Careers

The Center for American and International Law is an exciting and inspiring place to work. We offer competitive employment benefits for full-time employees which include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k), and more.

The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) seeks a self-motivated and goal-oriented Director of Programs with experience in multi-tasking and prioritizing work while creating and developing multiple programs simultaneously. The person hired for the position will be the lead member of a diverse and talented team providing Criminal Law Programs and Actual Innocence Programs.

CAIL was formed in 1947 as the Southwestern Legal Foundation by Robert Storey after his service as a prosecutor at the Nuremberg Tribunal following World War II. Storey believed there needed to be an organization to provide continuing education for lawyers and to promote the rule of law. CAIL has fulfilled this mission by training attorneys and law enforcement from over 130 countries on a broad range of issues.

Among its programs, CAIL provides courses on criminal justice issues for lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other professionals. These programs aim to enhance professionalism, improve the administration of justice, and address causes of wrongful convictions. These courses are designed primarily, but not exclusively, for professionals in the State of Texas.

Candidates must be dedicated to quality customer service and enjoy working with people with diverse backgrounds. CAIL programs reach institute members, donors, stakeholders, and participants from around the world.

Key Responsibilities:

In cooperation with the Office of Judicial Education of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the Director leads long-range visioning, planning, and strategy. The Director determines topics of programs in Criminal Justice and Actual Innocence as requested, needed, or desired by the Court, and warranted by current events. In consultation with the Planning Committee Chairs and other stakeholders and informed by research findings of the Grant staff and review of historic evaluations, the Director will develop overall programs with the Program Manager. They will identify and recruit appropriate top-notch experts in the field and other experienced presenters, and identify resources such as articles, books, videos, and other programs.

The Director will evaluate competitor programs to identify issues such as duplication of programs or gaps in teaching available to constituents. Evaluate CAIL’s program for its unique characteristics and fresh appeal that highlight audience draw and aid in developing a marketing strategy. Determine targeted constituents. Oversee Public Defender travel assistance requests. Responsible for all aspects of the successful execution of Grant programs. Performs other tasks as needed or assigned.

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in law, management, and/or education required. A law degree is not required but is a significant plus factor.

Preferred experience:

• Developing educational programs in cooperation with advisory committees
• Coordinating adjunct teaching or professional development
• Working in the legal profession, nonprofit, or grant-funded organizations

Skills and Traits

• The ability to work effectively with a team of co-workers to accomplish a common objective and build positive relationships
• High proficiency in verbal and written skills required
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently without constant direct supervision
• Accepts accountability for one’s own performance
• Willingness and ability to guide and manage voluntary member leadership to accomplish organizational goals
• Strong calendar, organizational, and document management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to maintain social, ethical, and organizational standards in job-related activities at work and in the community
• Ability to maintain workplace and member confidentiality
• A good sense of humor
• A desire and ability to enjoy one’s job

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to sit for long periods of time at a computer, be able to use a computer and be able to speak with customers and members via telephone.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Terms

This is a full-time, exempt position with our nonprofit organization. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications in a range beginning at $82,000 annually.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, spouses, and dependents is available with CAIL providing a partial benefits supplement. Short-term and long-term disability is offered at no cost to the employee. CAIL offers participation in a 403(b) retirement plan, with CAIL making a 100% matching contribution of up to 6% of eligible compensation. Vacation accrues at two days per month up to a maximum of twenty-two days annually.

Benefits:

• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• 403(b) matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off for vacation and sick leave

This position is located at our offices at 5201 Democracy Drive, Plano, TX 75024.

Some of the job may be performed remotely, with supervisor approval.

Ability to commute/relocate: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work. (required)

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to:

Joan Copeland, Director of Operations and Chief of Staff, at jcopeland@cailaw.org