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CCSLS Position Announcement: Executive Director

MISSION

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (“CCSLS”) protects the rights of seniors by providing free legal advice, representation and legal education to the residents of Contra Costa County 60 years of age and older. Our most urgent objective is to resolve legal problems that affect basic needs such as housing, economic security and prevention of abuse.

OVERVIEW

CCSLS is seeking a proven leader with a passion for helping seniors, excellent legal, fundraising and management skills who can guide this longstanding organization to the next phases of its growth and impact. CCSLS is a private, non-profit agency that has been providing services to seniors since 1976. Since the inception of the program, more than 25,000 seniors have been served. These services have enabled many seniors to stay in their homes, to become eligible for and retain public benefits, to recover real and personal property wrongly taken from them, and to obtain relief from physical, financial and emotional abuse. Last year CCSLS provided assistance to nearly 1,100 seniors. Staff educated and informed over 2,200 additional seniors at outreach events such as workshops, seminars and health fairs.

CCSLS has a staff of four attorneys and four office staff. It also administers a robust program of over 20 individual pro bono attorneys from the community who provide free legal clinics at senior centers throughout Contra Costa County, as well several volunteer teams from corporate counsel departments. CCSLS receives funding from the Area Agency on Aging, IOLTA, the Equal Access Fund, VOCA and from Community Development Block Grants. It also is the recipient of numerous grants from foundations, attorneys throughout the county and private individuals. It is governed by a 10-member board of directors drawn largely from the surrounding legal community. CCSLS’ budget is approximately $550,000.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

CCSLS’s Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership and vision to the organization. The Executive Director is also responsible for the overall operation and administration of the agency, including supervising personnel, program management, financial management and fund-raising. The Executive Director reports to the Board. We are seeking someone with experience leading a team, developing programs and campaigns, and fundraising. Candidates should excel at developing relationships with diverse stakeholders including policy makers, government agencies, advocates, and members of the media. Candidates should possess a strong desire to improve the wellbeing of older residents of Contra Costa.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Funding Development & Budget Management

  • Creates and manages a fundraising and development plan to achieve sustainable growth
  •  Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with institutional funders and individual donors
  • Writes and administers grants; ensures compliance with application and reporting requirements
  • Develops and administers budgets and maintains oversight of the organization’s fiscal health
  • Oversees the annual budget, presents budget reports to the board, supervises the accountant, and ensures budget is consistent with annual goals
  • Develops budget forecasts and plans for the upcoming fiscal year

II. Supervision & Organizational Management

  • Recruits, hires, supervises, and mentors legal staff
  • Facilitates an effective and healthy organizational culture
  • Resolves personnel and administrative issues
  • Ensures compliance with relevant workplace and employment laws
  • Ensures administrative, human resources, and office organization tasks run smoothly
  • Informs the board of directors about the organization and factors influencing it
  • Supports the board committees

III. Program Planning & Coalition Building

  • Collaborates with staff and board members to develop strategies for achieving mission goals
  • Provides direction and leadership for strategic planning and evaluation processes
  • Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with diverse stakeholders including senior service providers, government agencies, the legal community, and others

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

  • JD degree
  • Admitted to practice law in California.
  • Minimum of five years of experience at a public interest firm, non-profit legal services agency or government agency, or law firm with pro-bono experience.
    Equivalent experience will be considered.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to positively manage and mentor a team
  • Excellent interpersonal communication, writing, and public speaking skills
  • Experience fundraising and developing strategies to strengthen and grow a vibrant organization
  • Experience with grant writing, grant administration, and interacting with foundations
  • Ability to develop and administer budgets and work plans
  • Experience working in a nonprofit environment
  • Familiarity with or knowledge of elder law issues or other legal issues impacting low income communities

TERMS

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Concord, California. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience but is currently in the range of $85,000 to $90,000. Health coverage: up to $500 per mo. toward employee selected health insurance plan; paid vacation and holidays.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to: susanne.revutsky@ccsls.org by February 15th, 2020. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. Please no calls. CCSLS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring a diverse staff.
Start Date: May 15th (approximately)
Application Deadline: February 15, 2020
Location: Concord, California; Occasional travel within Contra Costa required
Professional Level: Executive
Min Education: Juris Doctorate Degree required.