News Post

DIRECTOR – ALABAMA STATE BAR VOLUNTEER LAWYERS PROGRAM

JOB TITLE:              Director

REPORTS TO:         Executive Director

SUPERVISES:          All VLP staff

SUMMARY: The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program Director has primary responsibility for managing the program’s day-to-day activities and operations; leading the program’s grant writing, reporting, and fundraising efforts; directing the work of a professional staff; and serving as the primary spokesperson for VLP.

The director will have a working knowledge of civil legal aid and the issues facing low-income residents of Alabama and will also be an effective leader and manager. The individual must be an outstanding communicator who can effectively convey the mission and activities of the VLP to a variety of constituencies.

SALARY:  Commensurate with experience, with benefits package including State of Alabama health insurance, defined retirement benefit from the Retirement Systems of Alabama, annual leave, sick leave, paid holidays, and two deferred compensation plans.

About the Volunteer Lawyers Program

The VLP, is a program of the Alabama State Bar. The VLP seeks to improve access to justice for low-income residents of 60 of Alabama’s 67 counties through connecting clients with pro bono legal services. The VLP provides free, high-quality legal assistance to individuals and families in need of advice and representation for issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, domestic relations, small claims, estate, and other civil legal needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Vision

• Establish a clear vision for the continued growth and expansion of the VLP. Provide direction to guide programs that align with the organization’s vision
• Build and retain professional relationships in the community to ensure a long­standing partnership with legal, professional, business, and corporate leaders
• Serve as an effective and visible spokesperson for VLP, articulating the organization’s history, programs, and mission
• Actively engage and energize VLP volunteers, state bar committee and section members, partnering organizations, and funding sources
• Lead the organization’s grant writing and fundraising efforts, seeking other sources of funding and grant-making organizations
• Initiate and strengthen relationships and collaborations with organizations and leaders who are connected to VLP’s mission and purpose
• Work in partnership with the bar and staff to carry out policies approved by the Alabama State Bar Executive Director and the Board of Bar Commissioners.

General Management, Finance, and Administration, and Programming

• Lead, coach, develop, and maintain the VLP’s professional staff and volunteers to ensure delivery of high-quality legal services
• Motivate and maintain a cohesive staff, ensuring that there are strong internal communication and coordination
• Ensure ongoing, rigorous program evaluation and consistent, quality file maintenance and administration, grant and regulation compliance, communications, systems, and resources needed to achieve strategic goals
• Regularly evaluate programs, to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the executive director, board, funding sources, volunteers, and others
• Ensure that day-to-day operations are professionally and efficiently organized and administered
• Ensure compliance with applicable governmental regulations and perform regular audits of processes for the same
• Oversee the organization’s financial operations; prepare and oversee the budgetary process in partnership with the Finance Director, and ensure that sound financial controls are in place
• Use technology to facilitate organizational management, reporting, grant compliance, public education, and community engagement

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Demonstrated understanding of the VLP’s mission and the needs and experiences of VLP’s clients and stakeholders
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to supervise staff, manage high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget
• Standing and experience to ensure a strong relationship between the VLP the legal community, nonprofits and program stakeholders to raise funds, attract volunteers, retain qualified staff, and secure resources and support for the VLP and its mission
• Ability to work effectively independently and in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Strong written and oral communication skills; with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Proven successful track record in creating and implementing programs; experience creating partnerships and collaborations
• Proven leader with a passion to grow and develop an exceptional team; a person who inspires collaboration
• Action-oriented, mission-driven, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to program planning

Preferred Experience and Characteristics

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the Alabama State Bar or member in good standing of other state bar with willingness to become a member of the Alabama State Bar
• 6 + years of practicing law or experience in a business or administrative role with a for-profit company or nonprofit organization
• Strong marketing, public relations, and grant development experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Working knowledge of the Alabama judicial system, and nonprofit landscape
• Record of success working in partnership with staff of diverse personalities and talents
• Demonstrated commitment to underserved and/or indigent communities and individuals
• Significant legal experience in one of the VLP’s core case service areas
• Visionary, positive, and collaborative leadership style

To Apply

To receive full consideration, you are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume making clear your interest in the position, qualifications, and what you believe you will be able to contribute to the VLP’s future, and listing three references, to Chad.coker@alabar.org before August 1, 2024.

The Alabama State Bar is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religion, or national origin.