LIFT’s mission is to enhance access to justice for children and families by providing legal information, community education, and compassionate guidance, while promoting system-wide reform of the courts and public agencies. LIFT offers one-of-a-kind services to some of New York City’s most vulnerable families as they navigate through the Family Court system.
LIFT was launched in 1996 when three lawyers had the simple but revolutionary idea of establishing “go-to” locations in New York City’s Family Courts that would provide on-site help and legal information for families struggling to make their way through the complex Court system. Before LIFT, there was no source of information or guidance available, and families were left to fend for themselves in a confusing and intimidating Court system. LIFT currently serves over 30,000 families a year and a staggering 97% of them are proceeding in Family Court without an attorney.
Today, with a staff of 15 and an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million, LIFT operates innovative, award-winning programs in the New York City Family Courts and community, all of which share the goal of promoting positive outcomes for families and children.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
The new CEO will serve as the leader, manager, fundraiser, and advocate of LIFT. Working with a committed Board of Directors, he/she will maintain LIFT’s current level of service excellence while simultaneously driving the organization towards growth and expansion.
The CEO is responsible for the overall leadership, fundraising, fiscal oversight and management of the organization including: creating a vision for the next phase of LIFT; implementing strategic direction; engaging and growing the Board of Directors; identifying innovative avenues of revenue and partnership development; leading private and public fundraising; increasing brand awareness and visibility; providing detailed fiduciary oversight; and collaborating and connecting with LIFT staff, Board, volunteers, Family Court professionals, key government leaders, and LIFT participants.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Strategic Vision and Leadership
• Provide the strategic vision, leadership, and guidance of LIFT to create and drive expansion opportunities (scale, location, and/or scope) and grow income;
• Assess and build a pro bono program for LIFT including setting program goals, defining program structure, and developing strong relationships with law firms and lawyers;
• Improve upon and better utilize technology to achieve LIFT’s mission;
Fundraising and External Affairs
• Serve as the chief development officer, ambassador and tireless spokesperson of LIFT;
• Drive and actively participate in a comprehensive fundraising program; continue to diversify donor base with a focus on increased individual giving, non-traditional revenue sources, and other new business initiatives;
• Develop and implement a clear strategy to raise public awareness and increase interest in LIFT outside of Family Court;
Board Relations and Engagement
• Collaborate, engage, and continue to build a strong, diverse and motivated Board;
• Inspire and support the Board in its fundraising and governance responsibilities;
Financial and Organizational Management
• Manage and oversee the organization’s operations, programs, services, and funder compliance;
• Recruit, retain, and develop a strong, talented, and diverse team; and
• Provide sound management and fiduciary oversight of the organization, including creating annual budgets and ensuring long-term financial viability.
The successful candidate will be a visionary, strategic, and accomplished leader committed to the mission and future of LIFT. He/she will be energized by LIFT’s contribution to the families and children of New York City and have the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Fearless, persistent, and dynamic, the new CEO will drive fundraising and grow the organization. He/she will be a passionate advocate for LIFT within and outside of Family Court as well as able to engage, motivate, and collaborate effectively with a wide range of constituents such as the Board, staff, donors, Family Court professionals, volunteers, government officials, and LIFT program participants.
Key Professional Experiences Include:
• Significant senior executive leadership, management, fundraising and operational experience; track record of organizational or programmatic growth;
• Strong board relations and governance skills;
• A track record of and enthusiasm for fundraising and government relations; demonstrated ability to identify and solicit major individual donors;
• Excellent communication skills; articulate and persuasive as a spokesperson;
• Strong business and fiscal acumen; significant budget planning and management experience;
• Embraces metrics, outcomes, and technology, using them as a tool for management, programs, and communications;
• Experience and familiarity with Family Court is preferred; an understanding of legal and court systems, advocacy and public policy required.
Key Personal Attributes Include:
• Passionate and committed to social justice issues and the mission and future of LIFT;
• Inspiring and optimistic, with the executive presence and positive energy to represent and advocate for the organization;
• Exceptional relationship building and interpersonal skills including comfort working with diverse socio-economic and multi-cultural communities;
• A problem solver who is able to offer new and different solutions to challenges; and
• Creative and resourceful with the entrepreneurial spirit to develop and bring to fruition new concepts, ideas, and strategies.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required; J.D. preferred, other advanced degree a plus.
TRAVEL: Regular travel within the five boroughs; additional travel to Albany and nationally approximately 5-10%.
Please email cover letter and resume in confidence to:
[email protected]