Careers

The North Carolina Justice Center is a progressive research and advocacy organization dedicated to expanding opportunity and protecting the rights of low-income individuals in North Carolina. For almost 30 years, the NC Justice Center has been on the front lines in the courts, at the legislature, in the media, and in communities advocating for positive changes for low-income and working North Carolinians. We hold government agencies, institutions, and other actors accountable to address the root causes of racism. We have produced major research reports that have influenced important public policy change in North Carolina. The NC Justice Center has played a primary role in most of the state’s major policy debates and successfully litigated hundreds of individual cases and class actions.

Major Gifts Officer

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Upon request, The North Carolina Justice Center will provide reasonable accommodation for all candidates with disabilities.
Raleigh, NC (Hybrid)
The hiring range for this position is $61,858 to $75,644.

Justice does not happen by chance. It happens because people choose to invest in it.

Every day, the North Carolina Justice Center works to build a state where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, income, or background. We advocate for policies that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and advance economic, racial, and social justice.

Behind every victory is someone who believed enough in that vision to invest in it.

We’re looking for a Major Gifts Officer who can help cultivate those relationships and inspire others to join this work.

If you’re someone who enjoys connecting with people, listening to their stories, building trust over time, and helping them invest in meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As our Major Gifts Officer, you will build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospective supporters whose generosity helps make our mission possible.

Some days you’ll be meeting with long-term supporters to learn what inspires their philanthropy. Other days you will partner with policy experts, communications staff, and organizational leaders to share stories of impact, introduce new donors to our work, or develop strategies that deepen engagement and expand support.

You’ll play an important role in helping donors see themselves as partners in creating lasting changes across North Carolina. Whether you are stewarding an existing relationship or cultivating a new one, your work will strengthen the Justice Center’s ability to advocate for families and communities throughout the state.

What You’ll Bring

You’re an accomplished relationship builder who believes that philanthropy is about people first.

You’ll bring:

A bachelor’s degree.
At least three years of successful fundraising experience in advocacy, nonprofit, political, legal services, public policy, or another mission-driven organization.
Experience working with major donors, executive leadership, board members, or philanthropic partners.
Experience managing donor portfolios, moves management strategies, and donor databases or CRM systems.
Strong communication, writing, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
A deep commitment to advancing racial, economic, and social justice.

We’d Be Excited If…

You have served at least one year as a Major Gifts officer.

You have successfully secured five-figure (or larger) individual gifts.

You’re familiar with North Carolina’s philanthropic community and enjoy cultivating relationships throughout the state.

You hold—or are pursuing—a CFRE credential.

Why This Work Matters

At the North Carolina Justice Center, you’ll join colleagues who are deeply committed to making North Carolina a place where everyone can flourish.

You’ll work alongside talented advocates, researchers, organizers, communicators, and policy experts who believe that meaningful change happens through collaboration, courage, and persistence.

This is an opportunity to build authentic relationships with people who want to make a difference—and to help connect their generosity with work that transforms lives.

If you’re looking for a career where your relationships have purpose and your work has lasting impact, you’ll find it here.

Where You’ll Work

This is a hybrid position based in Raleigh, North Carolina with frequent statewide travel to meet donors, attend events, and strengthen relationships across North Carolina. Most of the donor community is currently in the Triangle metro area.

Join Us

If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply. If you believe your experience, skills, and passion align with our mission, we hope you’ll introduce yourself. Help build the partnerships that make justice possible.

Equal Opportunity & Fair Chance Employer

The NC Justice Center is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws.

We are a Fair Chance Employer and work to reduce barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment.

Policy Analyst

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Upon request, The North Carolina Justice Center will provide reasonable accommodation for all candidates with disabilities.
Position Title: Analyst, Policy
Project/Department: Education & Law, Health Advocacy, Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Reports To: Project Director of Education & Law
Location: Raleigh Hybrid
Union Status: Union
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Hiring Range: $57,057- $67,358

