Description
About FIRE
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending liberty, freedom of speech, due process, academic freedom, legal equality, and freedom of conscience on our nation’s college campuses. Please visit thefire.org to gain a sense of our work and mission.
Position Description
The Program Officer is an attorney who will assist with the day to day operations of FIRE’s Individual Rights Defense Program (IRDP) and work closely with the department’s Director, Senior Program Officers, and staff. The duties for this position include but are not limited to:
- Review, respond to, and manage individual case submissions from students, student organizations, and faculty members and provide input on future action/referral;
- Collect and review relevant documentation, including university materials and policies, to construct narratives of incidents of First Amendment, due process, or other rights being violated;
- Author and review letters to universities and accrediting agencies on behalf of students, student organizations, and faculty;
- Author and review other types of public advocacy for designated cases, including (but not limited to) blogs, Tweets and other social media posts, and statements to reporters.
- Help coordinate strategy among internal departments for cases and serve as primary press contact on designated cases, including conducting interviews for television, radio, and print media as needed or assigned;
- Author, file, and track freedom of information act requests as necessary for evaluating cases;
- Identify candidates for litigation in coordination with FIRE’s IRDP and litigation departments.
The Program Officer may also contribute articles and columns to outside publications, contribute features to FIRE newsletters and other publications as assigned, and attend conferences on behalf of the organization.
This position involves a moderate amount of travel. Occasional work on weekends and evenings should be expected.
The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.
Qualifications
A successful candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:
- Proficiency with general First Amendment law and familiarity with its underlying principles;
- Familiarity with general principles of due process;
- Familiarity either with FOIA/state public records laws or with principles of written discovery, privileges, and document review;
- Familiarity with general principles underlying university conduct codes and administrative structure of universities;
- Strong research, writing, and public speaking abilities;
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
Candidates must have a JD from an ABA-accredited law school. Candidates that possess a JD and are not already a member of the Pennsylvania or D.C. bars must be willing to obtain licensure in Pennsylvania or D.C.
Salary and Compensation
Starting salary is negotiable and depends upon experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.
Applications
Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, a writing sample, salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, HR Manager.
FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.
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