Executive Director
Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, Inc (AppalReD), seeks a dedicated, mission-oriented, focused individual for the position of Executive Director.
Founded in 1970, AppalReD is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides high quality civil and legal services to low-income families and individuals who live in Eastern and South Central Kentucky. AppalReD now has eight offices, twenty-two advocates, and eighteen support staff, with the skills, experience, and dedication to serve thirty-seven Eastern Kentucky counties, home to a poverty population of approximately 250,000. AppalReD's strengths include its reputation for effective litigation and diversity of legal practice, and its experienced, compassionate staff and board. Its challenges include providing effective legal representation, brief services and advice in a service area that is poor, rural, and far-flung, as well as broadening its funding base to continue effective legal representation. AppalReD’s next Executive Director will have the opportunity to test the ceiling of an organization that many consider marketable on a national scale. For more information about AppalReD, please visit www.ardfky.org.
Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's achievement of its mission through its operational and financial objectives. The Executive Director must provide leadership and will oversee a diverse and dynamic staff in the legal representation of low-income individuals, be an organized self-starter, an experienced communicator, an enthusiastic fundraiser, and a team player to oversee the day-to-day functions of AppalReD. He or she must develop and implement strategic plans, programs and projects; to ensure the fiscal health of AppalReD; and is responsible for the overall operation and management of the organization. He or she must also have the ability to move capably and confidently between a wide range of responsibilities, including program development, financial management, human resources, fundraising, public relations, board and volunteer relations, building management and staff oversight. The Executive Director reports to the AppalReD Board of Directors.
High Priority Roles and Responsibilities for the next Executive Director
- Creating a clear vision for AppalReD's future by working with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan
- Modeling the way toward achieving that plan by leading an organization hit hard by funding cuts, multiple layoffs, and high turnover in key leadership positions
- Diversifying and broadening resources through grants management, private fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and other innovative strategies
- Strengthening the finances and operations of AppalReD by meeting and exceeding grant requirements, especially those of the Legal Services Corporation, with a focus on best practices
- Promoting AppalReD’s mission to local communities, media, and partner organizations
Ideal Qualifications of the next Executive Director
- Passionate commitment to advancing the lives of individuals living in poverty in Eastern and South-Central Kentucky
- Successful leadership and/or management experience within a nonprofit organization, preferably a legal services organization
- Distinguished oral and written communication skills
- Personal attributes such as the ability to engender confidence and trust, honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, great listening skills, decisiveness, and a yearning to reinforce a great organization
- Management experience or equivalent, with supervision of staff, oversight of financial reporting, development of budgets, and compliance with grant and contract requirements
Requirements of the next Executive Director
- J.D., and within one year of hire, a license to practice law in Kentucky
Application Process
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Interested candidates should submit a letter expressing in detail your interest in the position of Executive Director of AppalReD, and what you believe you can contribute to the future of AppalReD and its client community. The letter should be accompanied by a current resume, writing sample, and names and contact information for three professional references and one or more personal references. In addition, candidates may submit a brief video sample which will give you the opportunity to express in a more personal way what your leadership would bring to AppalReD.
Candidates with questions about the position or process are encouraged to contact Joseph Lane, Board Chair, at appalrededsearch@yahoo.com. Materials should be addressed to: Joseph Lane, AppalReD Board Chair, 124 W. Court Street, Prestonsburg, Ky. 41653 and/or emailed to appalrededsearch@yahoo.com.
AppalReD offers a competitive salary and benefits package. AppalReD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates with disabilities, women, persons of color and others who represent distinct linguistic or cultural communities to apply.