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Paralegal
Position Overview:
Forward Justice seeks a Paralegal to support our racial justice movement work, including program work in democracy, voting rights, economic justice and criminal justice. The ideal candidate will have an unwavering commitment to excellence, an analysis of racial justice and democracy, economic justice and criminal justice, and a commitment to supporting the use of the law to develop creative strategies and provide service toward movement-building goals. This position will report to the Senior Voting Rights Counsel & Litigation Manager.
Job duties include supporting our organization and movement partners by preparing documents such as affidavits and legal correspondence, as well as organizing and maintaining files. You will also be asked to file pleadings with court clerks and help prepare for trials by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as required. To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will need to be proficient with Microsoft Office applications such as Word and Excel, able to multitask effectively and thrive in a busy, team-oriented environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Preparing affidavits, legal correspondence and other documents for attorneys
- Organizing and maintaining documents in a paper or electronic filing system
- Meeting with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to talk about case details
- Filing pleadings with court clerk
- Helping prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and assisting with other tasks as needed
- Preparing briefs, pleadings, appeals, and other legal documents
- Investigating facts and laws of cases and searching public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action
- Researching and tracking legislation
- Directing and coordinating law office activity, including delivery of subpoenas
- Gathering and analyzing statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, documents and other data
- Assisting with witness and client relationship support
- Represent Forward Justice in various forums, including before community groups
- Other duties as may be assigned to meet Forward Justice’s needs
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Case development, including ability to manage and collaborate with national, state and local advocacy organizations, other litigators and co-counsel
- Attention to detail and the ability to manage, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast paced work environment
- Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player
- Initiative, vision, and a proven commitment to social justice
- Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines
- Ability to work on several campaigns at once in conjunction with other staff
- Strong communication skills and creative problem-solving skills
- Experience working with diverse groups of partners
Professional Qualifications:
- Certificate of completion from an ABA-approved paralegal certification program of education and training, or an associate degree in paralegal studies preferred
- Associate degree
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Office administration experience
- Superb legal research, writing and analytical skills
- Strong interpersonal, active listening and communication skills
- A high level of independence, initiative, creativity, and good judgment
- Commitment to Forward Justice’s mission, vision, and values
Salary Range: $44,000 - $50,000 based on experience
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employee premium coverage
- 100% employer sponsored Short- and Long-Term Disability
- 100% employer provided life insurance
- 11 paid holidays + 2.5 weeks office closure at year-end
- 15 days paid time off per year
- 401(k) retirement option with employer contribution
- Individual and team professional development opportunities
- Casual, flexible work environment with a commitment to employee wellbeing and work/life balance, currently operating as hybrid in-person/remote
This is a full-time, exempt position based in the Triangle Area with competitive salary and benefits based on experience. Forward Justice is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from those who will enhance our staff diversity. Women, people of color, directly-impacted, queer, trans folks, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application instructions:
Applications welcomed immediately. In one document applications must include: 1) a letter that addresses your goals and your interest in this position and 2) resume with at least three references. Submit electronic application to jobs@forwardjustice.org, with the subject line: “Paralegal” and your name.
Finance & Operations Associate
Position Overview:
Forward Justice is seeking an excellent detail-oriented Finance & Operations Assistant to join our growing team. In this position, you will play a key role in maintaining ledgers, keeping financial records, and updating our financial information for our C3 and C4 organizations. We are looking for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and self-motivated leader to join our team who believes deeply in excellence and the racial justice mission of Forward Justice. This position will work closely with the Operations Manager and report to the Finance Manager.
Responsibilities:
The Finance & Operations Assistant will collaborate and communicate with our Operations and Finance Managers, Director of Finance, and administrative team to process business transactions, handle accounts payable and receivable, revenue and expense reports.
Finance Responsibilities:
- Providing support to the Director of Finance, Operations Manager, and the administration team as needed.
- Performing tasks, such as filing, data entry, and organization of financial records.
- Develop processes for receiving and processing invoices and payments.
- Manage online payment platforms, vendor contracts, and payments.
- Processing transactions, updating ledgers, spreadsheets, and budgets.
- Assisting Director of Finance with audits, fact checks, and resolving discrepancies.
- Keep financial records up to date, correct and modify inaccurate files and/or records.
- Work with development team to ensure appropriate tracking and accounting of gifts and donations.
- Will work with the Executive Assistant to help assign costs as it relates to the FJ leadership team.
- Collaborate with the Finance Manager to develop training and help guides to assist staff to adhere to financial procedures.
- Develop processes and procedures to support a growing organization.
