Program Director, Law & Social Justice

Job Title: Program Director of Law & Social Justice https://www.voiceuplife.life/together Location: Remote Flexible Schedule Compensation: Equity stake during startup period Company Overview: Voice Up is a digital media startup with a mission to empower young people to drive social change through digital and social media. By amplifying student voices, we help them engage in critical social issues, particularly those related to justice and equity. The Program Director of Law & Social Justice will play a key role in advancing Voice Up’s mission to raise awareness and foster dialogue about pressing legal and criminal justice issues. Additionally, this role will serve as the corporation’s general counsel, providing essential legal guidance to support Voice Up’s strategic goals. Position Overview: The Program Director of Law & Social Justice / General Counsel will lead Voice Up’s initiatives on legal and criminal justice advocacy, mobilizing graduate students and young professionals to share their insights and promote equity and reform. This role is ideal for an emerging and/or innovative law professional who can connect with graduate students, particularly those with access to experienced attorneys through their studies or research, and who is passionate about legal education and social justice. As General Counsel, the Director will also provide legal oversight, ensuring compliance and supporting the corporation’s growth. Key Responsibilities: • Program Development & Strategy (Law & Criminal Justice): Develop and implement programs that encourage graduate students in law and criminal justice fields to engage with social justice issues and advocate for reform. Design campaigns and initiatives that focus on topics such as criminal justice reform, civil rights, restorative justice, and legal equity. Collaborate with Voice Up’s editorial and social media teams to share students’ perspectives and stories, amplifying awareness of key legal issues. • Student Engagement & Networking: Engage graduate students and young professionals, fostering a network of individuals passionate about justice and equipped to influence the legal field. Organize events, webinars, and discussions that connect students with practicing attorneys, legal scholars, and criminal justice experts, enhancing their knowledge and professional networks. Develop partnerships with law schools, criminal justice programs, and professional organizations to promote opportunities for students to share their insights and research. • Content Curation & Educational Programming: Curate high-quality content, including articles, interviews, and case studies, that address critical legal and criminal justice topics, promoting informed dialogue. Guide students in sharing personal stories, legal insights, and recommendations for reform in digital formats, such as articles, videos, or podcasts. Ensure content aligns with Voice Up’s mission and adheres to best practices in discussing sensitive legal and justice-related topics. • Legal Counsel & Compliance: Serve as the corporation’s General Counsel, providing legal oversight, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advising the executive team on legal matters. Draft, review, and manage legal documents, contracts, and partnership agreements to protect the organization’s interests and support strategic initiatives. Develop and implement policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, advising on intellectual property, data privacy, and employment law as relevant. • Public Awareness & Advocacy: Develop initiatives that educate the public on criminal justice reform, the legal system, and equity issues, leveraging Voice Up’s platforms for impact. Advocate for policy changes and reform efforts relevant to the organization’s mission, collaborating with legal professionals and advocacy groups. Monitor legal and criminal justice developments, identifying key issues and opportunities for Voice Up to engage in meaningful advocacy. Qualifications: Graduate student (preferred) at an institution of higher learning with strong connections to legal professionals within the field of social justice. Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, with active bar membership in good standing. 3+ years of experience in law, with a background in criminal justice, public interest law, or social justice advocacy preferred. Experience in program management, community engagement, or youth-focused initiatives, ideally with an emphasis on law or criminal justice. Familiarity with legal research, policy analysis, and advocacy, with a commitment to advancing social justice within the legal field. Ability to engage and mentor graduate students and young professionals, with a network or ability to connect with experienced attorneys as mentors and speakers. Strong communication, project management, and legal drafting skills. Passionate about empowering young people and advocating for criminal justice reform and equity. Compensation: Equity stake in the corporation. How to Apply: Send to info@ellingtonbooks.com Please submit your resume, cover letter, and examples of relevant work that demonstrate your experience in legal and criminal justice programming or advocacy. In your cover letter, tell us why you’re passionate about VoiceUp’s mission and how you would inspire and empower graduate students to advocate for legal reform and equity.