Executive Director

Executive Director
Chicago, IL
 
Originally founded in 1987 as AIDS Legal Council of Chicago to respond to the urgent legal and human needs of persons impacted by HIV and AIDS, the agency broadened its focus in 2014 to address discrimination and disparities in health, wealth and well-being across the lifespan of underserved populations. Now known as Legal Council for Health Justice (Legal Council), members of our legal team have been at the forefront of shaping, expanding and defending against discrimination in every major healthcare program in Illinois, in the Chicago Public Schools, and in access to jobs, providing thousands of Chicago’s adults and children with access to health coverage, economic security and upward mobility.    
 
Legal Council recently completed a strategic discussion to outline the framework that will guide its strategic directions in the next three years.  Out of these discussions, Legal Council will seek to secure dignity, opportunity and well-being for people facing barriers due to illness or disability. The five pillars of the plan are:
 
1. Through expanded reach and impact, we overcome race and income-based inequities that clients and communities we serve face in achieving health and wellness.
2. We dismantle systemic barriers to health equity.
3. We attract partners and supporters by publicizing our accomplishments and expertise to maximize our impact.
4. We nurture resilient, sustainable organizational culture and structure.
5. We build flexible financial resources to achieve mission.
 
Legal Council has an annual budget of approximately $3.7 million with a staff of 30 comprised of 16 attorneys, seven legal advocates (paralegals), and development and administrative staff.  
 
Legal Council is seeking a dedicated and dynamic leader at a critical point in its efforts to use the power of law to ensure access to critical services and opportunities for clients facing barriers due to illness, disability, or status. The Executive Director will serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson, share a thorough knowledge of our work to all stakeholders, lead efforts to fund our work, and manage day-to-day activities and operations in partnership with the Board of Directors and Legal Council staff.
 
The candidate should have knowledge of effective practices in the leadership and management of civil legal services and/or healthcare and disability advocacy; specific experience in an organization focused on legal assistance or in providing direct services to members of the community that Legal Council serves is highly desired. Dedication to the values of Legal Council, being an advocate with a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, and health, economic and racial justice is required. Direct understanding of the unique challenges that legal aid staff face as client advocates and case handlers are key to success. A proven ability to hire, train, invest in, coach, and lead a highly professional, effective, closely coordinated, self-accountable staff is a must. The candidate will have at least five years experience in managing people; it is preferred that the candidate has five years of experience in the nonprofit setting, ideally in a leadership role.
 
The minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, though a master’s or advanced degree is preferred.  Current or prior experience in the field or experiences that would result in a key understanding of the cause is highly desirable. Evidence of continuing education, certification and executive level training is desirable.
 
The salary range for this position is between $140,000 and $160,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Legal Council offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to 13 paid holidays, vacation days, group health insurance, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance, as well as a retirement plan match.
 
Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of interest to https://apptrkr.com/4122002
 
For more information on the Legal Council for Health Justice, please visit
https://legalcouncil.org