Managing Director of Community Justice Unit

OverviewManaging Director of Community Justice Unit to join our team in Los Angeles and Orange County. Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually by offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation, and advocating for policy change. AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering civil rights and social justice. AJSOCAL offices are located in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all.This position is not covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.What We BringThe special opportunity to join a mission-driven teamFlexible, hybrid work schedulesRich medical, dental and vision benefitsRetirement options through 403B and matchWho You AreYou share our mission of advocacy for AAPIs. You excel at serving the public interest while championing civil rights and social justice. You take pride in your work enriching lives and communities in Los Angeles and across the country. You are seeking a role where your career is supported as you support the organization and its goals. You are a game changer, a leader, and an advocate.RequiredWHAT YOU BRINGBachelor’s DegreeMinimum of eight years of legal practice in housing, family law, or other community-based legal services, with demonstrated experience serving underrepresented or marginalized communitiesMinimum of eight years of experience in legal services, policy advocacy, and/or impact litigation at the local, state, or federal levelMinimum of three years of management experience, including direct supervision of staffMinimum of three years of experience collaborating with community-based organizations or stakeholders in LA and OCDemonstrated commitment to social justice and equityStrong understanding of issues impacting Asian American and Pacific Islander communitiesPreferredJuris Doctor (J.D.) degreeActive membership in the California State BarExperience developing and advancing policy strategies at the local, state, or federal levelExperience managing program or organizational budgets and fundraising strategiesExperience coordinating cross-functional teams and working in multi-office environmentsProven ability to engage with media, donors, and external stakeholders through strategic communicationsKnowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesDemonstrated ability to build and lead coalitions, engage diverse stakeholders, and mobilize collective action around shared goalsExperience designing and executing multi-pronged advocacy campaigns, integrating legal strategy, policy development, media engagement, public education, and grassroots organizingStrong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for varied audiences including the public, media outlets, legal professionals, community advocates, funders, and donorsSolid track record in program management, including oversight of deliverables, timelines, staff coordination, and outcome trackingExperience working with limited English proficient populations, applying culturally responsive and linguistically accessible service approachesFamiliarity with policy and legislative advocacy processes, including stakeholder engagement, drafting, and coalition-building (preferred)Multilingual proficiency, with strong preference for Asian languages, is highly desirableAbility to work across departments and functions, demonstrating collaborative leadership and strategic problem-solvingAbout The RoleThe Managing Director of Community Justice Unit (CJU) is responsible for strategic oversight, operational execution, and continuous evaluation of AJSOCAL’s service delivery across the Los Angeles and Orange County regions. This senior leadership role ensures cross-functional coordination among programmatic departments to align service offerings with the evolving needs of the communities served. The Managing Director represents the organization to regional community stakeholders, cultivating partnerships and advancing initiatives that support AJSOCAL’s mission. The role requires knowledge of internal programs and external resources to integrate support systems addressing housing instability, family law challenges, and barriers to accessing justice.As a member of AJSOCAL’s Strategic Programs and Management (SPAM) team, the Managing Director provides leadership for housing, family law, and the Asian Language Intake Project (community call center), along with other emerging areas of law across Southern California. The role oversees program design, fundraising, communications strategy, and advocacy initiatives that address systemic inequities impacting low-income and marginalized communities. The Managing Director helps identify impact litigation opportunities that strengthen protections and drive systemic change.Your Day-to-day ResponsibilitiesPROGRAM STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP, AND SERVICE DELIVERY OVERSIGHT (55%) Develop and implement strategic goals for LA and OC programs, ensure alignment with mission and regional prioritiesLead cross-departmental collaboration to design integrated service models that promote innovation and impactFacilitate the LA and OC Program Roundtable to guide regional activities and service coordinationSupervise program leaders and staff with mentorship, performance management, and development supportFoster a team-centered culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and client outcomesOversee operational delivery of housing, family law, intake lines, and other services across LA and regional officesProvide legal expertise to inform program design and executionMonitor service delivery issues and manage client expectations for satisfaction and continuityCoordinate across units with the Litigation Director and Policy Director on complex needsEXTERNAL RELATIONS, OUTREACH, AND EDUCATION (30%) Cultivate strategic community partnerships; strengthen regional relationships with stakeholders; guide outreach effortsRepresent AJSOCAL in LA and OC to promote initiatives and visibilityDevelop communications frameworks for community outreach and stakeholder engagementLead regional networks and coalitions for policy strategiesCollaborate with CEO and Pro Bono Director to engage private bar and expand volunteer engagementDevelop high-impact communications for media, donors, and community audiencesLead LA and OC communications for public relations and donor relationsProvide adaptive leadership and take on additional responsibilities as assignedSITE AND PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION (15%) Provide executive oversight of LA and OC offices, manage budgets, and ensure operational efficiencySupport fundraising with ELT, SPAM, SLTm Development, Finance, and program teamsCoordinate with HR, Facilities, and IT to ensure infrastructure and personnel supportPrepare grant reports and maintain communications with fundersOversee budgets for Community Justice programs and ensure sustainabilityCollaborate to advance policies supporting client communitiesOther duties as assignedAll positions are subject to funding. AJSOCAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any protected basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06