Job Description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Center for Constitutional Democracy

Classification: Level 6 / Class 6310 / Full Time (on-site) / Exempt / Non-Represented

Hiring Salary: $140,000-$165,000, Commensurate with experience

THE CENTER

The Center is devoted to furthering the study, and helping ensure the enduring health of, American constitutional democracy. A key component of this work is supporting anticipated or ongoing litigation focused on the defense of basic norms and processes of constitutional democracy and the rule of law more generally. Examples of such litigation include lawsuits aimed at unlawful executive orders, regulations, legislation, and other government actions that threaten longstanding conceptions of constitutional democracy. The Center will serve as a clearinghouse and generator of memoranda, amicus briefs, white papers, op-eds, and other materials directed at the issues underlying the identified threats to constitutional democracy. The efforts of the Center will include enlisting the support of subject matter experts at universities around the country interested in collaborating on amicus briefs and other ways of opposing threats to fundamental constitutional norms and principles, often on a pro bono basis. The Center will also advance constitutional and democratic values through other activities, which might include sponsorship of workshops and symposia, educational outreach to K-12, undergraduate and graduate and professional students, and other public facing endeavors.

With strategic focus and unparalleled legal expertise, the Center will champion the most challenging cases, fight for due process and other constitutional principles, and promote policies that ensure the health of American constitutional democracy. It will be the trusted partner for legal teams and bring invaluable data and compelling personal stories to shape the public narrative. Through policy advocacy and education, the Center will provide critical expertise to policymakers at all levels of government, leading the movement to honor the guarantees of the Constitution.

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Center seeks an Executive Director to develop and lead initiatives designed to advance and support constitutional democracy in the United States. The position involves evaluating, developing, implementing, and administering initiatives targeting threats to basic freedoms and constitutional structures that are endemic to a sound constitutional order. These responsibilities might extend to identifying and organizing subject matter experts at UC Law, at other University of California campuses, and at institutions of higher education nationally and internationally, for the purpose of supporting efforts to combat attempts to undermine the systems and guarantees of constitutional democracy and the rule of law generally. The successful candidate will be a leader who can work with institutions in the legal community, including law firms, State agencies, and university partners, to engage around the subject of constitutional democracy.

Typical duties and responsibilities consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the Center and advance and further develop its mission as circumstances warrant;
• Plan, organize, and host workshops, symposia, and other professional meetings that advance the mission and goals of the Center;
• Organize scholars, inside and outside the College, to participate in activities of the Center, which might include consulting on litigation, contributing to amicus briefs, writing op-eds, participating in workshops and symposia, and publishing on subjects related to ongoing threats to the constitutional order;
• Coordinate with the Chief Advancement Officer and Chancellor & Dean to raise funds for the continued operation of the Center;
• Promote and publicize the work of the Center, with support from the Chief Communications Officer;
• Strategically heighten the visibility of the Center's work including by coordinating with outside communications consultants to develop publicity campaigns and disseminate materials;
• Draft reports, letters and memoranda related to program activities;
• Manage the Center's budget; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION & ExPERIENCE

• J.D. degree
• Professional experience relevant to the position, ideally including public litigation experience and/or significant work in a State or Federal Agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong leadership skills;
• Excellent oral and written skills;
  
• Firm knowledge of constitutional law;
• The ability to work with professionals in academia, law firms, and State and Federal agencies;
• Demonstrated ability to inspire teams around common goals and interests;
• Tact, diplomacy and a willingness to assist students, faculty, administrative staff, and members of the legal community;
• Strong interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently, as well as being able to contribute as a member of a team;
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach, with high motivation to generate ideas that are engaging and valuable to the Center, College and broader community;
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail;
• Trustworthiness with sensitive and confidential personnel, financial, and case information;
• Ability to manage budgets;
• Commitment to protecting and promoting constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

BENEFITS

Health and Welfare Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs

For your Work/Life Balance

• Fifteen paid holidays per year
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Commuter Benefits Program

THE HIRING PROCESS

Appointment contracts are on the academic calendar. Annual renewal is subject to funding and performance.

This position has been designated as “sensitive” and requires a pre-employment background check.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Applicants who meet the position requirements will be competitively evaluated to identify the individuals whose breadth and depth of experience and education most closely relate to the stated requirements and the needs of the College. Depending on the quality and number of the applications received, only the better qualified applicants may be contacted for an interview. The position is open until filled.

UC Law SF is an equal opportunity employer. UC Law SF strives to provide a diverse and inclusive educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect. UC Law SF is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching. Qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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