The Organization: The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is one of the nation’s most influential forces for racial justice in the United States, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. Founded in 1971 to ensure that the promise of the Civil Rights Movement became a reality for all, the organization continues to engage in both legal and community-based efforts to topple institutional racism and stamp out remnants of Jim Crow segregation; unmask and defeat some of the nation’s most violent white supremacist groups; and protect the civil rights of communities of color, children, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, prisoners, religious minorities, and many others who face discrimination, abuse, or exploitation. The work of SPLC touches every part of the country, with a focus on five priority Deep South states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi—regions that have played historic roles in the Civil Rights Movement and remain critical battlegrounds for racial justice.

C. This network of offices allows the SPLC to implement people-centered programs while developing broader strategies to confront systemic challenges both regionally and nationally. By transforming the Deep South, SPLC is leading the way for the rest of the country.

History By the late 1960s, the civil rights movement had broken the legal framework of Jim Crow, yet the lived reality of racial inequality persisted. African Americans continued to face exclusion from quality jobs, housing, education, and public life, and few institutions were equipped—or willing—to champion the rights of the poor and disenfranchised. In response to this urgent need, a new civil rights law center was established in 1971 to provide legal representation in cases that few lawyers would take, challenging discriminatory systems and advancing equal protection under the law.

In its early years, the SPLC helped desegregate public facilities, reform state institutions, and secure more equitable political representation. Over the decades, it went on to win landmark victories against violent white supremacist groups, dismantle vestiges of Jim Crow, defend the rights of marginalized communities, and expose extremist activity nationwide. It also expanded into education, launching a nationally recognized anti-bias program.

As the nation has grown more diverse and new manifestations of hate and inequality have emerged, the organization’s mission has only become more urgent - guided by a steadfast commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights for all. Today At a time when unprecedented and coordinated efforts seek to divide and demoralize those working toward an equitable, inclusive, multiracial democracy, SPLC remains unwavering in its mission to confront racism in all its forms.

Benefits

everyone, and it is guided by a deep commitment to building a future where white supremacy, poverty, and mass incarceration are relics of the past. The Southern Poverty Law Center remains committed to championing racial justice with unwavering determination and an unshakable belief in the power of unity. Through its work, the organization continues to build a future where all communities thrive, and discrimination is consigned to history.

Position Summary: Reporting to the President CEO and as a key member of the SPLC executive team, the Chief Legal Officer will be a thought partner and collaborative visionary responsible for shaping, leading and managing a strategic, innovative litigation docket at the federal, state, and regional level.