Executive Director

The Opportunity
The Legal Aid Society of DC seeks a visionary, and strategic leader to serve as the next Executive Director, to carry on the legacy of 90 years of zealous and client-centered individual civil legal services and systemic advocacy. The Executive Director will have ultimate responsibility, working with the leadership team and supervisory staff, for the legal work of the organization. The next Executive Director must have a demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice, and ensure that these principles are reflected in the organization’s strategy, values, and culture.

The Executive Director’s responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership
Lead Legal Aid in a regular strategic planning process and oversee the implementation of the strategic mission;
Engage and energize Legal Aid Board of Trustees (“the Board”) members, partner organizations, pro bono volunteers, and funders to support Legal Aid’s mission;
Plan for and implement infrastructure growth to parallel growth of the legal program;
Build and lead strategic partnerships across communities and organizations in an effort to deepen organizational impact;
Work on an ongoing basis to evaluate Legal Aid programming to ensure that it centers on the experiences of affected communities, and that programs and services reflect and meet the needs of the community being served;
Bring an understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and how these principles must guide the work.
People and Culture
Promote an organizational culture that fosters passion for the mission, cooperation, open and frequent communication among colleagues, teamwork, and a common organizational vision;
Develop and reflect an inclusive organizational culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the organization;
Attract, retain, lead, and mentor staff who serve the mission of Legal Aid effectively and with enthusiasm;
Work with Legal Aid’s experienced senior leadership team in continuing to implement the organization’s recently revised management structure;
Encourage staff development and education;
Assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the overarching strategic plan and vision of the organization.
Fundraising and Operations
Plan and oversee the development, management, and approval of the annual budget;
Oversee fiscal management, grants administration, and annual audit;
Review and update annual fundraising plans and fundraising activities, including grant writing, annual fundraising campaigns, and major gifts in collaboration with the Board and development staff;
Manage, develop, and communicate with key funders, and work to ensure diverse funding streams;
Use external presence and relationships to garner new funding opportunities;
Communicate with a broad array of stakeholders with empathy, sensitivity, and respect, and demonstrate the ability to work cross-culturally.
Board of Trustees Governance
Be responsible to the Board for operation of all functions, programs, and services of the organization;
Work with the Board President to facilitate efficient and impactful Board meetings;
Communicate effectively with the Board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions;
Assist the Board’s Nomination Committee in recruiting, maintaining, and supporting an engaged and active Board;
Facilitate regular interactions between the Board and staff.