Overview

The Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and member of the State Policy Network, advances public policies that protect free markets, individual liberty, and opportunity.

The Center now seeks a highly motivated, entrepreneurial, and principled constitutionalist to serve as the organization’s first Chief Legal Officer, leading the creation and growth of the Center’s new legal arm.

This position was made possible through a generous legacy gift from Warren B. Galkin, one of Rhode Island’s most accomplished businessmen and philanthropists.

Working closely with the Center’s CEO, the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) will design, build, and lead a strategic litigation initiative that advances the Center’s mission through the courts, public advocacy, and government accountability efforts. The CLO will establish a durable legal infrastructure, develop a high-profile legal and media presence, and position the organization as a leading defender of constitutional government and individual rights in Rhode Island.

The CLO will be grounded in the belief that public officials and institutions must faithfully uphold constitutional principles, protect individual liberties, and operate with transparency and accountability. Through strategic litigation, legal advocacy, and public engagement, the CLO will challenge unlawful government actions and policies while helping to educate Rhode Islanders about their constitutional rights.

As the legal initiative grows, the CLO will identify opportunities to expand its influence and impact, potentially extending its reach beyond Rhode Island to address broader regional threats to liberty and constitutional governance.

Responsibilities
The Chief Legal Officer, in his or her full-time capacity, will:

  • Design the appropriate corporate structure, report to the Center’s Board and CEO, and manage P&L responsibility for the legal arm
  • Develop a strategic action plan and budget, aligned with the Center’s mission, and establish a process to identify and vet appropriate clients, cases, and causes, both in and out of court
  • With assistance from the CEO and Board, assume primary responsibility for fundraising efforts to support the operations and growth of the legal business unit into a state and regional force for constitutional justice and the rule of law
  • Collaborate with peer strategic litigation organizations across the State Policy Network and the nation
  • Pursue various lawful avenues, including strategic litigation, to challenge unlawful or unjust government actions and hold public officials accountable
  • Work with the Center’s media arm, The Ocean State Current, as well as other media outlets, to maintain a strong public presence and raise awareness about unlawful or improper government actions
  • Assist in submitting and managing APRA requests
  • Provide legal advice and services, as necessary, to the Center, and provide occasional advice to in-state coalition partners

Qualifications

  • Unyielding commitment to the principles of limited and constitutional government as well as the preservation of rights and individual freedoms
  • 3+ years of legal experience, whether in litigation, legal policy, or another legal capacity
  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Strong verbal and interpersonal skills and exceptional writing ability
  • Demonstrated media proficiency preferred but not required
  • Willingness to work independently and conduct certain research and administrative tasks, until office space can be leased and other support functions can be funded
  • Admitted to the Rhode Island Bar or able to become admitted as soon as feasible

Compensation and Budget

  • With approval of, and within the budget allocated by the Center’s Board of Directors, the CLO will have P&L responsibility and will work with the CEO to develop and execute a financial plan for the legal business unit, including compensation for staff, under a public interest litigation business model
  • As additional revenues are secured, the CLO will have the opportunity to expand staff capacity and enhance compensation and benefits, subject to available resources and organizational priorities
  • The CLO will be responsible for recommending a healthcare benefits program as part of the organization’s long-term financial plan
  • Compensation for this role will be up to $150K

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter describing why the candidate is interested in this position and would excel as CLO
  • Two concise writing samples
  • If available, links to any online video commentaries, interviews, and published opinion pieces
  • Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:

https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/

Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, President of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered.

No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.