Justice System Reform Investigator/Analyst

About Southern Coalition for Social Justice

Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in August 2007 and works across the South. Our mission is to promote justice by partnering with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights. SCSJ’s focus areas are community-driven, and currently include voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice. Our model of practice requires team members who work well with grassroots organizations and in collaboration with other civil rights groups, and who have deep passion for and commitment to fighting for inclusive political participation.

For more information about our work and our unique community lawyering approach, visit our website at www.scsj.org.

Justice System Reform's Vision and Framework

Our Justice System Reform Program advances social, economic, and racial justice by centering the voices and experiences of those most harmed by our deeply flawed, inherently racist, and overly punitive criminal legal system. We work to end mass incarceration and the death penalty, improve public safety, challenge systemic racism, eliminate collateral consequences, and hold those in power accountable when they abuse their authority.

Because no single solution can fix the system, we use a wide range of tools — litigation, advocacy, research, policy work, and communications — and collaborate with others to push for real, lasting change.

Position Summary

SCSJ seeks a committed advocate and creative problem solver to advance its Justice System Reform work in a full range of advocacy work. This position will work across all core JSR issue areas and report to JSR’s Chief Counsel.

Responsibilities Include

• Working on behalf of SCSJ clients, whether plaintiffs in a civil rights lawsuit or defendants in a criminal case, to gather information, canvas for witnesses, synthesize discovery, and otherwise support SCSJ’s advocacy. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting research, on-the-ground investigation, meeting with clients and witnesses, drafting memoranda, tracking litigation calendars, submitting records requests, organizing large quantities of documents, and a variety of other case support duties;
• Analyzing facts, records, and information, and working with attorneys and other staff members to integrate information for case preparation;
• Working internally across SCSJ’s cross-disciplinary staff, as well as externally within various coalitions and partnerships, to ensure that information flows and that SCSJ’s work is both client-focused and community-based;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, community partners, organizers, coalition members, and legal allies;
• Working with clients and communities to assist in building their capacity to undertake issue-advocacy campaigns, challenge discriminatory policies and practices, and promote dignity and stability for everyone;
• Planning, coordinating, implementing, and leading successful community outreach and public education campaigns;
• Other responsibilities as assigned by JSR’s Chief Counsel.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, civil rights, and racial justice, as well as the mission of SCSJ.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including those directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Ability to take initiative, establish priorities, work independently, self-motivate, and proceed with objectives with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well under pressure with attention to detail.
• Ability to work both in a team structure and independently, as required by different circumstances.
• Outstanding integrity, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment to handle sensitive, high-profile, and legally privileged and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to convey complex information effectively to a wide range of audiences of varying sizes and venues.
• Be highly reflective and able to offer and receive feedback on a regular basis.
• Demonstrated ability to use organizational communications and data management tools, (e.g., Slack, Excel, Box).
• Willingness to travel, as well as adhere to a flexible and sometimes demanding schedule.
• Lived or work experience with the criminal legal system is particularly helpful.
• Understanding of and ability to work from a strict non-partisan, 501c(3) perspective

Salary and Benefits/Compensation

The JSR Investigator/Analyst’s starting salary is $65,000 per year, commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive health and retirement plans.

Location

SCSJ’s physical office is in Durham, North Carolina. SCSJ is a hybrid work environment; staff are expected to work in our Durham office every Wednesday plus an additional day of their team’s choosing with remote flexibility on the other three days of the week.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SCSJ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment.

A Note to Historically Marginalized Job Candidates

Research has shown women, nonbinary individuals, people of color and other historically marginalized individuals often refrain from applying for positions unless they believe they fulfill each and every requirement outlined in a job description. However, it's crucial to recognize that meeting every criterion is seldom a reality for any applicant. Our commitment lies in cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment and prioritizing finding the most suitable candidate for the role — who we know may emerge from a less conventional background. We wholeheartedly urge you to submit your application, even if you feel you don't perfectly align with every specification outlined.

To Apply

Candidates must upload a resume and cover letter through the application form here. Please label submissions with your first and last name.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates who can start ASAP are encouraged to apply.