Executive Director

What You'll Do

Lawyers Alliance is looking for a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on Executive Director (ED) committed to driving social change by strengthening nonprofits. Reporting to an active and engaged Board of Directors, the ED will directly manage a team of four to five senior leaders and oversee a staff of 20.

The ED will serve as the organization's chief executive, lead fundraiser, and external advocate, as well as oversee the organization's direction and strategic growth. Additionally, the ED will be a champion for the Lawyers Alliance team and cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture while also advancing the organization's operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven leader to have a deep impact on the people, nonprofits, and communities of New York City .

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• In partnership with the board, serve as the senior-most strategic leader, setting the vision and strategic direction for Lawyers Alliance including through development of a Strategic Plan and Values Statement
• Coach, mentor, manage, and build a high-performing team, committed to the Lawyers Alliance work, where team members are held accountable for achieving ambitious goals, and provided with opportunities for growth and development
• In collaboration with the management team, develop and execute the organization's long-term strategy, identify challenges to be addressed and identify and pursue opportunities
• Manage all day-to-day operations (including legal, finance, fundraising, and communications) and staff, with ultimate accountability for the success of the organization
• 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
• Demonstrate a collaborative leadership model in partnership with the Management Team

External Leadership and Fundraising

• Serve as the external voice of the organization, raising the public's awareness of Lawyers Alliance's work and enhancing the organization's visibility, brand recognition, and credibility; acting as a thought leader to differentiate Lawyers Alliance from other peer organizations
• In partnership with the Development Director, Program and Strategy Director, Legal Director, and the Board, maintain and cultivate relationships with major donors (individuals, foundations, government agencies, corporations, and law firms), building a broad base of support and a network of champions among existing and new supporters
• In partnership with the Senior Policy Counsel, develop and manage strategic relationships with key partners (community leaders, funding partners, legal advocates, policy makers, direct service providers, etc.) to deepen Lawyers Alliance'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 identifying, recruiting, and developing new Board members

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to the Board of Directors.
• You will supervise the Director of Operations, Director of Development, Legal Director, Program and Strategy Director, Senior Policy Counsel, Marketing Director, and Executive and Development Assistant.
• You will frequently collaborate with staff that are highly engaged with clients and execution of services.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• At least 10 years of serving in a senior leadership role (e.g. Executive Director level) at a social justice organization or a non-profit legal services organization; prior work in a legal setting a plus
• An authentic passion and commitment for Lawyers Alliance mission with an ability to serve as an exemplar for our values
• Strong appetite to lead fundraising efforts, ideally with a demonstrated track record of success leading fundraising in a nonprofit setting
• Outstanding organizational leadership skills, with an ability to articulate a clear and inspiring vision while managing, coaching, and developing a high-performing team and engaged board of directors
• Strong management experience with a demonstrated track record of implementing team-focused systems and processes that elevate performance and increase the team's connection to the organization and its mission
• Collaborative and empathetic approach to team leadership, and a demonstrated capacity to partner well with others and influence leaders
• Experience overseeing the financial management and financial strategy of an organization (i.e. developing budgets, creating financial reports, reporting financial health to the board)
• Strong public speaking and written communication skills, with the ability to serve as a strong external representative for the organization
• Given the nature of our work, a J.D. is strongly preferred.

Location

Lawyers Alliance for New York is a hybrid work environment. Staff are expected to go into the office three times a week. The Executive Director and other senior leaders should be prepared to go into the office more frequently and as needed by the team / organization.

Lawyers Alliance for New York is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.