Community Legal Services (CLS), based in Phoenix, Arizona, seeks an Executive Director. CLS is a nonprofit law firm committed to increasing fairness in the civil justice system by advocating, litigating, and educating on behalf of Arizona's most underserved communities. CLS serves Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai, Yuma, and La Paz Counties, from offices in Phoenix, Kingman, Prescott, San Luis and Yuma. It has a budget of $7 million, supporting a staff of 80, including 28 attorneys. CLS receives funding from the Legal Services Corporation and other sources, both public and private. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.
The CLS Executive Director will be responsible for:
Embracing the mission of CLS and engaging and inspiring Staff, Board members, and other stakeholders in the development of that mission and implementation of the CLS strategic plan
Providing for the long-term stability of CLS by increasing visibility and diversifying, growing, and stabilizing funding
Attracting, retaining, and developing diverse and quality staff
Board Governance, including recruitment, stewardship, management and communication with the Board in order to ensure fulfillment of their vision for CLS and organizational responsibilities
Supporting the effectiveness of the delivery of legal services in CLS priority areas, and striving to meet the unmet civil legal needs of the community using in-person and virtual platforms
Leading the current Building Project which seeks a new or updated physical facility suitable for staff, clients, and community needs and anticipated growth;
Fundraising and developing other revenues necessary to support CLS's mission, including an Endowment and Capital Campaign
Ensuring the organization's financial health and stability by facilitating sound financial planning and management systems, including preparation of budgets and oversight of financial systems and controls
Overseeing compliance with the requirements of the Legal Service Corporation and other funders
Serving as an effective ambassador for CLS and nurturing collaborative relationships with funders, legislators, bar and judicial leaders, private donors, and business and civic organizations throughout the state
The ideal candidate should:
Demonstrate a passion for the mission of CLS and a commitment to serving its clients and communities
Possess leadership experience managing and supervising a successful legal services or legal aid agency, law firm, highly regulated sector, or other nonprofit entity
Be willing and able to travel throughout the CLS service area
Have experience serving a mix of urban and rural populations, historically underserved communities, and migrant and Native American communities
Have a track record of success in fundraising, resource development, management of a capital campaign, and should possess a desire to develop and expand the resources of CLS
Have experience working productively with an engaged Board of Directors Possess a Juris Doctorate and the ability to become licensed in Arizona
Have knowledge of financial matters including development of budgets,
compliance with grant and contract requirements, and financial oversight, with an ability to appropriately manage and allocate scarce resources
Exhibit excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire the trust and confidence of the staff, Board members, client communities, and other stakeholders and allies
Champion diversity and be culturally competent
Have experience working collegially and effectively with a unionized workforce
Possess personal attributes of professionalism, positivity, respect, good listening skills, problem-solving talents, and the ability to motivate others
Convey vision, integrity, courage, intelligence, creativity, energy, and humor equal to the challenges of this demanding and rewarding position
APPLICATION PROCESS
Community Legal Services is assisted in the search by Patricia Pap, Executive Director, Management Information Exchange, 105 Chauncy St., Fl 6, Ste 3, Boston, MA 02111. Materials should be submitted electronically to [email protected] in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Candidates with questions about the position or process are encouraged to contact her at the email address above.
This position will remain open until filled. To receive full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit materials by May 2, 2022. Please submit a letter expressing your interest in the position, your qualifications for the job, and what you hope to contribute to the organization's future. Please include a resume and the names and contact information for three professional references.
The Board of Directors seeks to make a final decision in May of 2022, and to have the successful candidate join the organization in June in order to facilitate a smooth transition.
Salary depends on experience based on a competitive public interest salary scale. CLS offers generous benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans; life, AD&D and disability insurance; a retirement plan; paid leave; and an employee assistance program.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
