Executive Director

Executive Director Public Justice Center Apply For Job Online job ad: https://www.on-ramps.com/jobs/2190

 

About the Organization

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the Public Justice Center is a leader in public interest law reform, pursuing systemic change to build a just society.

Using legal advocacy tools – litigation and client representation; legislative, administrative, and appellate advocacy; know-your-rights education; and collaboration – we address the causes of poverty and racial inequity. We work in coalition with legal advocates, direct service providers, policy advocates, community organizing groups, and law firms to challenge injustice, and we contribute our legal knowledge and skills to support initiatives identified by communities and that enhance community members' power.

The PJC chooses projects and cases that will make a significant impact on systems, laws, and policies. Current projects include advocating on behalf of families needing healthcare and benefits, low-wage workers, low-income tenants, and students facing barriers to school enrollment and academic achievement; advocating to reform pretrial detention; using appellate cases to establish good law in poverty and civil rights cases; and coordinating a national coalition that works to establish a right to counsel in basic human needs civil cases.

We know that in order to effectively dismantle systemic barriers of oppression, racial equity must be incorporated in our projects, cases, and strategies. To that end, PJC staff have embarked on a two-year training program to build the team's knowledge of institutional, cultural, and systemic racism. In addition, the staff formed a Race Equity Team to coordinate, develop, and facilitate ongoing staff training and to keep racial equity at the center of the work. You can learn more about our race equity commitment here.

To learn more about the PJC visit: www.publicjustice.org.

About the Position

The Public Justice Center is looking for a collaborative, inclusive, and hands-on leader committed to racial equity and dismantling oppressive laws, policies, and practices to serve as its next Executive Director (ED). Reporting to an active and engaged Board of Directors, the ED will directly manage a team of three senior leaders (Legal Director, Director of Development, and Director of Administration) and oversee a staff of 20.

The ED will serve as the organization's chief executive, leading fundraiser, and external advocate. The ED will also oversee the organization's direction and strategic growth. Additionally, the ED will be a champion for the PJC team and will continue to promote its deeply collaborative and nonhierarchical culture while also advancing the organization's commitment to race equity.

This is an exciting opportunity for a social justice leader rooted in community to advance the interests of the population that the PJC serves.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Organizational Leadership

• Continue to build and enhance the PJC's internal organizational culture with a dedication to prioritizing a nonhierarchical structure and a commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and social justice
• Manage all day-to-day operations (including legal, finance, fundraising, and communications) and staff, with ultimate accountability for the success of the organization
• Oversee organization's long-term financial strategy, develop the organizational budget, and prepare financial reports for Executive Committee and the Board
• In partnership with the Director of Administration, oversee the development and implementation of operational systems and processes that enable the team to work efficiently and effectively
• Ensure staff has clearly defined roles and goals and access to the information and resources necessary to achieve their goals
• Coach and mentor a high-performing team, hire and manage a team committed to the PJC's work, hold team members accountable for achieving ambitious goals, and ensure that they have opportunities for growth and development

External Leadership and Fundraising

• Serve as the external voice of the organization, raising the public's awareness of the PJC's work and enhancing the organization's visibility, brand recognition, and credibility; acting as a thought leader and advocate for the communities PJC serves
• In partnership with the Director of Development, maintain and cultivate relationships with major donors (individuals, foundations, government, and law firms), building a broad base of support and a network of champions among existing and new supporters
• Develop and manage strategic relationships with key partners (community leaders, funding partners, legal advocates, policy makers, direct service providers, etc.) to deepen the PJC's influence and impact

Board Engagement

• Act as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, engaging Board members in the current and future needs of the organization and participating as the primary staff member in key committees
• Cultivate a collaborative working partnership with the Board to increase engagement and to capitalize on their strengths and expertise
• Maintain a skilled, diverse, and committed board by by identifying, recruiting, and developing new Board members

Candidate Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• At least 10 years of professional experience, including experience serving in a senior leadership role (e.g. Manager and/or Director level) at a social justice organization; prior work in a legal setting a plus
• An authentic passion and commitment for PJC's mission with an ability to serve as an exemplar for PJC's values
• Outstanding organizational leadership skills, with an ability to articulate a clear and inspiring vision while managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team
• Strong appetite to support fundraising efforts, ideally with prior experience fundraising and/or partnership development success in a nonprofit setting; experience with grant management and reporting a plus
• Experience overseeing the financial management and financial strategy of an organization (i.e. developing budgets, creating financial reports, reporting financial health to the board)
• Allocates resources (i.e. capital and people) strategically and cost-effectively while managing spending against the budget
• Brings a collaborative and empathetic approach to the work and a demonstrated capacity to partner well with others and influence leaders across sectors
• Public speaking and communication skills with the ability to serve as a strong external spokesperson for an organization

Compensation and benefits:

LOCATION: Baltimore, MD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: The PJC pays above median salary and benefits for all staff. The Executive Director will be paid competitively considering experience, region, and size of program. The Executive Director receives the same generous benefits as other staff. These benefits include: health, dental, disability and life insurance, and retirement options.

The Public Justice Center is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that encourages all interested persons to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage Black, Latine, Indigenous, and other applicants of color, people with disabilities, and other people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply.