West Region Program Manager

Core responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of public defender partnerships in the West Region, ensuring PFJ meets all programmatic objectives including recruitment, training delivery, and service provision
• Serve as primary point of contact with designated public defender partners, building relationships and offering advice on integrating holistic defense practices
• Provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to Client Advocates on service delivery, case management, and professional development
• Identify and build relationships with legal aid providers, community-based organizations, and government agencies that benefit clients

This role transforms public defense by equipping public defender offices with the knowledge, capacity, and resources to implement collaborative and holistic defense practices, helping more clients emerge from prosecution with their rights, life, and future protected.

Required qualifications:

• JD or LCSW with minimum of two years' experience providing services to low-income people
• Deep familiarity with California, including knowledge of the legal system, government agencies, and institutions that low-income people interact with
• Prior work within a public defender's office or civil legal aid provider (strong plus), especially with holistic or client-centered practices
• Experience supervising or coaching others, with direct line supervision preferred
• Ability to travel 25-30% for program visits and team meetings

Compensation and perks:

• Salary range: $85,000 - $95,000
• Employer-paid medical and dental coverage
• 401k program
• Reimbursement for Bar or other professional dues
• Remote work with flexible hours
• Flexible sick leave and vacation
• 12 office holidays and year-end rest period

Partners for Justice (PFJ) transforms public defense locally and across the United States to diminish the effect of race and wealth on legal outcomes by supporting public defender agencies through embedded collaborative defense teams and capacity building support.