The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law organization. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, who subsequently became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has been transformative — to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.

LDF’s litigation, public policy advocacy and public education programs in the substantive areas of criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation seek to ensure the fundamental and basic human rights of all people to quality education, economic opportunity, the right to vote and fully participate in democracy, and the right to a fair and just judicial system. LDF continues to make an impact in the area of public service and was recognized by Fast Company as one of its 2023 Brands That Matter under its public service category.

LDF seeks a Legal Research & Strategic Communications Fellow to support the Office of the President and Director-Counsel, Policy, and Communications. Responsibilities will include legal research and analysis of studies and academic materials in various fields related to civil rights and the law as well as manage the strategic communications response of LDF’s Senior leaders on major policy, litigation, and crises. This position reports to the President and Director-Counsel and works heavily with the Associate Director Counsels, Chief of Staff, and Policy and Communications departments.

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment where employees are expected to be in the office a minimum of two days per week, unless otherwise indicated.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the President and Director-Counsel by independently conducting and synthesizing legal and other research relevant to LDF’s litigation and policy advocacy in the areas of educational opportunities; employment and housing discrimination; voting rights; and criminal justice. Relevant research may be in the fields of history, the social sciences, race and artificial intelligence, environmental justice, and health care, and may also include archival research, as well as interviews with scholars, experts, and individuals who have relevant information in these areas;
  • Prepare memos, talking points, and other written materials to assist the President and Director-Counsel prepare for conferences, speeches, media interviews, events, meetings with partners, other public appearances, and internal meetings;
  • Compile and analyze data collected for research, and prepare reports based on that analysis to present to the President and Director-Counsel;
  • In collaboration with Policy, track, analyze and brief leadership and on matters that may require rapid advocacy responses. In collaboration with the Communications team, participate in key internal and external meetings, craft narratives, and deliver communications products that embody LDF’s voice, uplift the organization’s strategic goals, and position LDF senior leaders to deliver effective messages, including in a rapid response environment, and by framing legal principles and issues for general audiences to support awareness, education, and an understanding of implications;
  • Engage, where necessary, with other LDF leadership, counsel or staff, in developing research or reports;
  • Monitor and report on news developments relevant to LDF’s advocacy;
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor needed with 2-8 years expertise in political science, African American studies, history, or social science research preferred;
  • A demonstrated commitment to racial justice and civil rights;
  • Outstanding research, writing, and oral communication skills; and
  • High proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint presentations.

The salary range for this position is:

New York: $103,000-$146,000

Washington D.C.: $98,500- $140,000

LDF offers all eligible employees a generous benefits package. To learn more click the following link 2025 Benefits Overview. 

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The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to you without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, medical condition or disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.

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