Connecticut Legal Services (CLS), a not for profit law firm dedicated to improving the lives of low-income people by providing access to justice, is seeking nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director. As the largest legal aid agency in Connecticut, CLS services 58% of Connecticut’s poverty population living in 122 communities, excluding Hartford and New Haven. CLS has a long history of providing critical legal and social services, and acts as a community resource to resolve some of the most pressing challenges facing low-income Connecticut residents.
Connecticut Legal Services maintains a dedicated staff that includes over fifty lawyers advocating for more than 5,000 clients annually. CLS is committed to supporting individuals who are not able to represent themselves, and in particular focusses on cases where the legal issue has merit and where lawyers can offer the most impact.
Reporting to a Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the agency in its provision of civil legal services to Connecticut’s poorest residents. S/he will be a strategic leader and excellent manager responsible for overseeing legal services programs, managing all internal finances and growth of a $10 million budget. S/he will ensure compliance with legal, funder, and audit requirements and ensure the short and long term fiscal and programmatic health of the organization through the cultivation of partnerships and collaboration with key decision makers, other law firms, philanthropic organizations, and other key social service and public interest partners.
The Executive Director will be an inclusive, adaptive leader with a breadth and depth of public interest legal experience across a range of issues. S/he will have substantial litigation experience in a courtroom, exhibit humble, servant leadership, and have strong ability to leverage staff effectively.
The Executive Director represents CLS publicly and will continue to elevate the organization’s image as a critical, impactful agency within the community. S/he will have an underlying commitment to ensuring low-income people can meet their basic needs and be assured equal access to opportunities and justice with an appreciation for the barriers they face. The Executive Director will be based in the Middletown, CT office.
The search is being led by Tamar Datan and Mira Kline of Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history and where you learned of the position should be sent to: [email protected]. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.
Connecticut Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.