Education Staff Attorney
“We do not merely have a social responsibility to assure that our children and youth have decent life chances and prosper. We have a sacred obligation to do so.” Founder Hubie Jones
About Us
Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has equal access to educational opportunities and the support they need to succeed. Through systemic advocacy and direct support, we empower families to navigate the complexities of educational and social services. We work tirelessly to create a more just and inclusive environment for all children.
At MAC, our work is driven by a community-informed, ground-up advocacy model. We provide free legal representation to children with the greatest needs, focusing on those marginalized by the education system due to race, disability, language, immigration status, or poverty. Our multilingual helpline supports thousands of parents and caregivers each year, offering guidance, resources, and referrals to help them overcome educational barriers. We also engage in impact litigation and legislative advocacy, working to change policies and laws, secure funding, and improve oversight. Our issue-focused coalitions raise awareness and build strategic roadmaps for change, while our training and community engagement work empower parents to advocate for their children and become leaders in the movement for educational equity. Additionally, we partner with pro bono attorneys to extend our reach and impact.
Since 2016, MAC has been deeply committed to advancing racial equity within our organization and the educational systems we seek to reform. Our ongoing Racial Equity Initiative equips us to better identify, address, and respond to structural racism, ensuring that our work and organization reflect the values of justice and inclusivity.
Our recent achievements highlight the impact of our advocacy. We are honored to have received a $2 million gift from MacKenzie Scott through the Yield Giving Open Call and to be recognized by the Boston Bar Association with the 2023 John G. Brooks Legal Services Award. We continue to challenge discriminatory policies, such as those affecting immigrant students, and celebrate significant victories like the enactment of the first Inclusive Higher Education law in the country, a milestone achieved after a decade of persistent advocacy with fellow advocates. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit MAC’s website or view a video about who we are.
The Opportunity
The Education Staff Attorney will be joining a team of exceptional public interest attorneys and advocates to directly impact the lives of families seeking equal educational opportunities for their children and participate in systemic advocacy initiatives on education issues impacting children facing the greatest barriers. The Education Staff Attorney will provide legal representation and participate in systemic advocacy in education matters related to student discipline, special education, immigrant student rights, and homelessness, among other issues. The Education Staff Attorney will also participate in statewide and regional coalitions with other legal services and community organizations to advance education equity and lead the statewide Chapter 222 Student Discipline Coalition, a vital hub for advocacy to dismantle the school-to-prison-pipeline.
Key Responsibilities
Direct Client Advocacy:
Systemic Change Advocacy:
Coalition Leadership:
Community Engagement and Education:
Internal MAC Functions:
Qualifications
We appreciate and value that a wide variety of life and work experiences could prepare someone for this role. We also recognize that people from historically marginalized communities may not apply for positions if they do not have every qualification. If you believe you would be a good fit, please apply!
Location, Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position requiring at least 2 days a week in our Boston office near South Station. The salary range is $69,850 - $80,300. The range has been established after a comprehensive analysis of market data, industry benchmarks, and our internal salary structures which have been adopted as part of our race equity commitment.
MAC offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside the base salary. A standout feature is the pilot 4-day work week program, providing 100% pay for a Friday-off schedule to enhance work-life balance. The package includes health insurance with an 85% employer contribution, employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees receive generous paid time off, including vacation starting at 2 weeks per year, 15 sick days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays, an office closure from December 26 to January 1, and 2 personal days annually. Additionally, employees are eligible for a sabbatical after 7 years of service.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to eliu@massadvocates.org with “Education Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Applications missing a cover letter or resume will not be considered. This is a rolling hiring process with a priority deadline of November 15, 2024.
MAC strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and work to dismantle dominant cultural systems of workplace requirements and restrictive hiring practices. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
Education Staff Attorney
“We do not merely have a social responsibility to assure that our children and youth have decent life chances and prosper. We have a sacred obligation to do so.” Founder Hubie Jones
About Us
Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has equal access to educational opportunities and the support they need to succeed. Through systemic advocacy and direct support, we empower families to navigate the complexities of educational and social services. We work tirelessly to create a more just and inclusive environment for all children.
At MAC, our work is driven by a community-informed, ground-up advocacy model. We provide free legal representation to children with the greatest needs, focusing on those marginalized by the education system due to race, disability, language, immigration status, or poverty. Our multilingual helpline…
MAC offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside the base salary. A standout feature is the pilot 4-day work week program, providing 100% pay for a Friday-off schedule to enhance work-life balance. The package includes health insurance with an 85% employer contribution, employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees receive generous paid time off, including vacation starting at 2 weeks per year, 15 sick days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays, an office closure from December 26 to January 1, and 2 personal days annually. Additionally, employees are eligible for a sabbatical after 7 years of service.
MAC offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside the base salary. A standout feature is the pilot 4-day work week program, providing 100% pay for a Friday-off schedule to enhance work-life balance. The package includes health insurance with an 85% employer contribution, employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees receive generous paid time off, including vacation starting at 2 weeks per year, 15 sick days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays, an office closure from December 26 to January 1, and 2 personal days annually. Additionally, employees are eligible for a sabbatical after 7 years of service.
Fluency in Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Spanish in addition to English a plus.
Fluency in Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Spanish in addition to English a plus.
Send a cover letter and resume to eliu@massadvocates.org with “Education Staff Attorney” in the subject line. Applications missing a cover letter or resume will not be considered.