Benefits:
401(k)
Competitive salary
Health insurance
Paid time off
Training & development
Vision insurance
Lynn Walker Huntley Social Justice Fellowship
The Southern Education Foundation (SEF), located in Atlanta, Georgia with support from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), seeks applicants for the Lynn Walker Huntley Social Justice Fellowship, an early career, two-year position from Fall 2026 through Summer 2028 focused on education justice advocacy across the South. Since 1867, the mission of the Southern Education Foundation has been to advance equitable education practices and policies in the South through research, advocacy, and leadership development to help every student attain a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.
The Fellow will assist SEF’s Government Affairs and Advocacy team with developing and implementing strategies to advance education justice policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This includes focusing on advocating for equitable school funding and integration, defending, and strengthening public education programs, and/or school curriculum that reflects the diversity and injustices of America’s past and present. The Fellow will also support impact litigation in these areas as part of SPLC’s Democracy: Education & Youth practice group, and as part of the legal team of Brown's Promise, a project sponsored by SEF.
Candidates should be able to organize and prioritize a varied workload to effectively complete multiple assignments, for multiple supervisors, and meet a range of deadlines. Interested candidates should be able to interact with diverse external audiences at varying levels in non-profit, education, and government relations spaces while effectively communicating and embodying the values, purpose, and mission of the organization.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist in impact litigation, including legal research, memos, and drafting motions; identifying and communicating with plaintiffs and pro bono counsel; coordinating amicus brief efforts; and planning community events and media outreach.
Research and writing policy briefs and advocacy materials; crafting strategic messaging to advance equity goals; drafting legislative testimony; advocating to legislators; serving on coalitions and collaborating with partner organizations.
Conducting equity and civil rights training for staff and community partners.
Research and suggest recommendations on new policy developments in education justice across K-12 and the post-secondary spectrum.
Create a final report or project demonstrating progress on a key civil rights issue in education that resulted from SEF’s activity.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
J.D. or will receive a J.D. by Spring 2026.
Excellent research, oral communication, writing, and analytical skills; ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences; be willing and available to travel for business needs.
Demonstrate commitment to SEF, Brown’s Promise, and SPLC’s missions, education justice, racial equity, and civil rights and liberties for all.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse team; demonstrated ability to take initiative and to translate ideas into action.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
Applicants must have graduated from law school 2024 or later; judicial law clerks and members of law school journals are encouraged to apply, but clerkship or journal experience is not required.
Fellow will need to be admitted to practice in one of SEF’s 17 states.*
Experience working both independently and in cooperation with other staff members while displaying a positive, cooperative attitude.
Exhibit sensitivity to and respect for differences in personal, professional, and business relationships on behalf of SEF, Brown’s Promise, and SPLC.
Compensation for this role is $90,000 along with a competitive benefits package. This is a full-time position working Monday – Friday. SEF is currently working a hybrid schedule where employees work remotely and, in the office, based on the needs of the business.
Applications will open September 1, 2025, and are due October 1, 2025. Interested candidates will need to submit the following application materials: 1) a resume, 2) an 8–10-page unedited legal writing sample, and 3) three reference letters (at least one from a law professor). Fellows must be located in Atlanta, Georgia throughout the duration of the fellowship. Please click here to apply.
*SEF states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The Southern Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Flexible work from home options available.