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Executive Director

Description: 

Central California Legal Services (CCLS) seeks an Executive Director to lead our nonprofit law firm as we enter our 50th year of service to low-income residents of the Central Valley. The selected Executive Director will replace a long-term Executive Director who is leaving at the end of December 2015. We seek highly qualified applicants with a vision and demonstrated passion for serving and advocating on behalf of the poor and other vulnerable populations.

CCLS receives funding from Legal Services Corporation and from a variety of local, state, regional and national funding sources. The Executive Director has the responsibility and authority for the day-to-day administration of the affairs of CCLS, in accordance with the Legal Services Corporation Act and its Regulations, and bylaws enacted by CCLS’s Board of Directors.

We seek candidates with executive-level management experience to guide CCLS during a period of restructuring, reorganization, and financial challenges, who have experience successfully implementing strategic planning goals for a non-profit organization under those circumstances.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Established in 1966, CCLS provides free legal advice and representation in civil matters to eligible low-income individuals in Fresno, Kings, Merced, Mariposa, Tulare and Tuolumne counties. Through our partnership with the Health Consumer Alliance, we also provide health-related legal assistance to residents of Madera, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo and Stanislaus counties. Our mission is to “Advance Justice and Empower People.” Our clients are primarily the working poor, families with young children, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, seniors and other low-income individuals. We take pride in helping those whose rights are restricted, compromised and/or denied. We provide quality service and enhance delivery of our services by combining efforts with other organizations and diverse communities throughout our region.

Along with our attorneys, paralegals and support staff, we have significant support from outside pro bono attorneys, law students, interns and other volunteers.

CCLS works in the general areas of Housing, Public Benefits/Health/Education, Family Safety/Immigration, and Consumer/Tax law.

*For further information about CCLS please visit our website at www.centralcallegal.org.

HIGH PRIORITY ROLES/DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.     To serve as the public face of CCLS, carrying out a leadership role in local, state and national legal aid networks, client community organizations, and other legal services and program-related organizations;

2.     To have ultimate responsibility for the implementation and direction of CCLS according to policies set by the Board of Directors;

3.     To help CCLS achieve the goals established by the Board of Directors in its Strategic Plan;

4.     To creatively work with the Board of Directors so its members actively contribute to the success of CCLS;

5.     To oversee compliance issues related to major Federal and State funding sources, including Legal Services Corporation (LSC, Equal Access to Justice, IOLTA and other funding sources);

6.     To have ultimate responsibility for obtaining funding support, developing the program budget, allocating program resources according to priorities and maintaining accurate financial records;

7.     To provide the leadership and structural support for staff in order to strengthen, protect and focus high quality legal representation for clients;

8.     To collaborate with client organizations, partners, and service providers on behalf of eligible clients;

9.     To have ultimate responsibility for all personnel matters including establishing position qualifications for all staff positions, hiring and firing all attorney, non-attorney and management staff as necessary, establishing personnel policies and establishing all operational procedures;

10.  To represent management in union negotiations in accordance with Board directives;

11.  To advise the Board of Directors on policy matters, implement Board policies and attend Board meetings;

12.  To have ultimate responsibility for all litigation and attorney supervision;

13.  To perform other duties as the Board may from time-to-time describe.

Requirements: 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.     Member in good standing with the State Bar of California;

2.     A demonstrated commitment to low-income communities;

3.     A minimum of (10) years of legal experience in a legal services program or other law office experience, including but not limited to preparing pleadings; conducting discovery, court hearings, and trial;

4.     A minimum of (10) years of significant administrative experience, including the supervision of legal and support personnel, for a legal services program or other law office experience, preferably in a unionized, non-profit environment;

5.     Experience and skill communicating with a Board of Directors;

6.     Experience working with the media;

7.     Management experience involving staff supervision, financial oversight and reporting, budget development, and compliance with grant, contract and legal requirements;

8.     Successful track record in fundraising, resource development, and grant writing desired;

9.     Ability to work and collaborate with individual clients and client community groups;

10.  Demonstrated commitment to advocacy in support of the legal rights of eligible clients and to equal access to justice;

11.  Familiarity with other federal and state civil legal aid organizations serving the poor is desired;

12.  Experience collaborating and/or building relationships and reputation with the courts;

13.  Outstanding oral and written communication skills;

14.  Proficiency with computer software including word processing, spreadsheets and databases, as well as internet skills;

15.  Bilingual English/Spanish preferred;

16.  Ability to travel as needed-Proof of liability and property insurance on vehicle used is required.

SALARY/BENEFITS: DOE; Benefits package includes: partial employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and employee dependents; employer paid life and long term disability coverage; Employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan; 14.5 paid holidays per year; and competitive vacation and sick leave policies.

To Apply: 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be accepted until end of business day 5 p.m. July 17, 2015.  To receive full consideration, please e-mail your application with a cover letter expressing in detail your interest in the position, your qualifications, and what you hope to contribute to the organization’s future; a current resume, a writing sample (no more than 10 pages); and the names and contact information for three professional references to:

CCLS Executive Director Search Committee

Central California Legal Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 1432

Fresno, California 93716

cclsedsearch@gmail.com

CCLS expects to make a hiring decision and offer by the end of October, 2015 or sooner with a start date as of January 2016.  If you have any questions about the position, please send an email to cclsedsearch@gmail.com.

 

CCLS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. CCLS values diversity. All interested individuals, including women, people of color, people over forty, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are encouraged to apply.

 

Information

Submission Deadline: 
July 17, 2015
Organization Information: 
Central California Legal Services, Inc.
2115 Kern Street, Suite 1
Fresno, CA 93721
United States
Phone: (559) 570-1258