EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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). Where appropriate, GRC may take on additional cases or issues.

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 nonprofit 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 $180,000, 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 October 15, 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.

SUMMER 2027 INTERNSHIP

The Georgia Appellate Practice & Educational Resource Center (“Georgia Resource Center”) is a small 501(c)(3) non-profit law office located in Atlanta, GA providing free representation throughout the state of Georgia to poor people on Georgia’s death row in their state and federal habeas corpus proceedings, and in clemency proceedings before the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.

The Georgia Resource Center was established in 1988 through a partnership with the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Supreme Court, the federal judiciary, and Georgia State University College of Law, to address the crisis in the lack of appellate representation for people on Georgia’s death row. Georgia is the only state in the country that provides no mechanism, statutory or otherwise, for the appointment and compensation of counsel in post-conviction proceedings for those under a death sentence. For more than three decades, the Georgia Resource Center’s work has exposed major errors in death penalty trials, including deficient legal representation, prosecutorial misconduct, racial discrimination, and wrongful death sentencing of people with intellectual disability and severe mental illness.

During our 10-week Summer Intern Program, law students will directly assist Georgia Resource Center staff in all aspects of its work, including visiting clients, interviewing witnesses, compiling life histories, and conducting legal research and writing. Interns often have the opportunity to attend court proceedings, such as state court evidentiary hearings and oral arguments before the Georgia Supreme Court and Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. We seek highly motivated, creative, and team-oriented students committed to indigent defense and the dignity of all people. Previous experience working with incarcerated persons or individuals with mental health issues is a plus.

Applications should be submitted to Operations Manager Brandie Martinez Bedard at [email protected]. All applications should include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references. Applicants interested in interning during the 2027 Summer are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with a priority given to applications received by February 12, 2027.