Special Projects Attorney

Job Description

The Human Rights Commission is an executive branch agency within the State of Alaska, Office of the Governor, established under the Alaska Human Rights Law, AS 18.80. The Commission is seeking a Special Projects Attorney I/II/III to:

• Serve as the outreach coordinator
• Serve as the training coordinator
• Undertake special legal research projects and other legal tasks assigned by the executive director
• Assist the Hearing Unit in preparing and presenting discrimination cases at public hearings, conduct reviews of investigative files and make recommendations regarding the sufficiency of the evidence in investigations
• Conciliate resolutions to complaints in which the Commission has found substantial evidence of discrimination.

This position requires well developed legal research and writing skills, negotiation and analytical skills, a high degree of professionalism and organization, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

Outreach Coordinator: Responsible for the agency’s social media presence, creating and updating agency publications such as legal guidance documents, maintaining the agency’s outreach booth displays, alerting the executive director to outreach opportunities, engaging with the public, issue‑spotting for potential civil rights violations, creating and maintaining thoughtful and engaging PowerPoint presentations, and extensive public speaking. Outreach requires regular travel and work outside of regular state business hours to include evenings and weekends.

Training Coordinator: Responsible for creating and maintaining training materials such as handouts and PowerPoint presentations, as well as recommending regulatory changes related to training. The position will conduct regular public “brown‑bag” trainings in‑person and/or using Zoom on relevant topics developed in consultation with the executive director, review third‑party training materials for Commission approval, and conduct remedial trainings for respondents.

Hearing Unit Attorney: Assist the Hearing Unit with reviewing and preparing discrimination cases for trial, including all aspects of civil litigation. If the incumbent has or obtains admission to the Alaska Bar, the position will maintain a small caseload. The position will research and prepare memos to the supervising attorney and the executive director when specific legal questions arise while investigating and litigating cases.

Special Projects: The position will also have special projects as assigned by the executive director, which may include legal research and writing projects, non‑legal research tasks that are Commission priorities, and other delegated administrative research and writing projects.

This is a flexibly staffed position. The applicant will be heavily evaluated on their marketing, social media, presentation, and community engagement skills/presence due to the significant tasks associated with outreach.

Knowledge of anti‑discrimination law and litigation experience are preferred, but recent law school graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. A valid driver’s license is required.

• Graduation from an approved school of law is required for the Attorney I level.
• Admission to the Alaska State Bar is required for the Attorney II level.
• Admission to the Alaska State Bar and at least two years of legal experience is required for the Attorney III level.

Starting salary range is $78,819.00 to $ annually depending on qualifications and experience (Range 18‑22). A comprehensive state benefits package is provided. Positions in this job class are in the partially exempt service in accordance with AS 39.25.120(c)(3).

Applicants must submit a professional writing sample to be considered for this position. The sample should include legal analysis and properly formatted legal citations. The applicant must also submit a 10‑15 minute PowerPoint presentation on a topic of their choice. If selected for an interview, the applicant should be prepared to give that presentation during the interview.

Applicants for this position must submit a cover letter, resume, a professional…