About California Minority Counsel Program
The California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP) is California’s leading nonprofit organization promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. CMCP’s mission is to provide attorneys of color with access and opportunities for business and professional development. Its goal is for the legal profession to reflect the diversity of California, particularly in business organizations and the law firms that represent them.
CMCP was formed in 1989 in response to the disparity between the percentage of minorities in the state’s population and legal profession. Since inception, through independent programs and partnerships with other diversity organizations, CMCP proactively:
• provides direct opportunities for attorneys of color to attain access and demonstrate their abilities to business decisionmakers;
• assists corporations, law firms, and public agencies in meeting their commitments to increasing the number of attorneys of color in their organizations; and
• assists corporations and public agencies in increasing their minority attorney outside counsel spend.
Nationally known and widely respected within the legal profession, CMCP is the only state-wide organization that brings business lawyers of all races together as members and colleagues. Its membership is comprised of corporate and public agency law departments, minority-owned law firms, and majority-owned law firms (large and small, national and local). All constituencies are represented on the Board of Directors. CMCP provides multiple ways for minority attorneys to make connections, showcase their skills, gain access to decisionmakers, expand their networks, and develop relationships that further their careers and lead to business and job opportunities.
Based in Oakland, CMCP has a staff of four dedicated and talented employees working in a hybrid environment, an engaged nineteen-member Board of Directors, an active Ambassadors Council which supports the organization, and involved members and volunteers throughout the state.
To learn more about California Minority Counsel Program, please visit the https://cmcp.org/.
The Opportunity
This is an exceptionally opportune time for a new leader to take the helm of California Minority Counsel Program. The current Executive Director, Robert White, an attorney and former Director of Alumni Career Services at Berkeley Law School, is stepping down after 7 years of successful leadership. During these years, CMCP has grown its membership, reach, and effectiveness for all constituent groups, significantly increased the active participation and engagement of CMCP member attorneys, and created concrete opportunities for attorneys of color.
The Executive Director position provides the opportunity for an experienced and successful leader to lead a strong organization poised for continued growth and mission impact. A successful candidate should have a record of demonstrated leadership on behalf of, and a history of engagement and support for, the advancement of attorneys of color. The ideal candidate will have business development experience, will have experience with non-profit Boards, and will have served in a combination of professional and volunteer roles that demonstrate the ability to manage an enterprise such as CMCP. We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, and who values CMCP’s mission and role in leading on issues of diversity and inclusion and creating opportunities for others.
Scope of Responsibility
• Strategic Direction: In conjunction with the Board of Directors and CMCP staff, create and facilitate the development and implementation of the organization’s vision, as well as strategic and operational plans.
• Membership Growth and Development: Provide leadership to ensure there is a compelling value proposition that attracts and retains corporate, public agency, and law firm members. Personally engage in recruitment and retention of members.
• Resource Development: Be accountable for the achievement of CMCP’s earned and contributed income goals, including by developing new fundraising and income strategies. Work in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and CMCP staff to develop and implement sponsorship opportunities and other fundraising plans. Identify, cultivate, and solicit sponsors, funders, and members.
• External Relationships: Work closely with all CMCP constituencies, at the organization member level and with member attorneys within those organizations, to build and sustain support for CMCP’s overall mission and priorities. Involve members in CMCP activities and programs and solicit member input. Inform external audiences about the successes achieved by CMCP. Serve as the principal spokesperson for CMCP.
• Program: In partnership with the Board of Directors, create long-term strategic plans for caliber, content, and location of programs and activities throughout the state. Working with CMCP staff, members, and strategic partners, develop annual program plans, and oversee the content and execution of all events and other activities, including the Annual Business Conference and Women of Color Conference. Ensure that sponsorship, registration, and attendance goals are met. Leverage the talents and interests of Board members and other volunteers to engage them in the development and delivery of programs.
• Board and Committee Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships and open communications with the Board of Directors. Maximize and leverage Board relationships and engage Board members. Identify Board development needs and partner with Board members to identify, cultivate, and recruit new directors. Collaborate with and provide counsel to the Board and committees regarding Board and committee activities, as well as CMCP programs and key initiatives.
• Administration: Attract, develop, and retain a strong and diverse staff. Maintain a highly effective and efficient organization as measured by achievement of priority goals, membership satisfaction and growth, revenue generation to support priorities, and quality programs and initiatives. Develop and effectively manage annual budgets that are aligned to the strategic goals of CMCP. Ensure financial soundness, transparency, and high ethical standards in the financial and administrative activities of CMCP.
Candidate Profile
The Board of Directors is seeking a visionary leader with a passion for social equity and a keen understanding of the critical role CMCP plays in leveling the playing field for attorneys of color.
