We have positions open!

Come work with us.  Scroll down to see postings for:​​

• Executive Director

• Immigration Attorney / Program Director

 

Executive  Director

Are you a passionate visionary with a keen business sense and a dedication to social justice? Are you eager to contribute to improving the quality of life for the communities of Kentucky? If so, we want to hear from you!

 

The position:

The Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) is searching for a visionary and mission-oriented Executive Director with a demonstrated track record of serving and working alongside low-income communities. Building on a strong foundation of service and solid reputation in Kentucky, the next Executive Director will be presented with a chance to shape the role of Executive Director, the organizational model, and the future of KEJC.

 

Who we are:

Formed in 1976, the Kentucky Equal Justice Center has a nearly 50-year history of working with legal aid organizations, grasstops policy partners at the state and national levels, and grassroots organizations across the Commonwealth to advocate for low-income Kentuckians. Together with these partners—from the courthouse, Capitol, and communities across Kentucky—we tackle issues Kentuckians face in health care, workers’ rights, immigration, hunger, and housing. We are a growing, flexible, and responsive non-profit poverty law advocacy center that through advocacy, education, and litigation, works to address systemic barriers to economic and social justice. Our mission is to build a more just and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. KEJC’s 2024 budget is $2,666,369 and we have a team of 28 people on staff. Further information about KEJC can be found at https://www.kyequaljustice.org/.

 

Who you are:

Kentucky Equal Justice Center seeks a visionary and strategic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The ideal candidate will bring experience in leading a mission-driven organization, fundraising at scale, brand-building, strategic transformation, and cultivating a deep network across the state’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors. You will have the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the organization and foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and support both internally and throughout the communities KEJC serves.

 

Should you align with our values and share our passion for combating poverty, discrimination, and inequality, you will discover a welcoming community at KEJC!

 

Key responsibilities:

The Executive Director, in partnership with the KEJC Leadership team including the Operations Manager, Development Manager and Project and Program Leads will provide:

 

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic plans in alignment with KEJC's mission and goals.

• Provide inspirational leadership to staff, board members, and partners to drive organizational

  growth and impact.

• Establish clear goals and objectives for legal aid services and advocacy initiatives, and regularly

  assess progress towards achieving them.

• Foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the organization and with external

  stakeholders.

 

Advocacy and Policy Development:

• Lead KEJC's advocacy efforts to address systemic injustices and promote policies that advance economic and social equity.

• Maintain KEJC’s leadership role among city, state, and community partners and coordinate its work with those groups.

   

Program Management and Oversight:

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality legal services to low-income individuals and marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to justice.

• Oversee the development and implementation of KEJC's programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives along with providing guidance and support to program staff in designing effective strategies and interventions.

• Recruit, train, and retain a talented and diverse team of staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of professional growth and accountability.

• Monitor program outcomes and evaluate impact to inform continuous improvement efforts.

 

Fundraising and Financial Management:

• Lead fundraising efforts to secure financial support from foundations, donors, government agencies, and other sources. In parallel with cultivating and stewarding relationships with such funders and donors to sustain, diversify, and expand KEJC's funding base.

• Manage the organization's budget, financial resources, and grant reporting requirements.

 

Community Engagement and Partnerships:

• Maintain and build relationships with community partners, advocacy groups, and coalitions to amplify KEJC's impact.

• Represent KEJC in public forums, media interviews, and speaking engagements to raise awareness of not only KEJC services but social justice issues.

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Qualifications:

There are countless avenues for professional learning, growth, and advancement. We value this diversity as we evaluate applications, considering each applicant's wide-ranging experiences. Our goal is to understand you and the distinctive qualities you'll contribute to the role. That being said, we are inclined to be more interested in your candidacy if you can showcase the majority of the qualifications and experiences outlined below:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in law, public policy, or related field preferred;

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in progressive leadership roles within the nonprofit sector,

  advocacy organizations, or related fields;

• Proven track record of fundraising success, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and

  relationship building;

• Understand financial matters, including budgets, compliance with grant and contract

  requirements, and financial oversight;

• Strong commitment to the professional development of staff; successful track record of recruiting

  and retaining a diverse team;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences

  and stakeholders;

• Strong commitment to social justice, equity, and human rights;

• Skilled in overseeing multicultural teams and addressing the needs of diverse communities.

• Demonstrate strategic vision and adaptability - engage in forward-thinking, anticipate trends, and

  adjust organizational strategies in accordance with evolving external circumstances;

• Knowledge of Kentucky's social, economic, and political landscape is desirable.

