Executive Director
Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society (SVLAS) seeks a new Executive Director to lead this exceptional organization forward. Larry T. Harley, Esq., who has served as Executive Director for more than 25 years, is stepping down at the end of 2018. SVLAS is nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing high quality, courteous, and effective legal services to low-income families and individuals facing serious threats to their personal, economic, or family stability. We are committed to working with others to identify and respond to problems faced by those in the low-income community. Our advocacy includes zealous representation in cases affecting only the individual client, as well as representation in cases through which there is the hope of achieving lasting results for the wider community. Founded in 1972, SVLAS is the oldest rural legal aid program in Virginia. Originally serving only two counties, SVLAS now serves communities in seventeen rural counties and four small cities, including almost all of Virginia west of Roanoke. The SVLAS service area is nestled in the mountains of central Appalachia and abounds with some of Virginia’s greatest natural beauty…as well as some of its greatest poverty.
The Executive Director will be responsible for:
• Leading implementation of the program’s strategic vision;
• Engaging and inspiring staff members, board members, clients and other stakeholders in furtherance of the programs mission and strategic plan;
• Maintaining a strategic and thoughtful balance of programmatic work between individual client assistance and advocacy to achieve lasting results; Leading advocacy throughout SVLAS and the community to benefit low income clients;
• Hiring, supervising, and meeting regularly with the staff, including the legal and administrative management teams, to provide direction, advice and oversight as appropriate, and to facilitate open communication;
• Effectively managing leadership development, succession, retention and recruitment throughout SVLAS.
• Ensuring compliance with funder expectations and contractual and grant requirements;
• Protecting and maintaining the SVLAS culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability;
• Furthering inclusiveness, openness and support for clients, staff, Board members and supporters;
• Ensuring the organization’s financial health and long-term sustainability by developing and maintaining sound financial planning and management systems, as well as overseeing effective resource development efforts;
• Serving as the public face of SVLAS and nurturing effective collaborative relationships between SVLAS and its clients, funders, bar leaders, private donors, and community, business and civic organizations throughout the service area. More about Southwest
Virginia Legal Aid Society:
Program structure: The SVLAS service area is the size of New Jersey. We serve a client population of 110,000 people at 125% of the poverty level. Since most applicants below 200% of the poverty level are eligible for our services, our client population is well above the “official” poverty population number. We serve clients from Field Offices located in Castlewood, Christiansburg, and Marion. The entire service area is served by a Centralized Intake Unit. We close about 3,000 cases per year. The administrative office is in Marion Virginia.
The staff: SVLAS has a staff of 29, including 15 attorneys. Two attorneys work in our Centralized Intake Unit. The other 13 attorneys are distributed almost equally among the three Field Offices. Each Field Office and the Centralized Intake Unit have a managing attorney. The Administrative Unit is in the Marion office and is comprised of the Executive Director, Director of Administration, Director of Advancement and the Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant. The Deputy Director, an attorney, works in one of the Field Units. We are active participants in the Virginia justice community.
The Board of Directors: The SVLAS Board is comprised of 13 members; 8 attorneys appointed by local bar associations; 5 low-income people appointed by area agencies. Board members come from all reaches of our service area. The Board and staff have a very positive relationship built upon mutual trust, as well as respect for the roles of each. The Board takes seriously its governance obligations, while allowing staff to run the day-to-day operation of the program without micromanagement or Board interference. Funding: SVLAS has a budget of $2.6 million. We receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation; the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Justice; and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. A significant amount of our funding is grant funding in support of our work providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our funding is relatively secure, and is bolstered by a significant reserve.
The successful Executive Director candidate must:
• Demonstrate a passion for the mission of SVLAS and a commitment to serving low income individuals and families;
• Have experience working with a legal aid organization as either an attorney or a member of the Board of Directors;
• Have an understanding of the culture and dynamics of southwestern Virginia and a credible interest in living and working here;
• Hold a Juris Doctorate degree and be a member in good standing with the Virginia State Bar, or be eligible to waive in upon employment;
• Have practiced law;
• Have managerial and supervisory experience; • Have knowledge of financial matters including development of budgets, compliance with grant and contract requirements, and financial oversight;
• Have experience working productively with an engaged Board of Directors; • Possess excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Possess personal attributes that include civility, positivity, respect, good listening skills and the ability to motivate others;
• Have experience serving rural populations, in a multi-office organization preferred.
Screening of applicants begins on September 4, 2018 and continues until the position is filled. Candidates applying by September 3, 2018 are assured full consideration. Candidates should submit a letter expressing in detail your interest in the position, your qualifications, your legal aid experience, your familiarity with our region, and what you hope to contribute to the organization’s future; a current resume; and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications should be submitted electronically to Douglas E. Brinckman, Esq., President, SVLAS Board of Directors at svlas@svlas.org in Microsoft Word or pdf format. We hope to select our next Executive Director early in the fall, and to have our next leader on the job by the end of the year. Salary depends on experience based on a competitive public interest salary scale. Liberal benefits. SVLAS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates with questions about the position or process are encouraged to contact Mary Parsons, Director of Administration at Mary@svlas.org or by calling (276) 783-8300, ext. 2010.