Executive Director
603 Legal Aid, a civil legal aid provider offering legal representation, advocacy and education, seeks a strategic, visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into an innovative, sustainable and financially secure future. An engaged and committed staff and Board of Directors will support the incoming Executive Director.
About 603 Legal Aid:
603 Legal Aid was formed in 2021, the product of a merger between two longstanding and respected legal services programs, the Pro Bono Program of the New Hampshire Bar Association and the Legal Advice and Referral Center. 603 Legal Aid serves as the statewide entry point for pro bono and low-cost civil legal services, through operation of a client screening, referral, and intake call center. In partnership with volunteer attorneys and community organizations, 603 Legal Aid works to make justice a reality for qualified residents who experience economic hardship that threatens their basic human needs. 603 Legal Aid supports low-income residents by providing free civil legal advice and counsel, direct representation of clients, or referral to New Hampshire Legal Assistance, volunteer attorneys or another legal assistance program. The work of 603 Legal Aid is carried out by 18 employees and operates from a single physical office in Concord, New Hampshire, the State’s capital city. 603 Legal Aid works in partnership with New Hampshire Legal Assistance and the Campaign for Legal Services.
About the Position:
603 Legal Aid seeks an experienced and dynamic leader who has demonstrated passion for and a deep commitment to promoting access to justice for all. This leader will work with a committed Board of Directors and a highly qualified, creative and energetic staff, as well as supportive community partners, the private bar, and the Judiciary to continue building a prosperous future for our organization.
The Executive Director is the chief operating executive, responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible for the implementation of Board policy, strategic leadership, management of the organization, and maintenance of positive relationships with external entities. The Executive Director is also responsible for generating revenue, grant applications, grant reporting and compliance, financial oversight, implementing the strategic plan, and supervision of staff and programming, including supervision of legal work and volunteer lawyer recruitment.
High Priority Roles and Responsibilities for the New Executive Director Include:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Provide strategic, innovative and motivational leadership to this nascent organization;
Ensure high-quality legal assistance for the client community and promote equal access to justice in New Hampshire;
Engage and lead the Board of Directors, the legal community and stakeholders in building and maintaining a strategic vision for making justice a reality for qualified residents who experience economic hardship threatening their basic human needs;
Maintain a presence and work collaboratively with the legal community to encourage their energetic participation as volunteer lawyers for clients;
Collaborate with other key stakeholders such as the New Hampshire Judicial Branch, the New Hampshire Bar Association and community supporters to strengthen the organization and its base of support.
People and Workplace Culture
Lead and manage staff by building a supportive team environment;
Encourage professional development and career advancement of staff;
Implement best practices for management and supervision of the workforce, including best practices for inclusivity, diversity, retention, and recruitment, consistent with the provision of high-quality services.
Board of Directors Governance
Assist in recruiting and training members for the Board of Directors and committees who are engaged and committed to making equal justice a reality in our State;
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure consistent alignment with a clear and compelling mission and vision, including building a strategic plan and organizational goals in service of that vision.
Organizational and Financial Management, Fundraising and Operations
Maintain the fiscal and operational integrity of the program by deploying appropriate financial controls and systems;
Manage the Finance Department to accomplish an annual budget with approval from the Board of Directors, and oversee the budget on an ongoing basis with appropriate reporting and accountability to the Board, donors and funders;
Insure compliance with audit requirements, including the annual audit;
Implement best practices for financial management;.
Maintain productive and transparent relationships with funders, including managing relations with the Legal Services Corporation (LSC); supervise the annual LSC grant application; and maintain ownership of all compliance reporting to LSC;
Oversee and ensure compliance with grants for the organization;
Fully participate in the management of the Campaign for Legal Services and its fundraising;
Provide consistent attention to donor and funder stewardship.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Executive Director’s salary is commensurate with relevant experience, and in the approximate range of $115,000 to $123,000. 603 Legal Aid offers a generous health and wellness package including health, dental, life and vision insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with match, paid holidays, personal days, sick days and generous annual paid time off.
Job Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include:
· J.D. degree from an accredited law school and membership in a state bar in good standing.
· Exceptional leadership skills, including at least 10 years of progressively responsible organizational leadership experience demonstrating an understanding of the operations and other complexities of non-profit organizations with a demonstrated a commitment to team-building, professional development and support of staff.
· A passionate commitment to advocating for the legal rights of low-income persons.
· Personal or professional experience interacting with low-income or multicultural communities and people and doing so with empathy.
· A track record of experience in budgeting, compliance, finance and fiscal controls.
· Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire the trust and confidence of the organization, its stakeholders, and the public.
· A commitment to the use of technology to enhance education and the delivery of services to the client community.
Preferred qualifications include:
· New Hampshire Bar membership or the ability to waive into the New Hampshire Bar within one year of starting the position.
· A demonstrated track record of fundraising and grant-writing success.
· Appreciating the value of pro bono as an important component of civil legal services delivery systems and successful experience recruiting, motivating, and managing volunteer lawyers.
· A strong interest in teaching, training and mentorship.
Interested candidates should submit a thoughtful letter expressing their interest in the position which describes how their qualifications and experience best contribute to the organization’s future. Please include a resume which outlines your experience and skills. This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout the process of the recruitment and selection process.
Applications should be sent electronically to EDsearch@603legalaid.org. You are welcome to include your preferred pronouns, the correct pronunciation of your name, and any other information that will foster effective communication. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Please Note: This position is located in Concord, New Hampshire. The person hired for this position must be either be willing to move to, or currently reside within a commutable distance from Concord, New Hampshire. Some remote work is available to the Executive Director.