Vice President, Defender Legal Services & Chief of Integrated Programs
The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. We provide advocacy, guidance, information, training, and technical assistance for members of the equal justice community, especially those working in public defense and civil legal aid.
The Vice President for Defender Legal Services, Chief Integrated Programs (DLS VP) reports to the President and CEO of NLADA and plays a leadership role in the overall vision, program and fund development for Defender Legal Services (DLS). The DLS VP leads the strategic thinking and planning for the Defender Legal Services team and cross-departmental programmatic initiatives, including training and professional development. Incumbent is responsible for supervision and coordination of DLS and training division staff, and collaboration within the Association and in the national/local criminal justice and defender communities. This position is part of the Executive Team and is critical to the development and implementation of the Association’s mission and vision as operationalized through its strategic plan.
The statements contained below describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, as the individual may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas. This is an exempt position.
GENERAL DUTIES:
- Plays a leadership role in the development and implementation of a strategic plan to achieve the Association’s mission
- Leads the division staff and defender members to achieve the institutional goals and objectives in support of defender members
· Leads the training staff and works across departments to develop innovative, integrated educational and programmatic activities
· Ensures that staff efforts are effectively communicated, coordinated, measured and evaluated, and that they possess a team focus and direction
- Develops, monitors, and manages budgets for the division
- Develops resources to support program activities
- Takes the lead along with the President and CEO and Vice President for Civil Legal Services on relationship development with representatives on the federal level (e.g., elected officials and executive members of government agencies), state and local elected officials, and organizational partners
DEFENDER LEGAL SERVICES
· Leads a team-based approach to developing new initiatives that support and enhance the mission of NLADA
· Oversees the implementation of the strategic plan within DLS and other areas as appropriate
· Coordinates staffing of defender governance groups and sections, including providing staff support for the Defender Council and American Council of Chief Defenders (ACCD)
· Assists the Membership Director in identifying, recruiting and engaging defender members
TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
· Leads a team-based approach to developing initiatives that support the programmatic agenda and enhance the professional development of NLADA members and staff
· Maintains a culture of a learning organization
· Oversees the implementation of the strategic plan objectives pertaining to leadership and professional development
FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP
- Maintains full knowledge of program budgets and program projections with Defender Legal Services Department
- Coordinates annual budget planning and development with Department Directors
- Initiates grant opportunities with outside funding sources and works with staff in proposal development and solicitation of new funding sources
- Works with other NLADA Divisions on strategic fundraising plan
NLADA has a highly collaborative, professional office environment where employees take pride in effectively leveraging resources and fully engaging to deliver excellent results. We value service, creativity, and thought leadership. We are conveniently located near Metrorail (Blue, Orange, and Red lines).
NLADA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).
Qualified candidates must have a minimum of ten years overall experience in the provision of criminal defense services; five years of experience managing a criminal defense, legal services program or related program or substantial unit within such a program; ten years of supervisory experience; progressively responsible budgetary and administrative experience; and, experience developing and/or delivering training and/or other programs. Demonstrated knowledge of issues and law surrounding the provision of legal services to low income people in criminal cases; legislative and judicial processes at both the state and Federal level; knowledge of NLADA mission and goals; ability to develop effective strategies for expanding and improving access to counsel systems; ability to lead and manage effectively in a team-bases environment; ability to generate program resources; and outstanding oral and written communication skills. Must be admitted to practice before the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
To apply for this position send a resume and cover letter to careers@nlada.org with the subject line “NLADA JOBS: VP, Defender Legal Services & Chief Integrated Programs.”