Director of Administrative Services

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is the state’s largest provider of free, direct legal services to people living with low-incomes and/or other physical or economic impediments to accessing justice. 

Since 1911, MLA has provided life-changing civil legal assistance and representation to eligible Maryland residents across the state.  

As a private, nonprofit law firm, the staff at MLA work to protect and defend the rights of our clients while helping them access and navigate the justice system. MLA staff manage civil cases (not criminal), provide representation before federal and state trial and appellate courts, and offer brief advice and legal counsel. In addition, MLA staff alongside pro bono attorneys and community partners conduct impact litigation, and policy and advocacy efforts.  

 Our collective expertise is deployed to ensure that vulnerable individuals can find recourse and remedy via meaningful and responsive legal services. Our approach centers confronting injustice through zealous advocacy, excellence in client relations, and respect for clients and partners. We do not rest until we achieve the best possible outcome for anyone seeking our legal assistance. 

JOB SUMMARY:

Maryland Lega Aid announces an immediate opening for a full-time Director of Administrative Services based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Director of Administrative Services leads, implements, and evaluates MLA’s administrative activities. Grounded in a customer service approach both internally and externally, the Director of Administrative Services leads the work and staff of MLA’s Administrative Services Unit. Primary responsibilities include oversight for all MLA building/facility operations and security, real property procurement and lease management, organizational wide insurance procurement and management, good and services procurement and management, and oversight of postage and office equipment leasing. The Director of Administrative Services will collaborate closely with other MLA units, vendors, consultants, and contractors in this work. The Director Administrative Services leads a staff of four and reports to the Chief Operating Officer. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collects and uses data to establish quantitative and qualitative metrics related to system efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and customer service goals, guidelines, and standards by which the MLA’s efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identifies opportunities for improvement. 
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates business procedures to ensure continuous process improvement. 
• Implements policies and procedures that will improve day-to-day operations. 
• Communicates and explains new directives, policies, or procedures to MLA staff for major changes, meets with entire operations staff to explain changes, answer questions, and maintain morale. 
• Improves internal and external customer service and satisfaction through policy and procedural changes. 
• Plans, directs, controls, implements, evaluates, monitors, and forecasts budgets and cost of sales within ASU to achieve financial objectives. 
• Oversees the processes related to purchasing and procurement of all goods and services and identifies and implements ways in which MLA can integrate values of diversity, equity, inclusion, as well as environmental consciousness into procurement activities. 
• Oversees non-IT identified office supply management and inventory. 
• Responsible for procuring and maintaining adequate insurance coverage for MLA (e.g. property, general liability, workers’ compensation, malpractice, bonding, fiduciary and others as required) and serves as the key contact for all business insurance-related matters. 
• Oversees all real property issues, including: lease and purchase negotiations; maintenance of lease agreements and tickler systems for all critical lease dates, renewal options, terminations, and rental increases; review and approval of all real property related invoices; and coordination of renovations and capital improvements. 
• In coordination and collaboration with Office Managers, leads and assists in all property related issues, including all necessary building related services (e.g., cleaning, HVAC, security, grounds care, etc.).  
• In collaboration and coordination with MLA’s Assistant Director of Facilities, provide oversight of all MLA office building operations; and leads project management for any needed renovations/improvements. 
• Develops, implements, and updates, emergency procedures for all MLA’s office locations and oversees the development and implementation of the organization’s Continuity of Operations Plan. 
• Oversees procurement and maintenance of postage system, copier, and confidential document shredding services. 

BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $90, 000.00 - $115, 000.00. In addition, MLA provides employees with a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, 4 weeks paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more! Future flexibility regarding a hybrid work arrangement is a possibility after the onboarding period. 

Maryland Legal Aid is committed to equity, justice and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, MLA seeks to hire individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives that are reflective of the communities we serve, including people with disabilities, people of color, women and members of traditionally underrepresented groups.