Executive Director
Legal Services of Southern Missouri (LSSM) seeks an Executive Director to lead this regional nonprofit that provides free civil legal assistance to qualified individuals throughout southern Missouri. The mission of LSSM is to provide quality legal representation and advice to low-income individuals and families to ensure equal access to justice in civil matters. About the Position The next Executive Director will lead LSSM as this pre-eminent legal aid organization seeks to preserve and enhance high quality of legal work for clients, continue a leadership role in southern Missouri and throughout the legal aid community, and nurture newer generations of LSSM staff.
Legal Services of Southern Missouri does not discriminate in admissions, access, treatment or employment, in its programs or activities on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. Salary based on experience ranging from $120,000 - $160,000. LSSM offers a generous benefits package.
In 1976, the original legal services organization was established to provide free civil legal assistance to eligible individuals. It evolved into a regional organization 2001, when it merged with two other legal services organizations. LSSM helps clients who are faced with legal problems that harm access to basics of food, shelter, income, medical care and personal safety. Most of the cases LSSM handles are family law involving domestic violence, housing, consumer law, access to health care, veterans, and access to government benefits. LSSM does not handle criminal matters. LSSM has a service area of 43 counties. LSSM organizes its regional delivery through five offices covering specific counties and a Medical-Legal Partnership. LSSM is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors which includes private attorneys throughout the region and individuals who are eligible for services at LSSM. LSSM has a budget of approximately $4.2 million. LSSM receives funds from many different sources, including from Congress through the Legal Services Corporation; The Missouri Bar; IOLTA; statutory filing fee; cy pres; public and private grants and donations. LSSM employs 44 staff members in Springfield, Rolla, West Plains, Charleston and Cape Girardeau.
High Priority Roles and Responsibilities for the Executive Director: • To serve as the public face of LSSM, carrying out a leadership role in local, state and national networks of legal aid, client and social services communities. • To help LSSM achieve the goals established by the Board in its strategic plan. • To provide the leadership and structural support for staff to strengthen, protect and focus high quality work of maximum impact for clients. • To creatively work with the board so that members actively contribute to LSSM’s success. • To collaborate with partners and service providers on behalf of eligible clients. Qualifications of the Executive Director: • A demonstrated commitment to advocacy in support of the legal rights of eligible clients and to equal access to justice. • Management experience involving staff supervision, financial oversight and reporting, budget development, and compliance with grant, contract and legal requirements. • Demonstrated experience as a manager in a multi-million dollar, multi-office organization preferred. • Familiarity with federal and state civil legal aid organizations preferred. • Outstanding oral and written communication skills. • Skills in relationship building and stakeholder interaction rooted in collaboration. • A commitment to the use of technology to extend services throughout the service area. • Engage in resource development and fundraising. • Experience and skill in communicating with a strong active board of directors. • Ability to establish and maintain close working relationships with an experienced staff. • A minimum of ten years’ experience as an attorney. • Possession of a JD and Missouri license or willingness to become licensed in Missouri within a reasonable period of time.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, please submit your application promptly. Please include a 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; and the names and contact information for three professional references. Materials should be emailed to media@lsosm.org in Microsoft Word format. Legal Services of Southern Missouri does not discriminate in admissions, access, treatment or employment, in its programs or activities on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. Salary based on experience ranging from $120,000 - $160,000. LSSM offers a generous benefits package.