Legal Director, ACLU of North Dakota, South Dakota, & Wyoming - ACLU - National Office : Job Details

Legal Director, ACLU of North Dakota, South Dakota, & Wyoming

North Dakota, United States

ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU's National Chapter of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming seeks applicants for the full-time position of Legal Director in Sioux Falls, SD or Fargo, ND. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

We are taking our organization to the next level by strengthening our legal firepower, building legislative strength, expanding communications methods, and creating winning issue campaigns. To meet these objectives, the ACLU of South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming has adopted a “campaign” approach for its work. Work is focused on pursuing specific integrated advocacy campaigns to achieve measurable goals that will expand civil liberties and civil rights while building the long-term power of the ACLU and the civil liberties' movement.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Dakotas/Wyoming Chapter, the Legal Director will lead and expand the ACLU legal program across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming, including developing and litigating high-impact cases and managing the legal department. At the direction of the Executive Director, the Legal Director will be responsible for crafting and executing legal strategy that advances the ACLU of SD/ND/WY mission, as well as handling the day-to-day management of legal staff and cooperating attorneys. As a critical member of the office's senior leadership team, the Legal Director will provide strategic leadership on both litigation and non-litigation legal advocacy in priority areas of criminal justice, immigrants' rights, Indigenous justice, LGBTQ and Two Spirit equality, reproductive rights, and voting rights, as well as other areas including First Amendment rights.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Legal Director who will lead all aspects of litigation and serve as a key senior leader within our Chapter. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to legal advocacy and strategic leadership, contributing significantly to the Chapter's culture, management, and overall direction. Key responsibilities and qualifications include:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide leadership in both litigation and non-litigation legal advocacy, playing a crucial role in shaping the Chapter's legal strategies and broader organizational goals.
• Team Management and Collaboration: Proven ability to manage and inspire high-performing legal staff and teams. Coordinate effectively with advocacy, communications, and development teams to ensure cohesive, cross-functional success.
• Direct Litigation Expertise: Engage in direct litigation efforts and manage cases demonstrating self-sufficiency and expertise in legal proceedings.
• Community Engagement: Develop and nurture strong relationships with community leaders, members, and organizations, both within legal circles and the broader community.
• Public Representation: Act as a prominent spokesperson for the Chapter, representing the organization in media appearances, strategic public forums, community events, donor briefings, and other public engagements.

FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL

• Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU.
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives.
• Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Significant years of trial and appellate litigation experience in state and federal courts, including class actions, with a strong interest and experience in constitutional law and civil rights.
• Proven ability to effectively manage legal staff, run diverse and high-performing teams, and savviness in both direct and indirect people leadership.
• Admitted to the South Dakota, North Dakota, or Wyoming Bar or eligible for admission on motion.
• Excellent organizational skills and a creative and strategic approach to problem-solving and litigation.
• Creative, persuasive, results-oriented, self-starting, persevering, and willing to learn.
• Ability to engage in litigation with minimal support staff.
• High ethical standards and genuine interest in developing authentic relationships.
• Team player who inspires collaboration, lifts the work of others, and maintains balance and perspective with patience.

COMPENSATION

The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. The annual salary for this position is $116,756 (Level E), reflecting the salary of a position based in Sioux Falls, SD. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization.

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At the ACLU, we deeply value diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

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