Executive Director
Founded in 1972, originally CGLA operated as a general purpose law firm for Cabrini Green residents. Early CGLA staff represented clients across a broad range of issues while advocating for tenants’ rights and alternatives to gangs for youth. Since its founding, CGLA has helped tens of thousands of people stabilize their lives—by removing barriers to economic opportunity, strengthening families, and preventing homelessness. In 2014, CGLA acquired Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM), through which CGLA provides vital services for women under correctional control remain intact. Today, CGLA strives to bring about substantive, transformational change in the lives of those it serves by using a holistic model that integrates the delivery of legal services with supportive social services. CGLA accomplishes this through strategic partnerships with social service providers, government agencies, and other legal aid organizations.
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership of the organization to ensure delivery of the highest quality services while safeguarding its financial stability. As the leader of the organization, the Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for: executing the strategic plan to address the growing needs of CGLA and its clients; modeling CGLA’s values which are anchored on the God-given dignity of its clients; actively engaging in sophisticated fundraising and development activities; developing and managing the organization’s overall finances; managing and leading the staff and fostering an organizational climate to develop and build staff competencies; collaborating with other leaders and decision makers in the broader legal and human services community; providing the vision to address future challenges and opportunities; and representing the organization as its key spokesperson and fundraiser.
We seek a proven leader who will be a catalyst to fulfilling an organization's mission to answer God’s call to seek justice and mercy for those living in poverty by providing legal services that strengthen lives, families and communities. The ability to relate to a wide variety of donor constituents is important. The leader must also communicate effectively with elected officials, state and federal bureaucracies, businesses, law firms, and civic groups. Given the requirements of implementing the strategic plans of CGLA, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to chart a clear direction and implement activities to reach Board approved goals. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in obtaining private resources through major individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and government grants.
Specific experience in an organization focused on legal assistance is not a requirement; however, an affinity for the creation and delivery of services to underserved populations must be genuine. A connection to the values of CGLA and serving the underserved is essential. Knowledge of effective practices in the leadership and management of legal and/or social services is ideal. A proven ability to hire, coach, and lead employees as an effective team of closely coordinated, highly professional, self-accountable staff members is a must. Of critical importance is the candidate’s ability to transform ideas into specific, goal-driven program outcomes. The successful candidate will have demonstrated skills in operations and business management. Experience making strategic decisions in program design and organizational management in pursuit of board goals is expected.
A bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is required; a graduate degree is preferred. A JD degree is not required. Current or prior experience in the field or experiences that would result in a key understanding of the cause is advantageous. Successful candidates may come from the non-profit or for-profit sectors.
Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of interest to resumes@kittlemansearch.com For more information on CGLA, please visit www.cgla.net
Cabrini Green Legal Aid is an equal opportunity employer.