Director of Civic Education and Engagement

Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program

The Chicago Bar Association / CBA Media & Civic Education, Inc.

Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Help Shape the Next Generation of Civic Leaders

The Chicago Bar Association seeks a mission-driven Director of Civic Education and Engagement to lead the Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom (LIC) program, a flagship civic education initiative that brings lawyers into Chicago-area classrooms to teach students about the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and civic responsibility and engagement.

This role is ideal for a leader who believes that civic education is foundational to our democracy and who is energized by building programs that connect students, educators, lawyers, and communities in meaningful ways.

The Role

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the LIC program, overseeing program vision, curriculum, school and volunteer partnerships, communications, impact measurement, and signature events. The role balances high-level leadership with hands-on execution to ensure that thousands of students each year receive engaging, high-quality civic instruction.

In addition to LIC, this role will help develop and lead new student- and community-based civic education programs through the Chicago Bar Association and its partner organizations.

This position directly shapes how young people understand their rights, responsibilities, and role in our democracy. The Director ensures that students do not just learn about the Constitution but understand how it applies to their lives and communities, strengthening civic education across Chicagoland.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and grow a nationally recognized civic education program currently serving 60–70+ Chicago-area schools annually.

· Guide curriculum development and volunteer training focused on constitutional principles, the rule of law, and civic engagement, with attention to culturally responsive teaching.

· Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, educators, law firms, corporations, and community organizations.

· Recruit, support, and retain attorney volunteers as effective classroom educators and civic ambassadors.

· Oversee program communications, storytelling, and data collection to demonstrate impact.

· Partner with the Board of Directors and fundraising team to support donor engagement and signature events, including the Civic Education Appreciation Awards.

· Help design and launch new civic education initiatives that expand student and community engagement.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education or a related field, or equivalent experience

· 3+ years of experience in K–12 education, civic education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Experience coordinating partnerships, volunteers, or complex programs

· Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution

· Commitment to equity-centered, student-focused learning environments

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000 annually

Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement: 401(k)

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume to hr@chicagobar.org

The Chicago Bar Association and CBA Media & Civic Education, Inc. are committed to pay equity and transparency and does not discriminate in compensation based on any protected characteristic.