Responsibilities: Reporting to the 18-member Board of Trustees, the Executive Director of Community Legal Aid Services, Inc. (Akron) leads a staff of 55 talented lawyers and support staff with five direct reports: Associate Director, Advocacy Director, CFO, Director of Development & Communications, and Admin Assistant. Responsible for the direction, integrity, efficiency and productivity of the firm, the Executive Director oversees compliance and its financial stability and serves as its primary spokesperson expanding awareness and support of its works.
Timing: A start date is anticipated for early Spring 2017.
Nonprofit law firm: Governed by lawyers, members of the client community and others concerned about equal justice to all, Community Legal Aid Services (Legal Aid) specializes in poverty law providing free, high-quality civil legal services to eligible poor and low-income clients. Throughout eight central northeast Ohio counties, Legal Aid helps clients with consumer rights, family, housing, foreclosure, bankruptcy, health education, disability and public benefits, unemployment compensation, wills and taxes. It also works with community-based collaborations and is available as a resource for area nonprofit, client-related organizations. In addition to its Volunteer Legal Services Program which provides private counsel for pro bono legal services to eligible clients, Legal Aid operates an online self help library. Its $5.4 million budget is funded by charitable gifts from individuals, foundations, area United Ways, and grants from about 30 funders representing local, state and federal agencies. Currently 70 percent of the staff is represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers UAW 2320. A Labor-Management Committee operates as a cooperative joint effort between management and union. www.communitylegalaid.org
Benefits: Legal Aid offers generous benefits, an excellent work environment in downtown Akron and the opportunity to serve the community in eight counties. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, 5% contribution to a 125 cafeteria plan, 401k retirement plan, paid vacation and paid sick leave. As an equal opportunity employer, Legal Aid encourages minorities to apply.
The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience in legal aid work and a commitment to social justice. Essential - law degree, managerial/supervisory experience, a strategic thinker, a visionary, and a transparent communicator. Desired - relationship builder, public speaker, collaborator, decisive, and whose legal practice has been guided by empathy and compassion for the practicalities of the underserved. A Plus - a commitment to supporting diversity in the workplace, humility, and a sense of humor.
Confidential nominations and applications are due on or before close of business Monday, 5 December 2016. Required is a cover letter describing the candidate’s interest in Community Legal Aid Services and how s/he meets the qualifications cited above, a resume, and salary expectations. Confidentiality is assured all parties.
By electronic mail: [email protected]
By US Mail: CLAS Executive Director Search, The Yunker Group, Inc., Post Office Box 54556, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254-0556