Overview
The North Carolina Justice Center (NCJC) mission is to create lasting, equitable change for people with low incomes and those harmed by systemic oppression across our state. For nearly 30 years, we have partnered with impacted communities and those we represent to pursue justice and prosperity for all through policy advocacy, strategic litigation, research, coalition-building, and support for grassroots action. The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking a Policy Analyst to support the organization’s research, analysis, and advocacy efforts that advance its strategic priorities and policy initiatives. This role provides cross-functional support across Education & Law, Health Advocacy, and Immigrant and Refugee Rights projects, contributing to policy research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives that promote equitable and impactful public policy outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst will primarily support the Education and Law Project, while also providing secondary support across the Health Advocacy Project and the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project.
Research and author policy reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, op-eds, legislative updates, and other materials that assess current trends, explain policy developments, and communicate the impact of public policy issues on North Carolinians.
Research and analyze proposed legislation at the General Assembly and local policy proposals with statewide impact.
Research, propose, and advocate for policy reforms that support equitable opportunities and improved outcomes for underserved North Carolinians.
Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, traditional news media, digital media outlets, and communications partners to elevate policy issues affecting North Carolinians.
Serve as a policy resource and present ﬁndings and recommendations to legislators, administrative officials, partner organizations, community leaders, advocacy groups, and the media.
Maintain and expand partnerships with advocacy organizations, community stakeholders, and coalition partners across North Carolina.
Provide technical support, shared messaging, and communications assistance to state and local partners and community-led organizations.
Assist with advocacy campaign activities, public education efforts, and community outreach initiatives at the state and local levels.

Minimum Qualiﬁcations

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related ﬁeld.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in policy, advocacy, research, or public affairs.
Strong research, analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity.

Preferred Qualiﬁcations

Advanced degree in public policy or related ﬁeld.
Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in policy, advocacy, research, or public affairs.
Work in a non-proﬁt organization.

Physical Requirements

The employee should have the ability to maintain focus and productivity while performing at a workstation for prolonged periods, including working on a computer, managing documents, or engaging in virtual meetings.

Work Environment
Hybrid work environment, including home and office.

Benefits

Six weeks paid time off annually
Paid parental leave and holidays
Employer contributions to a 403(b)-retirement plan
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability and life insurance
Flexible spending and health savings account options
Part of the Bargaining unit

Director, Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project

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Upon request, The North Carolina Justice Center will provide reasonable accommodation for all candidates with disabilities.
Position Title: Director, Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Project/Department: Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project
Reports To: Director of Litigation
Location: Raleigh Hybrid
Union Status: N/A
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: Staff Attorney & Senior Staff Attorney
Salary Range: $94,000-$106,000

The North Carolina Justice Center is seeking a director, of Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project to lead efforts to work for and with low-income immigrants and refugees in North Carolina. This position oversees legal services, policy advocacy, community engagement, public education, and related programmatic work to advance the rights and wellbeing of immigrant and refugee communities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Management

Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of assigned projects and initiatives.
Develop detailed workplans, timelines, and deliverables, as well as performance metrics.
Provide strategic feedback and insight to executive leadership with respect to the work of the NCJC with immigrants and refugees

Organizational Leadership & Supervision

Supervise project staff, consultants, and interns assigned.
Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development support.

Legal Practice & Litigation Leadership

Oversee the provision of quality legal representation for individual clients.
Oversee strategic approach for litigation impact.
Oversee a litigation caseload.
Oversee immigration and civil litigation matters on behalf of immigrant clients.

Policy Advocacy

Manage efforts to advance public policies that improve the wellbeing of immigrants and provide opportunities for economic security.
Oversee community engagement and education initiatives.
Provide support to and manage relationships with immigrant organizations throughout NC.
Lead workgroups and coalition of advocates and community leaders to coordinate advocacy and education initiatives.

Budget & Grant Management

Oversee and manage fundraising efforts for IRRP, including strategic funding plans.
Serve as primary grant writer and manager for IRRP grants in coordination with our development team

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communications

Serve as a primary liaison with community partners, funders, and external stakeholders.
Build and maintain effective partnerships to support project goals

Minimum Qualiﬁcations

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar.
Five (5) years of experience in immigration law and policy.
Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Strong understanding and commitment to the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Demonstrated commitment to the mission of eliminating poverty through social, economic, and racial justice.
Advanced legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Working knowledge of immigration law, policies, and systems affecting low-income immigrant communities.
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-lawyers.
Strategic thinking and solutions-oriented approach.
Strong public speaking and presentation skills, including engagement with policymakers, community members, and stakeholders.
Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
High ethical standards, discretion, and commitment to conﬁdentiality.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and understanding of racial justice issues.

Preferred Qualiﬁcations

Cultural competency and Spanish ﬂuency preferred.

Physical Requirements

Statewide travel required.

Work Environment
Hybrid work environment, including home and office.

Benefits

Six weeks paid time off annually
Paid parental leave and holidays
Employer contributions to a 403(b)-retirement plan
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability and life insurance
Flexible spending and health savings account options
Part of the Bargaining unit

The North Carolina Justice Center is an equal opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer: