Description
The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization of blind people from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As America's civil rights organization of the blind, the Federation is a coordinated network of skilled advocates, resources, and programs that raise expectations of the blind in society and create opportunities for blind people to live the lives they want. The staff of the Federation are central to the organized blind movement by providing support, professional expertise, and daily contributions to the success of the organization. Working under the direction of the Federation's elected President, the staff advise the organization's leadership and contribute to the vibrant, energetic, and collaborative culture of the organization that raises expectations throughout society.
The Legal Program Coordinator reports to the executive director for Advocacy and Policy and is responsible for assisting in coordinating activities of the Federation’s legal program with the Federation’s general counsel and President. Major areas of responsibility include working with members on discrimination concerns, performing intake interviews and tracking data, assisting with the monitoring of agreements and partnerships, coordinating communications between staff and outside legal counsel, writing communications, and performing administrative tasks to meet the business needs of the legal program. This role requires an efficient, multitasking individual capable of communicating effectively with members and staff and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. The ideal candidate is someone passionate about advocacy for blind Americans and prepared to make a difference through collective action.
Responsibilities
- Perform intake interviews with blind individuals and document concerns
- Connect blind people with advocacy resources
- Track data and trends of the legal program
- Advise legal counsel and Federation leadership regarding intake matters and follow up as needed
- Assist with the monitoring of legal agreements and partnerships across the organization
- Coordinate communications between staff and outside legal counsel
- Draft correspondence, public communications, and regulatory responses
- Recommend improvements for processes and member engagement
- Contribute to the development of advocacy tools for the organization
- Manage files and assist with document discovery
- Assist with the accessibility of documents and materials
- Track and execute administrative work to support the legal program
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Ability to engage effectively with a diverse group of constituents
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Skill in organizing and tracking data and documents
- Ability to function on teams or individually, depending upon task required, and to move quickly and efficiently from one task to another
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
- Experience with document accessibility, preferred but not required
- Bilingual (Spanish), preferred but not required
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working in advocacy or legal programs
How to Apply
We seek individuals who wish to identify with a cause and to assist in advocacy for a group long denied equal opportunity to succeed or fail based on ability and not be denied opportunity based on society’s stereotypes.
This job is open until filled. Applicants should send, preferably via email, a résumé and cover letter indicating salary requirements to: Human Resources, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone 410-659-9314, ext. 2488; fax 410-685-5653; email [email protected].
The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability. For more detailed information about our commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request to [email protected].