A successful candidate should have a record of demonstrated leadership on behalf of, and a history of engagement and support for, the advancement of attorneys of color. Preferably, this leader will bring experience (professional or volunteer) with a membership organization or association, or a combination of experience and skill that ensures the ability to engage, build, and sustain a diverse, active, and empowered membership base. Experience as a business lawyer would be ideal, but is not required for this role. The ideal candidate will value CMCP’s mission and role, and will be passionate about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
In addition, the ideal candidate will have the following attributes and competencies:
Passion for the Mission
The Executive Director will be authentically committed to the mission of promoting diversity in the legal profession with experience building and sustaining inclusive work environments that embrace authenticity and diversity, value the wisdom of lived experience, and reflect the communities served. In addition, this individual will possess an understanding of the different facets of the legal profession, including knowledge of emerging trends, with significant understanding of the business dynamics between law firms and in-house corporate law departments and public agencies. Ideally, they will bring a network and understanding of the legal landscape in California. The Executive Director will be a person of unquestioned integrity.
Strategic & Visionary Leadership
The Executive Director will be a strategic and visionary leader, with the ability to build community and action around the mission and drive the development and execution of CMCP’s strategic plan. Building upon over 20 years of fostering a thriving community of attorneys of color, the Executive Director will bring a fresh perspective and creativity to identify new and innovative programs to bring to fruition, while building and diversifying the revenue stream. This forward-thinking leader will stay abreast of trends in the legal field to enable the organization to stay relevant and credible as a trusted partner and leader in advancing equity in the legal profession.
As a manager, the Executive Director will bring a leadership style that is empowering, fair, responsive, and transparent. They will prioritize maintaining a collaborative and supportive culture that values work/life balance and opportunities for growth and development for the team. The Executive Director will be able to balance strategic and tactical deliverables, with a willingness to roll up their sleeves as needed in a nimble and entrepreneurial organizational culture.
The Executive Director will continually evaluate existing programming and resources and will identify new programming, education, and leadership development opportunities to help members grow personally and professionally and to ensure member organizations have the tools to operationalize DEI in meaningful ways.
Member Centric and Business Acumen
Proactive and member-centric, this leader will have a genuine desire to meet with members, listen to their feedback, and identify new ideas for how CMCP can be more impactful to them, as well as ways to grow membership. This individual will be highly responsive to the needs of the members and will continue to advance a culture of responsiveness and collaboration.
The Executive Director will bring substantial organizational management experience, including bottom-line accountability, and experience hiring, managing, and inspiring a high performing team. This leader will have proven financial management skills in budgeting, financial analysis, and cash management and will have the perspective to consider the impact of decisions, strategic plans, initiatives, and programs on the organization, and make sound recommendations accordingly.
Excellent Communicator; Community & Relationship Builder
The Executive Director will be a natural community and relationship builder with a high degree of emotional intelligence and a sense of humor. This leader will bring comfort and facility in working across differences in race, generations, culture, socio-economic status, and viewpoint. A skilled networker, they will be successful in engaging, partnering, and building relationships with a wide range of constituents including members, partners, law firms, potential sponsors, and will possess the ability to move seamlessly between differing spaces and audiences. Approachable and personable, the Executive Director will value clear, consistent, and transparent communication and will build positive and trusting relationships with staff, members, and the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director will be a highly effective spokesperson with the ability to articulate clearly and concisely on relevant topics. Possessing an inspiring and engaging public presence, this adept spokesperson will ensure that CMCP remains a highly valued, credible, and visible organization. This individual will bring expertise in the use of communication tools to engage constituents and promote activities.
Revenue Generation Skills
As the lead revenue driver for CMCP, the Executive Director will be creative and entrepreneurial in developing the strategy to increase and diversify the organization’s revenue. The Executive Director will thoughtfully and strategically evaluate existing and potential new revenue streams. This leader will effectively articulate CMCP’s value proposition for members and prospective members, understanding the nuances of the needs of individual members, law firms, in-house corporate law departments, etc. The Executive Director will strengthen CMCP’s brand within California and around the country and identify opportunities for increasing membership and potential for new programs.
Compensation & Benefits
The targeted salary range for this role is $190,000 - $230,000 with a generous benefits package. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Contact
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Michelle Bonoan and Medelene Beasley of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. Express interest in this role by https://apptrkr.com/4154788, or email Michelle and Medelene directly at https://tinyurl.com/2p8njkp3 and https://tinyurl.com/m7y3uksm. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email https://tinyurl.com/4s3eh7j9. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
CMCP is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by law.
About Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Learn more about how we can help you with your search on the http://www.koyapartners.com/.