Director of Legal Services

The Opportunity

Jakara Movement seeks a dynamic and accomplished lawyer to develop high-impact initiatives that drive lasting, positive change for Punjabi Sikhs and other marginalized communities across California as its inaugural Director of Legal Services. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and strategic leader to play a pivotal role at a critical moment in our organization's evolution.

The ideal candidate will be deeply connected within the nonprofit and legal communities, possess a service-oriented mindset, and have a proven track record of implementing innovative ideas into actionable, transformative outcomes. As the Director of Legal Services, you will be a key driver in advancing our work in legal advocacy, movement lawyering, and supporting strategic organizational growth.

In this vital role, you will significantly expand our capacity to achieve ambitious organizational goals, working collaboratively with a talented and committed team to push forward bold initiatives that seek to create real, systemic impact. If you are ready to contribute to a forward-thinking organization rooted in Seva, justice, and community, we want to hear from you.

About Jakara Movement

Jakara Movement is a grassroots community-building organization rooted in the Punjabi Sikh Sangat. Our mission is to empower, educate, and organize youth, families, and communities through Gurmat-inspired activism, service, and leadership development. With programs across California, we are building a generation that is socially conscious, civically engaged, and unapologetically rooted in their identity.

What You’ll Do

Below is an illustrative list of the Director of Legal Services position:

Program Strategy & Legal Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of legal initiatives and strategic advocacy efforts in alignment with Jakara’s mission and values.
• Co-lead the execution of Jakara’s strategic plan, ensuring legal frameworks and community-informed goals are integrated across all organizational areas.
• Serve as the organization’s in-house general counsel, overseeing nonprofit compliance, employment law, contracts, and risk management. Provide high-level guidance on HR matters, risk management, and legal compliance in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Serve as legal advisor to Jakara Movement on policy advocacy campaigns, coalition partnerships, and community-based legal empowerment projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with pro bono legal partners, advocacy groups, and allied nonprofits.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director to set strategic direction and implement organizational priorities related to legal services.
• Connect Jakara Movement externally to key stakeholders, legal networks, funders, and policy partners.
• Serve as a thought leader and trusted advisor on legal issues affecting Punjabi Sikh and other marginalized communities.
• Supervise senior staff in programs, legal services, and other areas as needed.
• Provide high-level guidance on HR matters, risk management, and legal compliance in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Assist in legal-focused fundraising, resource development, and grant opportunities.

Who You Are

Ideal candidates will have:

• A JD degree and active membership in the California Bar – required
• Minimum 7 years of distinguished experience in legal advocacy or nonprofit leadership, including 3+ years of supervisory experience
• Deep passion for Jakara Movement’s mission, grassroots empowerment, and social justice
• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect long-term vision to short-term actions
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences
• A strong track record of managing people, programs, and complex projects
• Experience with nonprofit legal compliance, community lawyering, and civil rights litigation preferred
• Fluent in Punjabi
• Proficiency in tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Slack, and Monday is a plus.

What Else You Should Know

Jakara Movement is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $150,000 (probationary period 3 months)
• 401k matching program after probationary period
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Work Environment:
This is a full-time remote position with frequent travel (4–6 times per month).

Preferred:

• Lived or cultural experience relevant to Jakara’s base (Punjabi/South Asian or allied community).
• Experience working with organizing- or campaign-based nonprofits.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $125,000–$155,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Generous paid time off, health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) retirement match, professional development support.
• Location: California with statewide travel.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Relocation assistance

Language:

• Punjabi (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fresno, CA 93722