Operations Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Executive Assistant and Operations Manager to provides wide range of complex office administration and support to the Co-Director (s) and program leads/teams.
- Develops, implements, and administers departmental office systems and procedures, in-cluding obtaining quotes and provide recommendations for new systems and process from vendors.
- Co-create, update and maintain internal operation procedures and its proper documenta-tion.
- Provide support for both our C3 and C4 organization for field events and programs.
- Support Operations and HR manager in resolving operational issues
- Participate in team and partner meetings, record and distribute meeting minutes to respec-tive parties.
- Sort, file and retrieve documents and reports as and when needed.
- Perform general office administrative and clerical duties.
- Maintain logs and spreadsheets for all office activities.
- Support and lead operations for an ongoing remote and or hybrid workspace.
Qualified application should have:
- Associate’s degree or two years of related work experience desired. Preference for experi-ence in the nonprofit sector.
- Proficiency with computers, Quickbooks software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Exceptional time management and verbal and written communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Familiarity with basic accounting principles.
- Professional manner and strong ethical code.
- Ability to multitask and remain motivated and positive.
- Able to troubleshoot and work proactively to ensure flawless accounting procedures.
- Commitment to working efficiently and accurately.
Salary Range: $44,000 - $50,000 based on experience
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employee premium coverage
- 100% employer sponsored Short & Long Term Disability
- 100% employer sponsored Life Insurance
- 11 paid holidays + 2.5 week office closure at year-end
- 15 days paid time off per year
- 401(k) retirement option with employer contribution
- Individual and team professional development opportunities
- Casual, flexible work environment with a commitment to employee wellbeing and work/life balance, currently operating as hybrid in-person/remote
This is a full-time, exempt position based in the Triangle Area with competitive salary and benefits based on experience. Forward Justice is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. We
welcome and encourage applications from those who will enhance our staff diversity. Women, people of color, directly-impacted, queer, trans folks, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application instructions:
Forward Justice is immediately seeking to fill this position but looking for the best candidate to support a growing organization. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis. In one document please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@forwardjustice.org, with the subject line: Finance & Operations Assistant and your name.
Finance Manager
Position Overview:
Forward Justice seeks an enthusiastic, participative, detail- oriented, and self-motivated Finance Manager to conduct the accounting, finance and administrative functions of a growing organization. The Manager will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities for our C3 and C4 organizations. This position will lead all day-to-day finance operations of the organization with an annual budget in excess of $3 million, and growing. The Finance Manager reports directly to the Director of Finance.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategy, Management and Leadership
- Leads, in collaboration with the Director of Finance, the development of strategic financial plans and the agency’s operational budgets; analyzes strategic business opportunities, risk management and financial data to support management decisions.
- Applies understanding of nonprofits, budget models and ability to manage complex financial environment to bring a strategic, high-level perspective to finance and accounting needs.
- In the absence of the Finance Director ensure all organizational financial policies are up to date, implemented, and effectively translated to finance team, FJ/FJAN staff and Board Leadership as appropriate.
- Manages platforms related to financial and data management (i.e. timekeeping system, reimbursement system, and donations platforms).
- In the absence of the Director of Finance serves as financial staff liaison to the Board of Directors.
- Ability to translate and educate pertinent organizational financial and budget information to leadership.
- Perform duties and responsibilities in accordance with Generally Approved Accounting standards and Practices.
- Prepare and track lobbying reports and lobbying hours for the organization.
General Accounting
- Payables and Expenses: Prepares and or approves checks and recording of expenditures by budget category; calculates and records allocations for shared expenses; keep journal entries and maintain the integrity of the general ledger.
- Ensure that transactions are appropriately classified among projects, programs, grants as well as other restriction considerations.
- Compliance: Works with financial auditors and program monitors; ensures Forward Justice meets federal, state, and local financial, lobbying, and nonprofit best-practice standards.
- Remain informed on accounting best practices, standards, and legal requirements.
- Contract Management.
Budgeting and Reporting
- Audit: Assist in leading the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors; ensure all recommendations from audit are operationalized.
- Assist in preparation of the annual financial preparation of IRS form 990 with Director of Finance and outside CPA firm.
- Grant Budgets and Reporting: Work with staff on preparing project and grant proposal budgets preparation, presentation, and contract finalization; prepares and submits required reports to funding sources; reviews and analyzes budget reports; and prepares and develops budget modifications and recommendations.
- General Reporting: Manages organizational cash flow and revenue forecasting; oversees all financial, project/program and grants accounting.
