Chief Advocacy Officer

The Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO) strategically grows and directs GLS’ litigation and advocacy programs to effectively advance our mission of enhancing access to the legal system for vulnerable communities. The CAO is responsible for implementing a strategic advocacy vision for GLS; overseeing the quality and effective delivery of legal services; supervising the substantive units, and the legal work of each; and managing litigation and reviewing requests for appellate and complex case representation. In partnership with the CEO, the CAO promotes a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and improvement that supports the effective advancement of GLS’ values and mission.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implementation of strategic advocacy vision, in accordance with strategic plan.
2. Coordination and delivery (as needed) of training initiatives for legal/programmatic staff and volunteers.
3. Coordination and supervision of holistic and wraparound delivery of services across programmatic units, providing support to team members as needed and appropriate.
4. Oversight of volunteer/pro bono program, intern/extern programs, and co-counseling relationships.
5. Facilitation of GLS appellate initiatives and complex litigation services in partnership and collaboration with private firms as needed.
6. Ensuring delivery of high-quality client experiences.
7. Monitoring and coordination of compliance with program deliverables.
8. Development and maintenance of relationships with task force members, community partners, etc. to coordinate the provision of direct victim services, including co-counseling relationships, in delivery areas.
9. Tracking and analyzing legislative initiatives and case law developments for delivery to legal/programmatic staff.
10. Facilitation of team meetings, advocate meetings, task forces, and program wide meetings as appropriate.

BASIC STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

1. Satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
2. Adherence to company confidentiality practices at all times.
3. Compliance with all Gulfcoast Legal Services policies and procedures.
4. Familiarity with and adherence to the company mission.
5. Satisfactory completion of duties and responsibilities of the position as required by management and supervision.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. A commitment to the provision of high-quality legal services and underserved populations.
2. Strong organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
3. Exceptional problem-solving skills and demonstrated solution-based leadership.
4. Ability to work on various projects with competing priorities.
5. Must be able to maximize existing resources effectively and efficiently.
6. Attention to detail.
7. Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
8. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and CMS.
9. Must be able to maintain positive working relationships while under pressure.
10. Reliable transportation required.
11. Ability to plan, direct and coordinate activities; work with government agencies, community groups and other organizations as necessary; communicate effectively in both written and oral forms; exhibit independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures and policies.

Gulfcoast Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. Salary starts at $90,000/yr depending on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package, 2% retirement match after 1 year of employment, generous paid time off, the opportunity to work partially remote hours, a 37.5 hour work week and professional development assistance. Attorneys may also qualify for the Loan Repayment Assistance Program through the Florida Bar Foundation of up to $5,000 yearly, as well as Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs. Candidate must complete an application and pass a background screening before employment can begin. GLS is a non-profit agency and relies on grants to sustain its programs. Employment is contingent upon continued funding.