President/CEO
Hiscock Legal Aid Society (HLAS) in Syracuse, NY seeks a President/CEO to lead this non-profit, organization which provides high-quality, high-volume, cost-effective legal assistance to low-income residents of the central New York region, primarily Onondaga County. For more than 65 years, HLAS has been dedicated to ensuring that no one in its community is denied justice because of a lack of means. HLAS provides representation in civil, mandated Family Court, criminal and Family Court appeals, parole revocation and extradition cases. Its long-time President/CEO Susan R. Horn retires July 31, 2016.
About the Position
The next President/CEO will lead a strong client-centered HLAS with a dedicated staff and Board, an ongoing commitment to the innovative use of technology and collaborative relationships with other legal and human services providers. The organization engages in vigorous and effective advocacy for clients and enjoys a strong financial position with excellent internal controls. HLAS’s challenges include managing significant growth in staffing, improving staff retention and diversity, and growing and diversifying funding.
High Priority Roles and Responsibilities for the Next President/CEO:
• To serve as the public face of HLAS and to provide leadership in local and state civil legal aid and criminal defense networks; in legislative, administrative and private forums; in the community and with the private bar.
• To grow and diversify private and governmental funding, with responsibility for writing all major grant applications, grant reporting and financial oversight.
• To lead HLAS advocacy and to promote teamwork among all HLAS’s programs, staff and services.
• To enhance midlevel supervision systems and promote staff professional development and retention.
• To think creatively about gaps in civil and indigent defense services, and to work to close those gaps, in partnership with others at the local, regional and state levels.
• To lead and promote collaboration with other civil and criminal legal providers and human services organizations in the region and throughout the state.
• To continue technological innovations that allow staff to work efficiently and effectively.
Qualifications of the Next President/CEO:
• New York State law license required, or ability to obtain New York license. A minimum of 3 years of experience in the practice of law and an additional 7 years of experience in law practice and/or non-profit management preferred.
• Passion for the mission of HLAS and a demonstrated commitment to both civil legal services and indigent defense.
• Demonstrated management experience involving staff supervision, financial oversight, reporting, and budget development.
• Experience in compliance with grant, contract and legal requirements.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, a positive leadership style, a collaborative approach and big picture vision.
• Enthusiasm for developing relationships and for resource development and fundraising.
• Commitment to supporting diversity in the workplace and the capacity to foster relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Commitment to the use of technology to improve and extend services.
• Experience and skill in engaging with an active board of directors.
• Legal aid, public defense or other public interest experience preferred.
• Maturity, sense of humor, strong interpersonal skills.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, please submit application materials by May 15, 2016. 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 ppap@mielegalaid.org.
HLAS is being assisted in the search by Patricia Pap, Executive Director, Management Information Exchange, 99 Chauncy St., Suite 716, Boston, MA 02111, 617-556-0288, ppap@mielegalaid.org, www.mielegalaid.org. Candidates with questions about the position or process are encouraged to contact Ms. Pap.
Compensation of the President/CEO will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate. HLAS expects to make a hiring decision in June 2016 and to have the successful candidate join the organization soon thereafter.
HLAS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, candidates with disabilities, and others who represent distinct linguistic or cultural communities to apply.