 

Application process:

To receive full consideration, you are encouraged to submit your application materials by April 8th, 2024. Screening of candidates begins immediately and will continue until the time of selection. Please submit 1) a letter expressing your interest in the position, your qualifications (including transferable experience) and what you hope to be able to contribute to KEJC’s future, 2) a resume and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references.

 

Materials should be submitted electronically to gslusser@thredpartners.com in Microsoft Word or PDF format with subject line of “Kentucky Equal Justice Center Executive Director Search”. Candidates with questions about the position or process are encouraged to contact Gretchen Slusser at the email address above.

 

Benefits and compensation:

• Salary Range is based on experience.

• Fringe benefits include health, retirement, dental, life, and disability coverage, with optional vision

  coverage.

• In addition to contributing required employer premiums, KEJC covers single employee premiums

  for health, dental, life, and disability insurance at no expense.

• KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation

  in the Kentucky Employee Health Plan and County Employee Retirement System (CERS).

• KEJC contributes the CERS nonhazardous rate to employee retirement plans.

 

Diversity statement:

KEJC welcomes your application. As an organization, we are committed to anti-racism and are working to build a racial justice framework into our programming and policy initiatives. We acknowledge our history as a predominately white organization and are committed to ending white supremacy. Doing so is essential to our objective of full equality for all people.

 

KEJC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

 

Women, people of color, transgender individuals and members of other underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply. KEJC also supports and encourages people who were formerly convicted to be active in their community. Background checks results that indicate a conviction do not necessarily disqualify you from employment. KEJC reserves the right to request further information to fully assess an applicant’s candidacy in relation to the job duties associated with the position.

​

 

Immigration Attorney / Program Director

Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) seeks an attorney with immigration law experience to direct its vibrant immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic (MSLC) in Lexington. The Program Director Attorney will engage in:

 

Legal representation: a variety of immigration proceedings including family-based petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, citizenship, and U and T visa applications

Program management: oversight of case intake and our online case management system; staff training and supervision; program-related fundraising and grant reporting

Outreach and education: provision of clear, reliable information to practitioners, the public, and immigrant communities about immigration and immigration law

 

The position may also involve occasional policy advocacy around immigration-related matters, primarily at the state level. The position is full time.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Director Attorney will:

​

• Supervise initial intake interviews of clients

• Review intake information and determine whether to accept representation

• Represent clients before federal agencies and occasionally in state court

• Conduct limited litigation and appellate work

• Engage in occasional policy advocacy before administrative and legislative bodies

• Conduct outreach to client communities

• Provide education to service providers, the legal community, and the community at large

• Provide technical assistance on immigration law matters to attorneys and advocates

• Participate in program-related grant writing, reporting, and fundraising efforts

• Train, supervise, and manage MSLC staff, law school interns, and volunteers

• Oversee day-to-day operations of MSLC, including intake and case management systems, with supervision and direction from KEJC Executive Director and Senior Counsel

 

Education and Experience

Juris Doctor with at least three years of immigration law experience preferred, plus active bar membership (preferably in Kentucky).

 

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of issues affecting low-income immigrants

• Excellent research and analytical skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing

• Experience with case management, program, and grants management

• Experience designing and delivering trainings for diverse audiences

• Experience supervising non-attorneys and volunteers

• Experience working with diverse constituencies

• Self-motivation and ability to take initiative

• Strong commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Active membership in a state bar and willingness to seek admission to the Kentucky bar if not a member

 

Location

Maxwell Street Legal Clinic is in Lexington, Kentucky, between downtown and the University of Kentucky Campus.+

​

Salary and Benefits

Salary based on experience and our salary scale. Illustrative examples: $57,905 at three years,

$66,280 at 10 years. Generous fringe benefits include health and retirement, dental, life and disability coverage. KEJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, but we provide health and retirement benefits through participation in state and county employee plans.

 

Application Instructions

Please email a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and a list of three references to:

 

Heather Darby, Operations Manager

heather@kyequaljustice.org

 

References should include an email address and phone number.

​

Application Deadline

Open until filled. Note that we will interview promising candidates on a rolling basis.

 

For more information

Richard Seckel, Director, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, 201 West Short Street, Suite 310, Lexington, KY, 40507. Email: richseckel@kyequaljustice.org. Phone: 859-233-3057 or 859-312-8491.

