Director of Police Accountability Unit

DIRECTOR OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY UNIT

PUBLIC PROTECTION & ADVOCACY BUREAU

CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION/POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY UNIT

Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is looking for an experienced, highly motivated, creative attorney to serve as Director of the Attorney General’s Police Accountability Unit (PAU), which is embedded in the AG’s Civil Rights Division. This innovative Unit is committed to protecting the civil rights of people who interact with local police departments and other law enforcement agencies and supporting law enforcement agencies’ efforts to achieve civil rights compliance and best practices.

Primary Duties: The Director will be responsible for leading and continuing to build PAU by pursuing the Attorney General’s mandate to investigate and redress patterns or practices of racially biased policing (G.L. c. 6E, s. 3), and to provide support to law enforcement agencies regarding civil rights compliance and best practices. Specifically, the Director will formulate and carry out an affirmative plan which will include: (1) pursuing strategic and systemic pattern-or-practice investigations into allegations of racially biased or otherwise unconstitutional law enforcement practices; (2) working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, including by providing technical assistance, legal guidance, and training on compliance with state civil rights and police reform laws; (3) advising on and coordinating police and law enforcement-related work by other divisions within the Attorney General’s Office (AGO); (4) advising and working collaboratively with relevant state and other agencies engaged in police or law enforcement work, including the Police Officer Standards & Training Commission (“POST”), and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (“EOPSS”); (5) pursuing legislative and policy change as appropriate; and (6) engaging with community stakeholders on matters that pertain to policing practices and criminal justice reform. To fulfill these specific responsibilities, the Director will develop partnerships within the AGO and with state and local officials, advocacy groups, community stakeholders, and outside experts. In consultation with AGO leadership, the Unit Director will develop, and drive projects prioritized through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Position Requirements: We are seeking a creative, self-motivated individual who has demonstrated success in a leadership position and is results-oriented, mission-driven, and committed to ensuring the trust and confidence of communities in policing and holding accountable those who engage in biased policing practices or who contribute to police brutality. Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar. Applicants must have at least eight years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, legal experience, preferably in law enforcement practices, criminal or juvenile justice, or in complex civil rights matters. Litigation, enforcement, and policy experience, as well as experience working for and growing a small entrepreneurial entity, is preferred. Experience working with diverse stakeholders across state and local government, including law enforcement agencies, and community and advocacy organizations is also preferred. In addition, candidates must have exceptional legal and non-legal research and writing skills; excellent oral communication and advocacy skills adaptable for many audiences; and solid organizational, interpersonal, and influencing skills. The ideal candidate will also have experience creating a supportive work environment with opportunities for meaningful feedback and growth. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Position Type: Full-Time/Exempt

Salary: 126,531 per year.

Application Process: To apply for this position, visit the AGO website’s jobs portal at www.mass.gov/ago/employment to register and create a profile, upload your cover letter and resume, and submit an application. Candidates may only apply directly using the AGO’s online Employment and Recruitment jobs portal. The application deadline for this posting is March 21, 2025.

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact the Human Resources Division at (617) 963-2932.

Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to:

Rose Woods, Administrative Assistant

Civil Rights Division/Police Accountability Unit

(617) 963-2345

The Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As the representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the Attorney General’s Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.