A Unique Opportunity

The MacArthur Justice Center (MJC) is a 40-year-old national nonprofit law firm that advocates for people harmed by the criminal legal system. MJC fights to vindicate their rights, hold people with power accountable, and transform the system.

The work of MJC has never mattered more. In an era of emboldened racism and authoritarian uses of criminal law, MJC’s work matters more than ever. MJC is uniquely equipped to represent individual defendants, prisoners, and vulnerable populations adversely affected by the criminal justice system under hostile and challenging conditions, including in jurisdictions and contexts where authorities are at best indifferent to racism and injustice.

The Candidate

Although the role does not call for regular representation of clients, MJC seeks a President and Executive Director (ED) who is a lawyer with litigation experience sufficient to lead a staff of 22 permanent attorneys with an average of 14 years’ experience and a number of externally funded attorney interns and Fellows. Including all these positions, the ED has responsibility for an organization of between 50 and 60 full-time employees.

The Board is open to candidates with diverse backgrounds including relevant government service or other criminal justice advocacy work. Prior experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, and people and change management are a strong plus. In addition to these assets and passion for the mission and work of MJC, the ideal candidate will bring a background that includes:

Professional Experience

• Big-picture strategic skills
• Litigation expertise
• Leadership experience
• Organizational and change management
• Fundraising
• Business and budgeting acumen
• Public speaking and representation

Personal Assets

• Inspiring personal, relationship, and communication skills
• Self-awareness and confidence, and low ego and humility
• A collaborative, inclusive approach
• High emotional intelligence, listening, and trust building skills
• Intellectual depth, agility, nimbleness, and openness
• Ability to build consensus, and to make and sustain tough calls
• Passion for teambuilding, mentoring, and lifting up others

The Compensation

A competitive compensation package of salary and full benefits will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate. The anticipated range for total compensation is $285,000-325,000.

The MacArthur Justice Center has engaged exclusively with Boardwalk Consulting for this national search.