​

​

Housing Justice Intake Coordinator  position filled 

Kentucky Equal Justice Center seeks an energetic bilingual Housing Intake Coordinator to join our Housing Justice team to: 

 

• help low-income residents of Fayette County who are facing eviction get legal help and referrals to other community resources

• provide intake support to our Housing Justice Project clients

• help  develop community education materials designed to ensure that every tenant in Lexington knows how to access resources 

• work with community partners across Lexington to stabilize housing for low-income and marginalized residents in Lexington

• help erase the racial gap in communities accessing resources and benefits available to all residents of Fayette County

 

The Fayette County Housing Justice Intake Coordinator will join our versatile housing outreach and legal team in a collaborative effort with Legal Aid of the Bluegrass and our immigration law program at Maxwell Street Legal Clinic. The goal: to keep all Kentuckians safe and housed.

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

The Housing Justice Intake Coordinator will:

 

• Develop detailed and current knowledge of programs available in Lexington for rental assistance and other benefits, including eligibility rules and where and how to apply for safety net resources

• Conduct interviews with clients and potential clients in English and Spanish with use of telephonic interpretation for other languages

• Prioritize building connections with community partners who serve the Spanish speaking population in Lexington and are directly involved with tenants unions, Community Action organizations, and other countywide agencies

• Field incoming housing-related inquiries by phone, web, and email and provide appropriate information, intake, or referral to rental assistance application clinics and other resources provided by Legal Aid program staff

• Speak with people who are being evicted or who are in danger of eviction to assess their needs and provide them with information about housing resources, refer to the Housing Justice attorneys and/or an Outreach Organizer for case management services while proceeding through Court

• Address barriers that interfere with clients’ ability to effectively participate in saving their housing and conduct activities to connect clients to wrap-around community services

• Provide hands-on application assistance for a limited number of cases; help identify what works and what doesn’t; and advocate for continuous improvement in application and approval processes 

• Help create housing-oriented outreach materials in consultation with our Senior Counsel and Housing Justice Attorneys, including flyers, webinars, presentations, and blogs 

• Work closely with our Housing Justice Attorneys and Senior Counsel to understand and improve the functionality of our online apps to connect people with rental protections, assistance, and legal help

• Coordinate and collaborate with KEJC and legal aid program staff through Zoom calls and meetings, including implementation of a language access plan, referral pathways for direct representation, and continuous improvement of systems and support

• Assist Kentucky Equal Justice Center’s Director, Housing Justice Attorneys, and Development Manager in reporting on project activities and outcomes 

• Participate in professional development in communication, customer service, organizing, or other skills

• Attend our statewide legal services Consumer & Housing Task Force meetings 

 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

 

• Two or more years of  relevant education or experience in community outreach, organizing, or intake support

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral

• Comfort working in a multicultural setting, with sensitivity to language, race, ethnicity, disability, and cultural issues 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to speak to people from all walks of life and cultures 

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

• Ability to use office and computer technology, including case management, spreadsheet and word processing software

• Facility with social media and web-based communications tools 

• Ability to work within a team but also to be a self-starter in developing and carrying out activities 

• Knowledge of low-income issues and trauma-informed advocacy

• Commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity and inclusion

• Access to transportation either through use of public transportation, ride shares, or personal transportation.

​

Proficiency in Spanish is required. History of advocacy or community work in Lexington is strongly preferred.

​

Salary and benefits 

$20.35 to $33.50 an hour DOE.  Part-time, 20 hours a week.  Health and other fringe benefits not included.   

​

Grant Funded Position with Potential Renewal

This position is funded by a grant from Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Housing Stability Services through September 2024, with a strong likelihood of extension and renewal. Over time, sustainability will depend on locating new sources of support.

 

Starting Date:  As soon as possible.

​

Application instructions

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to:

 

Jess Bowman, Housing Justice Project Manager

jess@kyequaljustice.org 

 

Please put “Housing Intake Coordinator” in the subject line of your email.  References should include phone numbers and email addresses.  Optional: send along examples of recent work such as slides of presentations you are proud of, one-pagers explaining an issue, or a blog post.  

 

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  No phone calls please.

 

Application deadline:  Open until filled.

​

For more information 

Contact Jess Bowman, Housing Justice Project Manager, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, 201 West Short Street, Suite 310, Lexington, KY 40507. Email: jess@kyequaljustice.org. 

​

Diversity Statement 

KEJC welcomes your application. As an organization, we are committed to anti-racism and are working to build a racial justice framework into our programming and policy initiatives. We acknowledge our history as a predominately white organization and are committed to ending white supremacy. Doing so is essential to our objective of full equality for all people.

 

KEJC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

​

Women, people of color, transgender individuals and members of other underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply. KEJC also supports and encourages people who were formerly convicted to be active in their community. Background checks results that indicate a conviction do not necessarily disqualify you from employment. KEJC reserves the right to request further information to fully assess an applicant’s candidacy in relation to the job duties associated with the position.

​

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