Our Organization
Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks justice for low income New Yorkers. For almost 50 years, we have challenged systemic injustice and helped clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of more than 400 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps more than 80,000 New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based organizations, elected officials, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equality and economic, social, and racial justice for all New Yorkers.
The Opportunity
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a critical role in developing and implementing the overall strategy for LSNYC. As a member of the Executive Team, the COO will be responsible for providing leadership in developing and executing operational strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization. LSNYC has a budget of more than $60 million, from over 150 federal, state, city, foundation, and donor sources. We are highly regulated by the federal Legal Services Corporation and other funders. Of our five borough-based programs, four are separate 501(c)(3) entities. The COO will oversee the Human Resources and Diversity, Information Technology, and Grants and Contracts Administration departments and must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in a collaborative and deadline-oriented workplace while managing a team of seventeen.
Responsibilities include:
Strategy
• Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and LSNYC’s long-term strategy. Develop tools and systems to provide critical operational information and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.
• Engage the board Operations, Personnel, Compliance and Diversity Committee around issues, trends, and changes in the operating model(s) and operational delivery. Assist in establishing yearly objectives and meeting agendas, and selecting and engaging outside consultants for strategic initiatives.
• Publicly represent LSNYC with the media and external constituency groups including community, governmental, and private organizations and build excitement for LSNYC’s mission.
• Support the vision of the ED and ensure ongoing alignment between financial, operational, and programmatic objectives.
• Lead/participate in key strategic projects and vendor engagements as needed.
Operational Management
• Provide leadership in developing and executing human resources strategy including talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, diversity and inclusivity, training and development, compensation, and morale.
• Establish the company’s technical vision and lead and support the leadership of all aspects of the company’s technological development to ensure the effective, efficient and secure operation of all automated data processing systems. Works in a consultative fashion with key individuals across the organization as an advisor of technologies and technology policy that may improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversee grant awards, contracting, reporting, and other administrative functions. Develop strategies to optimize the grant and contract management process to support the organization’s evolving needs – particularly in light of increased grant volume and complexity.
• Manage the implementation and day-to-day functions related to Business Continuity Plans and Procedures, while also creating and managing Disaster Recovery operations within the organization. Responsible for interfacing with senior management and regulatory auditors as needed.
• Take a leadership role in labor relations within LSNYC, participating in collective bargaining agreement negotiations and administering labor relations polices as needed.
• Serve as Fiduciary for LSNYC’s 403(b) plan.
Team Management & Collaboration
• Mentor and develop a team of seventeen, managing work allocation, training, problem resolution, performance evaluation, and the building of an effective team dynamic.
• Guide larger, cross-divisional teams outside of direct span of control.
• Collaborate closely with the CFO and finance team.
• Ensure procedural and physical presence in all LSNYC program offices, offering ongoing support to constituent corporation leadership and boards.
Specific requirements include:
• A minimum of a BS/BA, MBA or MPA preferred, with at least 10 years of experience and a track record in nonprofit operations management. PMP or similar project management certification a plus.
• Demonstrable passion for LSNYC’s mission; a hands-on manager with integrity and a desire to work in a dynamic environment.
• Mature and proactive, with evidence of having worked in partnership with the ED and senior leadership of a multi-divisional organization.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• An effective communicator at all levels in the organization, with strong oral and written skills and a willingness to share information.
• A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality.
• Creativity, with experience funding activities in ways that both cover costs and generate operating margins.
• Experience with law firms and/or unionized environments strongly desired.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of a fast-growing, highly respected organization. We are seeking an individual of outstanding quality with a respected track record. LSNYC is prepared to offer a very attractive compensation package, including a competitive base salary as well as health, 403(b) and vacation benefits.
Legal Services NYC has retained AMS to spearhead our search efforts. To formally apply please send your resume to Octavia Gilmore, Senior Executive Recruitment Manager at [email protected].