Application Guide
How to Apply for Civil Rights Director
at National Homelessness Law Center
🏢 About National Homelessness Law Center
The National Homelessness Law Center is a unique legal nonprofit that combines litigation, policy advocacy, and movement lawyering to end homelessness and defend the rights of unhoused people. Since 1989, they have been at the forefront of overturning laws that criminalize homelessness and advancing housing as a human right, making them a compelling place for attorneys who want to use their skills for systemic change.
About This Role
As the Civil Rights Director, you will lead the Law Center's efforts to combat the criminalization of homelessness and advance civil rights protections for unhoused individuals. This role is impactful because it involves strategic litigation, policy advocacy, and collaboration with national partners to shape laws and narratives, directly affecting the lives of some of the most marginalized people in the U.S.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with your team to discuss ongoing litigation and policy campaigns. You might spend the morning drafting a legal brief or reviewing a new city ordinance that criminalizes homelessness, followed by a strategy call with partner organizations. Afternoons could involve meeting with clients, preparing for a press conference, or writing a blog post to shift public narratives, all while managing a remote team and coordinating with advocates across the country.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who National Homelessness Law Center Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to National Homelessness Law Center
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific cases or initiatives where you've fought against the criminalization of homelessness or advanced housing rights, using concrete outcomes.
Research the Law Center's recent reports, lawsuits, and campaigns (e.g., Housing Not Handcuffs) and reference them in your application to show you're already engaged with their work.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal commitment to racial justice and housing as a human right to the Law Center's mission, and share why this role specifically excites you.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote collaboration and your ability to work independently while staying connected with a national team.
Review the job description for the 'select states' requirement and ensure you can legally work from one of those states, and address this in your application if necessary.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for ending homelessness and your understanding of the structural and racial dimensions of the issue.', 'Your leadership experience in civil rights litigation and policy advocacy, with specific examples of impact.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, including community organizations and other legal groups.', "Your vision for advancing the Law Center's civil rights agenda and how you can contribute as a strategic leader."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read the Law Center's 'Housing Not Handcuffs' report and its annual 'State of Homelessness' reports to understand their key advocacy areas.
- → Look at recent news articles about the Law Center's lawsuits or campaigns, such as their work against anti-camping laws in specific cities.
- → Review the Law Center's website and social media to see their current priorities, team structure, and any recent statements from leadership.
- → Check if the Law Center has any recent publications or blog posts about civil rights issues related to homelessness, and note their tone and arguments.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference the Law Center's specific mission or recent work; they want candidates who are deeply aligned with their cause.
- Avoid focusing solely on litigation experience without showing an understanding of the broader movement to end homelessness and the importance of policy and community organizing.
- Don't underestimate the remote aspect; make sure to address how you'll handle remote work and collaboration, as this is a key part of the role.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to National Homelessness Law Center!