The Executive Director, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center provides leadership, management, and vision for a multi-faceted non-profit organization that provides free legal services to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in the District of Columbia through pro bono lawyers, Pro Bono Center attorneys and staff. The Executive Director, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is a key leadership position within the Bar and serves as a member of the Executive Team (ET). This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District of Columbia Bar (Bar), who serves as the Pro Bono Center’s Executive Vice President.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides day-to-day leadership, management, coaching, and mentoring to the Pro Bono Center staff, consisting of approximately 25 employees.
- Recruits and retains a diverse workforce and creates an inclusive environment for all Pro Bono Center employees.
- Works with the CEO and other members of the ET to define the strategic priorities of the Bar, and ensures that Pro Bono Center efforts are aligned with the Bar’s mission and strategic plan consistent with federal and D.C. laws governing the operations of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Works with the Pro Bono Committee to develop the strategic vision for the Pro Bono Center, in accordance with the strategic plan of the Pro Bono Center and the highest standards for the delivery of civil legal services.
- Identifies emerging and previously unaddressed legal needs in the community and develops innovative programs to engage pro bono lawyers in meeting those needs.
- Provides vision, oversight, coordination, and regular evaluation of the Pro Bono Center’s activities including clinics, resource centers, special projects, and initiatives.
- Manages a budget of approximately $3 million, generated from fundraising. Oversees and develops an annual budget and comprehensive fundraising plan and manages the program to accomplish goals within available resources. Develops and follows a long-term financial plan for the Pro Bono Center.
- Works with the Pro Bono Committee, the Pro Bono Center Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, and the development team to raise funds to support the Pro Bono Center’s annual budget.
- Plans and directs outreach efforts to draw additional lawyers with diverse experience into pro bono work through recruiting and training programs, marketing, and special projects.
- Develops and maintains internal and external relationships with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to the private bar, courts, legal services providers, the Access to Justice Commission, and various funders.
- Works closely with and provides support to the Pro Bono Center Board of Directors, the Pro Bono Committee, the Strategic Development Committee, and other task forces and special committees appointed from time to time.
- Represents the Pro Bono Center on court committees, with the media, and with national organizations and forums, such as the Equal Justice Conference and the Pro Bono Institute.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Must be an active member of the D.C. Bar or eligible to become an active D.C. Bar member within two months of being hired.
- Must have relevant experience and a history/career track in positions of progressing responsibilities, scope, and management.
- Pragmatic leadership style with the ability to recruit, retain, and motivate a diverse team of managers and staff members.
- A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Must have an established record of leadership and the capacity to articulate a clear vision for program direction in line with the strategic vision of the organization.
- History of successful program operation and management with the ability to identify and implement long and short-term goals.
- Familiarity with the local and national civil legal services community.
- Knowledge of local and federal laws commonly governing Pro Bono Center matters, including landlord-tenant, family, consumer protection, and bankruptcy law.
- Successful participation in multi-faceted fundraising programs focusing on individuals, law firms, corporations and/or foundations, with the ability to identify and implement creative and effective fundraising strategies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, and ability to represent the Pro Bono Center effectively in public settings.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Substantial experience in a leadership role as a public interest or pro bono attorney and/or in volunteer management.
- Experience managing a legal services organization with a diverse workforce.
- Familiarity with foundation grant-making processes and the local grant-making community.
This is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time based on organizational/department needs.
The D.C. Bar and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center are proud to be Equal Employment Opportunity employers.
We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
$184,000-$188,000