Civil Rights and Social Justice - Program Specialist

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

• The Program Specialist is responsible for the management and implementation of programs, projects, and activities of the entity. Provides substantive and administrative support and direction to the Section Director and Associate Director, as well as Section leaders, and is responsible for the execution of the programs/projects, including, but not limited to identifying potential points of collaboration and/or partnership, marketing of projects and activities, and oversight of meetings and special events.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Manages the day-to-day organization and implementation of Section marketing and social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Manages the organization of one or more programs or projects, including assisting member leaders and staff with the planning of programs and projects and ensuring compliance with ABA policies.
• In conjunction with the Associate Director, oversees monthly meetings of Section substantive committees.
• Advises member leaders on strategy and procedures, including analysis of collaborative opportunities and risks, to ensure projects move forward in a productive manner.
• Advises member leaders and staff of legislative and judicial updates relevant to Section issue areas.
• Research ABA policy to inform on potential policy development and policy implementation through public education, government advocacy, and amicus briefs.
• Serves as principal point of contact for projects, both internally and externally. Initiates regular communications with member leaders and staff, including reporting on progress and results.
• Coordinates with other interested entities on joint projects, proactively seeking both internal and external partners. This responsibility may include assisting in the solicitation of sponsorship revenue.
• Updates Section website with program details, in addition to each new issue of the Section’s quarterly publication.
• Oversees operations for Section’s quarterly publication, including inventory, claim fulfillment, and preparation of mailing lists for new issues.
• Organizes critical fundraising prospects and serves as a principal point of contact for fundraising solicitations for the annual Section fundraising event.
• Supervises one or more staff members, directly or indirectly, as appropriate to the project. Responsibilities may include recruitment, orientation, ongoing mentoring, and annual performance evaluations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Management and/or supervisory experience, preferably in an association or non-profit setting to include analytical problem-solving ability, programmatic and policy development.
• Prior experience in Section substantive issue areas, in addition to keen ability to track relevant legislative and judicial developments, as well as planning meetings is strongly preferred.
• Experience fundraising preferred.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.