Executive Director
Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO) seeks an executive director to lead it in achieving its mission of improving the lives of people in need through systemic advocacy and individual legal assistance. LAWMO is the sole legal aid program in western Missouri. It serves a population of nearly 300,000 low-income people in 40 counties. Our work provides access to justice, breaks the cycle of poverty, restores fairness and gets results that change lives! In 2015, LAWMO closed 13,738 cases – review some of our recent client stories here.
The next executive director will lead a 100-member staff in five diverse offices. The executive director will bring leadership, enthusiasm, vision, innovation, and litigation and administrative experience. He or she will work with LAWMO’s dedicated and talented staff and board to: serve LAWMO’s client community; implement new strategies to meet changing legal needs; and, diversify funding sources. Learn more about our cases, projects and financial overview in our Legal Aid annual report.
About the Position
This position is based in LAWMO’s headquarters in Kansas City, a dynamic and growing city, ranked No. 6 on Kiplinger’s “50 Smart Places to Live” and among Forbes’ “Most Affordable U.S. Cities.” More information on the Kansas City region is available here.
Salary commensurate with experience (expected salary range: $125 – 140K), plus generous benefits.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the public face of LAWMO; provide leadership in local, state and national legal aid forums; engage with the local courts, community leaders and with the private bar.
- Develop and cultivate relationships with individual and corporate donors, foundations, and other funders to increase and diversify LAWMO’s financial resources.
- Direct LAWMO’s advocacy and facilitate and promote collaborative teamwork among LAWMO programs, staff and services.
- Promote collaboration with other legal services providers and human services organizations in the region and throughout the state. Think creatively about gaps in legal services and develop strategies to close those gaps.
- Administer and direct a staff of more than 100 persons, including recruiting and retaining top quality staff, managing an effective leadership team, implementing technological upgrades and innovations, and working closely with a 30-member board of trustees.
Requirements
- Missouri state bar license to practice law, or the ability to obtain a Missouri license within one year. Five years of law practice experience.
- Commitment and dedication to providing high quality, innovative, effective legal assistance to low-income Missourians.
- Experience in a management capacity, including supervision, feedback and evaluations, delegation, conflict resolution.
- Enthusiasm for and investment in culturally diverse communities and environments.
- Experience working with a board of trustees, board of directors and/or executive committee, including planning, meeting management, committee structure and organization and strategic planning.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Financial acumen, including accounting principles and budgeting.
- Fundraising ability, including relationship development and strategy.
- Integrity, grace, humor and generosity.
- Successful fundraising experience, including grants, corporate and individual giving, and capital campaigns.
Desirable Skills and Characteristics
- Technological savvy and commitment to the use of technology as a tool to improve and expand the delivery of services.
- An understanding of the critical legal needs of low-income individuals.
- Ability to serve as a spokesperson to the media, legal community and other stakeholder audiences.
- Excellent emotional intelligence, including listening skills, delegation skills and empathy toward clients and staff.
- Success in specific fundraising avenues, including grants, corporate giving, individual giving and capital campaigns.
Applications will be accepted until November 20, 2016. Send cover letter and resume to Scott Criqui, Director of Human Resources, at scriqui@lawmo.org..
Legal Aid of Western Missouri is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.