EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION
The Georgia Resource Center (GRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit law office established in 1988 to provide high quality, client-centered representation to people under a sentence of death in Georgia in state and federal habeas corpus proceedings, and in clemency proceedings before Georgia’s Board of Pardons and Paroles. In both habeas proceedings and civil rights actions, GRC capital teams have successfully litigated cases in state superior courts, the Georgia Supreme Court, federal district courts in Georgia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court, including Wilson v. Sellers, 584 U.S. 122 (2018), Tharpe v. Sellers, 583 U.S. 33 (2018), and Nance v. Ward, 579 U.S. 159 (2022). In recent years, GRC has expanded its work to include representation of those serving LWOP sentences in Georgia. More information about GRC can be found on its website, www.garesource.org.
The Georgia Resource Center seeks a highly experienced capital defense attorney with outstanding litigation skills, a demonstrated commitment to excellence in indigent defense, and proven leadership and administrative skills to serve as its Executive Director leading our dedicated and passionate team.
In addition to the Executive Director, GRC has a staff of five attorneys, including a Deputy Director; three investigators; and an operations manager. The Executive Director is the public face of the organization and is responsible for leading and implementing GRC’s mission to provide high-quality, client-centered representation to incarcerated persons under a sentence of death throughout their post-conviction proceedings. The Executive Director oversees the daily operations of GRC, provides mentorship and guidance to a staff of highly motivated attorneys and investigators, develops and maintains relationships with local and national leaders in capital defense and criminal justice, and interfaces with the legislature, the State Bar, and the Board of Directors. The Executive Director also maintains an active caseload.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
- A demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense, racial justice, and the dignity of all people no matter their worst act;
- Significant experience in the direct representation of clients in death penalty proceedings, including excellent legal research, legal writing, oral advocacy, and investigation skills; experience working with experts; and the ability to think strategically and creatively about litigation and advocacy;
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to successfully lead teams, the organizational skills to manage a variety of tasks with short and long-term deadlines, and the capacity for resilience in the face of challenging circumstances;
- Experience mentoring and supervising attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists;
- Experience in the management and administration of a law office or non-profit organization;
- Demonstrated commitment to high-quality, client-centered representation;
- Demonstrated commitment to a team-based approach to representation that includes attorneys, investigators, and experts;
- Demonstrated commitment to a culture of collaboration, compassion, and staff support, recognizing the unique challenges inherent in the nature of late-stage capital work;
- Relationships with the local and/or national capital defense and criminal justice community, and the ability to engage the broader community to ensure the delivery of high-quality post-conviction representation in Georgia;
- Ability to travel and work irregular hours when needed;
- Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with clients and witnesses from a variety of backgrounds;
- Membership in or eligibility for admission to the Georgia Bar, United States District Courts, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Salary & Commitment:
- GRC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The salary range starts at $150,000, with higher amounts subject to negotiation with the Board.
- GRC offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous paid time off policy; fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums; employer contributions to retirement; a hybrid work environment; and training and professional development opportunities.
- Given the need for in-person attendance at court hearings, certain meetings, client visits, and investigation, the Executive Director must be willing to reside in metro Atlanta.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and three professional references to Amelia Rudolph, the President of the GRC Board of Directors, at [email protected].
- Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applicants are encouraged to apply by July 10, 2026.
The Georgia Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the criminal legal system’s disproportionate impact on people of color and seek a diverse workforce to better serve our clients. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Atlanta, GA 30303
