Application Guide

How to Apply for AFJ Law Deputy Program Director - Texas (Texas-Based & Texas Licensed)

at Alliance for Justice

🏢 About Alliance for Justice

Alliance for Justice (AFJ) is a national association of over 135 progressive organizations dedicated to advancing an equitable, just, and free society. AFJ Law uniquely combines legal expertise with advocacy, providing strategic support to nonprofits that drive policy change. Working here means being at the intersection of law and social justice, with a collaborative culture that values impact over profit.

About This Role

As the Texas Deputy Program Director, you will build AFJ Law's presence in Texas by delivering legal guidance to 501(c)(3) organizations on advocacy matters, including lobbying compliance and election-related activities. This role involves leading a direct legal services practice, managing a portfolio of clients, and setting strategic priorities to empower nonprofits across the state. Your work directly amplifies the voice of progressive organizations in Texas, a critical battleground for policy change.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing client emails and providing rapid legal advice on a nonprofit's planned voter engagement activity. Mid-morning, you could lead a strategy call with a local Texas coalition on lobbying disclosure requirements. Afternoon might involve drafting a client advisory on new IRS guidance, followed by a meeting with AFJ's national team to align Texas priorities with broader advocacy goals.

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🎯 Who Alliance for Justice Is Looking For

  • A Texas-licensed attorney with 7+ years of experience, including significant exposure to nonprofit law, tax-exempt organizations, or public-interest legal services.
  • Deep expertise in federal nonprofit advocacy laws (e.g., IRS lobbying rules, electioneering restrictions) and knowledge of Texas state laws affecting nonprofits.
  • A strategic leader who can set operational direction for a legal practice while also handling hands-on client counseling and risk assessment.
  • An excellent communicator who can explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences, especially staff of small to mid-sized nonprofits.

📝 Tips for Applying to Alliance for Justice

1

Highlight specific experience with 501(c)(3) lobbying limits and IRS Form 990 Schedule C in your resume and cover letter.

2

Showcase any Texas-specific advocacy work, such as advising on state-level lobbying registration or ballot measure compliance.

3

Emphasize your ability to manage a client portfolio and prioritize legal needs, as the role involves both strategic planning and direct service.

4

Tailor your application to AFJ's mission: connect your legal work to broader progressive goals, not just technical compliance.

5

Include examples of proactive risk assessment you've provided to clients, not just reactive advice.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for supporting progressive nonprofits and advancing social justice through legal advocacy.', 'Concrete examples of advising 501(c)(3) organizations on lobbying, election activities, or advocacy campaigns.', "Your familiarity with Texas political and legal landscape and how you can build AFJ Law's presence there.", 'Leadership experience in setting strategic direction for a legal practice or team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review AFJ's website and recent reports, especially their 'Bolder Advocacy' resources and Texas-specific materials.
  • → Study current Texas legislative session priority bills affecting nonprofits, such as voting rights or campaign finance.
  • → Look into AFJ Law's existing clients and partner organizations in Texas to understand the network you'd join.
  • → Familiarize yourself with AFJ's organizational structure and how the Deputy Program Director collaborates with national teams.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you advise a Texas 501(c)(3) that wants to endorse a candidate for local office?
2 Describe a time you helped a client navigate a complex lobbying registration issue in Texas or another state.
3 How would you prioritize legal needs across a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients?
4 What strategies would you use to build AFJ Law's visibility and credibility in Texas?
5 How do you stay current with changes in federal and state nonprofit advocacy laws?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overemphasizing corporate or for-profit legal experience without connecting it to nonprofit advocacy.
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of Texas state laws (e.g., Texas Election Code, lobbying regulations).
  • Ignoring the 'progressive values' aspect: the role requires alignment with AFJ's mission, so avoid neutral or conservative language.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Alliance for Justice!

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