Still She Rises is the first public defender office in the country dedicated exclusively to the representation of mothers in the criminal justice system.
Women are the fastest-growing prison population in the U.S. and Oklahoma incarcerates a higher percentage of its women than any other state. A particularly egregious history of racial violence makes North Tulsa the most under-resourced and marginalized section of the city, exacerbating the social inequities that drive low-income women and women of color into the criminal justice system. Still She Rises goes to the ground zero of this crisis, bringing the model of holistic defense pioneered by The Bronx Defenders to the women of North Tulsa. Each client we represent has access to an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, social workers, legal advocates, and investigators committed to fighting by her side.
Since taking our first clients in January 2017, our office has grown steadily. We now have a staff of 15 with a strong foundation of advocates and funders.
Still She Rises was conceptualized as a new model for representing women in the American justice system. The Executive Director will be charged with building this model and leading the organization into its next stage of rapid expansion. The ED will be a local and national leader in public defense and criminal justice.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for collaborating with the Board, spearheading fundraising, engaging local and national stakeholders, and representing the organization in the media. This is an initiative-taking role involving a mix of operating, strategic, managerial, and stakeholder leadership activities. The ED will be supported by a team that includes an Advisory Board of national leaders in the field, an Operations Director, a Director of External Relations, and leaders in the practice areas of criminal defense, family defense, and social work. Directors of policy and impact litigation will wed the organization’s direct representation with efforts to effect policy change.
Critically, the ED must develop a strategic plan and chart the future course of this one-year-old nonprofit. Much as The Bronx Defenders has redefined public defense, Still She Rises is poised to redefine women’s defense with an innovative ED leading the way.
The ideal candidate will possess proven organizational leadership skills; demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and women’s justice; excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; and the ability to work in, value, and sustain a collaborative team model.
Perhaps most importantly, the ideal candidate must be an innovator with a track record of thought leadership. There is no other organization dedicated exclusively to the representation of women. This model is being built, modified, and reimagined as it grows. To be successful, a leader must understand that there is no prescription for an impactful public defender’s office. Discard outdated models, learn from your team, and listen to your clients and community. Be ready to lead this organization as it quickly expands and evolves.
The successful candidate should have:
• Proficiency/familiarity with criminal law, judicial systems, and public/family defense.
• Experience as a change agent leading a rapidly growing organization or initiative.
• A track record working with community groups, law enforcement, elected officials, and thought-leaders in the social sector.
• Credibility with the media and the public on issues relating to criminal justice reform, economic disparities, gender bias, or related topics.
• Success managing and mentoring a team of skilled professionals and the ability to recognize and attract talent from across the country.
• Ability to relocate to Tulsa, OK within a reasonable timeframe.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]