds the organization’s capacity and realizes the exciting future that is envisioned for the organization.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The COO reports to the Executive Director.

Positions/Functions reporting to the COO include:

  • Director of Fellowships and Advancement
  • Director Communications and Marketing
  • Director of Federal Programs and Strategic Initiatives
  • Operations Manager
  • Senior Program Manager for Debt Relief
  • Senior Program Manager for Law School Relations
  • Outsourced Accounting and HR Functions

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategy and Leadership

  • Contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic direction, goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
  • Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the Executive Director informed of all critical issues.
  • Assume overall responsibility for the strategic planning process and monitoring; ensure that the organization is adhering to the strategic plan and deliver status reports to the board.
  • Advise the Executive Director on organizational structure, functions, and operations, as well as change management strategies.

Staff Supervision and Development

  • Manage unit directors ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of Equal Justice Works’ programs.
  • Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
  • Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
  • Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
  • Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach.

Financial Management and Operations

  • Oversee the finance and operations functions of the organization including the Operations Manager and outsourced accounting and HR functions.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process.
  • Serve as the management liaison to the board and audit committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board of directors and committee meetings.
  • Advise the Executive Director and members of the management team on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
  • Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
  • Provide analytical support to the organization’s management team including development of internal management reporting capabilities.
  • Improve administrative and operational accounting services such as 403-B plan, payroll, accounts payable, and purchasing.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Genuine interest in and passion for the mission and programs of Equal Justice Works;
  • BA/BS in a relevant field required, J.D. or Master’s degree strongly preferred;
  • Extensive experience at a senior management level in a complex organization, with broad operational responsibility for disparate operating functions;
  • Significant budgeting experience, familiarity with basic accounting principles, human resources practices, and standard office technology and systems;
  • Prior nonprofit management experiences a plus;
  • Fundraising expertise and /or a legal background a plus;
  • Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities and achieve results;
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a team and develop talent;Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
  • Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise; and,
  • Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits include participation in our standard health insurance policy, dental insurance, flexible spending account plans, life and accidental death and disability insurance policies, 20 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days sick leave and two days of personal leave.  Eligibility to participate in 403(b) retirement plan, and transportation fringe benefit program, as well as ability to apply for participation in our loan repayment assistance plan, which currently provides up to $200 per month to offset educational debt payments. 

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: EJW@transitionguides.com.   

For more information, contact Ginna Goodenow at TransitionGuides:  ggoodenow@transitionguides.com or 301-439-6635.

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DATABASE MANAGER

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Database Manager is responsible for managing the organization’s Microsoft Customer Relationships Management (CRM) system.  The Database Manager will lead our efforts to capture, organize, use and analyze constituent data to achieve unit and organizational goals and objectives.  This position will play a crucial role in effectively managing and implementing a comprehensive database that will serve the needs of many units, including, Communications, Federal Programs, Fellowships and Advancement and Law School Relations.  The Database Manager reports to the Operations Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Continually build and refine the organization's understanding of its constituent’s data in CRM and work collaboratively with other members of the organization to develop strategies for leveraging constituent data to advance the work of the organization.
  • Champion the acquisition, implementation, training and adoption of processes and technologies for effective constituent relationship management for all levels of staff in CRM.
  • Ensure constituent data in CRM is fresh, current and as enhanced as possible to ensure the most effective use of all the information available.
  • Maintain database integrity by setting and enforcing standards and controls.Work with senior management to ensure data across organization and contact entities in CRM is correct. 
  • Generate detailed CRM process maps for outreach, fundraising and business workflow efforts.
  • Provisioning of all new users, providing system training and customization when required.
  • Work with outsourced IT firm and web application programmer to manage CRM project implementation and back-end integration.
  • Enforce new user adoption by monitoring usage.Using SQL statements, generate custom reports for standard reporting, data analysis and data extraction. 
  • Create custom dashboards specific to job functions.
  • Maintain control of access rights, security settings and user privileges.
  • Work with senior management to ensure key CRM functionalities are understood.Update training manuals, policies and procedures.
  • Police organization data entered by CRM users. 
  • Remove duplicate records and validating entered data.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field of study.
  • At least five years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience working with contact management systems such as Microsoft CRM, Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or Sales Force.Strong SQL skills, project/data management, training and support skills.
  • Ability to multi-task with several complex and demanding concurrent projects.
  • Proven ability to work independently.Proven ability to take individual initiative and responsibility for assignments.
  • Excellent communication and writing skills, problem solving and analytical skills, organizational skills and strong interpersonal skills.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is commensurate with experience.  Benefits include participation in our standard health insurance policy, dental insurance, flexible spending account plans, life and accidental death and disability insurance policies, 14 paid vacation days during the first year of employment, 10 days sick leave and two days of personal leave.  You will also be eligible to participate in our 403(b) retirement plan, and transportation fringe benefit program, as well as ability to apply for participation in our loan repayment assistance plan, which currently provides up to $200 per month to offset educational debt payments.

TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, résumé and salary requirements to William Winfield at wwinfield@equaljusticeworks.orgor by mail to William Winfield, Equal Justice Works, 1730 M Street NW, Suite 1010 Washington, DC, 20036

Résumés will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates selected for interview will be asked to bring a portfolio of their work.  No phone calls please.

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Equal Justice Works NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:Equal Justice Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.

© 2012 Equal Justice Works - 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 1010, Washington, DC 20036-4511