- Contracts Management: Manages robust contracts and financial reporting system; ensures that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to, and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
Qualified applications should have:
- At least 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in nonprofit financial management and accounting, including audit, compliance, budget, grants management, and resource development.
- BS in Finance, Accounting or equivalent preferred.
- Proficient in Excel and QuickBooks
- Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.
- Flexible and a self-starter, detail-oriented and excellent organizational skills and
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining an attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Salary Range: $61,000 - $70,000 based on experience.
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employee premium coverage
- 100% employer sponsored Short- and Long-Term Disability
- 100% employer provided life insurance
- 11 paid holidays + 2.5-week office closure at year-end
- 15 days paid time off per year
- 401(k) retirement option with employer contribution
- Individual and team professional development opportunities
- Casual, flexible work environment with a commitment to employee wellbeing and work/life balance, currently operating as hybrid in-person/remote
This is a full-time, exempt position based in the Triangle Area with competitive salary and benefits based on experience. Forward Justice is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from those who will enhance our staff diversity. Women, people of color, directly-impacted, queer, trans folks, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application instructions:
Applications welcomed immediately. In one document applications must include: 1) a letter that addresses your goals and your interest in this position and 2) resume with at least three references. Submit electronic application to jobs@forwardjustice.org, with the subject line: “Finance Manager” and your name.
Senior Staff Attorney
Position Overview:
Forward Justice is seeking a detail-oriented senior staff attorney with at least five (5) years of relevant experience to assist with all aspects of legal advocacy and litigation, including legal research, factual investigations, drafting of memoranda, complaints, discovery materials, briefs, pleadings, and other documents. The successful candidate will be able to multi-task and maintain a high level of organization in a fast-paced environment.
The ideal candidate will have an unwavering commitment to excellence, a deep analysis of the intersectional issues relating to racial justice and democracy, economic justice and criminal justice, a commitment to using the law to develop creative strategies toward movement-building goals, and a keen interest in Forward Justice’s mission. The focus of the position may change as warranted by changes in the law, circumstances in Southern states where Forward Justice works, or the needs of the organization.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Litigation, legal, and campaign support under supervision of the Senior Litigation Manager.
- Research legal and policy analysis related to democracy, economic justice, criminal justice and other racial justice issues.
- Draft complaints, briefs, motions, memos, reports and other documents in support of litigation and policy work.
- Perform legal research, design litigation strategy, draft legal documents, and maintain legal calendaring.
- Communicate regularly with Forward Justice’s clients, co-counsel, advocacy and partner organizations.
- Policy responsibilities may include analyzing law, preparing advocacy materials, assisting in organizing and grassroots campaign strategies.
- Supervise outreach activities related to cases and campaigns
- Supervise, mentor, and manage the legal work and related tasks of team members, law fellows, interns, and outreach paralegals.
- Represent Forward Justice in various forums, including before community groups.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Case development, including the ability to manage and collaborate with national, state and local advocacy organizations, other litigators and co-counsel.
- Excellent legal research and writing, consistent attention to detail and the ability to manage, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
- Enthusiastic self-starter, with strong project management skills and ability to multi-task at a high level.
- Aptitude for and willingness to be a team player.
- Initiative, vision, and a proven commitment to the struggle for racial justice.
- Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to work on several campaigns at once in conjunction with other staff.
- Strong communication skills and creative problem-solving skills.
- Experience working with diverse groups of partners.
Required Qualifications
- J.D. degree; admitted to practice law. Preference for North Carolina barred attorney.
- Five plus years of experience.
- Superb legal research, writing and analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal, active listening and communication skills.
- A high level of independence, initiative, creativity, and good judgement.
- Commitment to Forward Justice’s mission, vision, and values.
Salary Range: $73,000 - $84,000 based on experience.
Benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 100% employee premium coverage
- 100% employer sponsored Short and Long Term Disability
- 100% employer provided life insurance
- 11 paid holidays + 2.5 week office closure at year-end
- 15 days paid time off per year
- 401(k) retirement option with employer contribution
- Individual and team professional development opportunities
- Casual, flexible work environment with a commitment to employee wellbeing and work/life balance, currently operating as hybrid in-person/remote
This is a full-time, exempt position based in the Triangle Area with competitive salary and benefits based on experience. Forward Justice is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from those who will enhance our staff diversity. Women, people of color, directly-impacted, queer, trans folks, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application instructions:
Applications are welcomed immediately; position open until filled. To apply, submit in one document: 1) a cover letter that addresses your goals and your interest in this position 2) a resume with three professional references and 3) a recent writing sample. Submit an electronic application to jobs@forwardjustice.org, with the subject line: “Senior Staff Attorney” and your name.
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