Advocacy Program Director (Fundamental Freedoms) - Full-time

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is seeking a talented advocate to lead its Fundamental Freedoms Advocacy Program and direct CCLA’s advocacy in such areas as freedom of expression, protest rights, democratic rights, the rule of law, and government accountability; someone who is dedicated to standing with, and fighting for, the rights of individuals and groups in Canada.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is Canada’s national human rights and fundamental freedoms organization. We have been fighting for these rights and freedoms since 1964. CCLA intervenes in Canadian courts, testifies before legislatures, advocates through all media, and engages in activism, education, and outreach across the country for dignity and fundamental rights for all people in Canada.  We work to actively fight against injustice, such as racial profiling by police, privacy invasions by government, prolonged solitary confinement, abortion access restrictions, unfairness in the criminal system, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Along with the American Civil Liberties Union, CCLA is a member of INCLO, a network of 15 independent, national human rights organizations around the world.

We are looking for an Advocacy Program Director (Fundamental Freedoms) who will:

  • Be responsible for identifying and monitoring significant issues and developments, with respect to freedom of expression, protest rights, democratic rights, the rule of law, and government accountability across Canada, matters under s. 2 of the Charter, and related issues.
  • Set priorities, in consultation with the Executive Director & General Counsel (ED/GC), and determine, execute, or co-ordinate a strategy that may include litigation (public interest test cases, interventions, etc.); legislative advocacy, written and oral submissions to public agencies; public engagement; coalition work; research and reports; communications; or otherwise.
  • Act as an agent of the ED/GC by managing and stewarding all aspects of litigation for the Program including working with external pro bono counsel to establish policy positions and legal strategy, liaising with external pro bono counsel, and reviewing legal submissions.
  • Execute, provide and/or coordinate legal opinions, legal and policy research, oral and written submissions before administrative, executive and legislative bodies.
  • Provide and/or coordinate all oral and written communications for the Program, in collaboration with the Communications and Advancement teams, including web and social media posts, media releases, media appearances, op-eds, public statements.
  • Work collaboratively with CCLA’s other Program Directors, and also independently, to enhance CCLA’s strategic goals, and its public profile.
  • Maintain your own expertise and networks in order to keep the Program relevant and current.
  • Fulfil fundraising duties in collaboration with the Advancement team including participation in public events.
  • Assist with the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust’s public educational work.
  • Supervise students.
  • Manage and execute discrete administrative projects or tasks or roles as required.

Salary

Salary is competitive with non-profit sector. CCLA is dedicated to equal pay principles. Compensation will be based on experience and expertise.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or the equivalent, or a graduate degree in a relevant field. Membership in good standing with a Canadian law society is an asset.
  • Minimum 3-5 years’ relevant advocacy experience.
  • Knowledge of Canadian constitutional law and administrative law
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. French proficiency is an asset.
  • Proficiency in computer and digital workplace skills including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, open-source documents, Zoom), and online communication platforms.
  • A strong commitment to the mission of CCLA.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Statement

In keeping with CCLA’s ongoing efforts to represent the diversity of our communities, we are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to apply. You are invited to self-declare in the hiring process.  This self-declaration information can be factored into recruitment and selection decisions to address our ongoing commitment to representation, diversity, equity and inclusion.

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications and encourage people to apply even if they feel that the position would be a stretch.

How to Apply:

Please address your application to Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Executive Director & General Counsel, and send a cover letter, detailed resume and any references, in confidence, to hr@ccla.org.

We will leave the posting on our website until the position is filled.

Please refer to “Advocacy Program Director (Fundamental Freedoms)” in the subject line.

The Interview Process 

Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.

Location:

CCLA’s office is located in midtown Toronto.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.