Washington Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest

Executive Director - Posted 6/13/08

Job Description:

Washington Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest (WA Ap) is seeking an accomplished, action-oriented leader to serve as its next Executive Director (ED). WA Ap is part of the Appleseed network of 16 public interest justice centers in the U.S. and Mexico. Appleseed is dedicated to building a society where opportunities are genuine, access to the law is universal and equal, and government advances the public interest.

Appleseed uncovers and corrects injustices and barriers to opportunity through legal, legislative and market-based structural reform. Working with our huge pro bono network, we identify, research and analyze social injustices, make specific recommendations, and advocate for effective solutions to deep-seated structural problems. Together, Appleseed and Appleseed Centers form a network for positive change, building a society that provides each individual access to justice and a genuine opportunity to lead a full and productive life.

Since its founding in 2004, WA Ap has transitioned into an organization with an exemplary Board of Directors of prominent attorneys dedicated to pro bono service, and with an exceptional set of projects underway. The current executive director works part-time and feels that the organization needs a full-time executive director to take it to the next level of development. The pro bono contributions of attorneys, law clerks, interns, and professionals from across the region are immeasurable, on projects which range from analyzing states’ financial strategies for implementing early education to proposing juvenile justice reforms and econ omic self-sufficiency for low-income families. More projects, research and publications can be reviewed on the WA Ap website: www.waappleseed.org

Position Responsibilities:
The ED reports to the 20-member WA Ap Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for identifying and developing organizational issues for consideration by the Board of Directors, implementing policies adopted by the Board of Directors through working with volunteers and staff, overseeing operations, managing productivity and evaluating programs, and assuring effective development and implementation of the organization's strategic plan, program and development goals. The ED will be responsible, along with the Development Committee of the Board, for preparation each year of a detailed annual fundraising plan for the organization and the ED will be responsible over the course of the year for effective implementation and achievement of that plan. The ED will implement policies and procedures consistent with prudent managerial and fiscal practices. The ED will maintain relationships with staff and volunteers throughout the state, with the other centers and with the national office. Direct reports include the Deputy Director and Senior Fellows. At least half of the ED’s time needs to be devoted to fundraising.

Compensation & Benefits:
The salary approved for the position is $60,000 for a flexible 32+ hour work week plus medical benefits and paid vacation.

Leadership Philosophy Required:
The ED must provide visionary leadership, inspire staff, volunteers and Board members to do their best work, create, as well as identify, strategic opportunities for the organization, and serve as the “face of the organization” to its many stakeholders. The ED has wide latitude in exercising independent initiative and judgment, subject to the policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors.

Candidate Requirements:
The candidate should have a deep understanding of the role of law and public policy in promoting social justice; a law degree is preferred. The position requires demonstrated skill, experience and success in/with the following areas: Developing & maintaining a positive organizational culture and working environmen; Development & implementation of strategic plans/initiatives; Significant fundraising and donor cultivation; Financial oversight - development and management of comparable operating budgets; Growth and/or diversification of an organization and/or it's programs; Building and sustaining positive relationships and collaborations with key individuals, constituencies and partner organizations; Effective delegation and empowerment of colleagues and staff; Established networks of colleagues, donors, and key organizations in place; Marketing, media and public relations; Political advocacy at local, county, state and national levels; Maintaining an organization's focus; Recruiting and retaining staff.

The successful candidate will possess the following personal attributes and competencies: Accountable (holds self and others accountable for performance); sets high expectations for self and others, follows through on commitments; Excellent communications skills - oral, written, listening and public speaking; articulate, direct & concise; Ethical, discrete, professional: Creative thinker and problem-solver; Exemplary interpersonal skills; personable; engaging; comfortable and effective in dealing with wide variety of people and constituencies; Passionate and committed to the mission; Visionary, charismatic, and inspirationa; Decisive decision maker, while remaining open-minded and considerate of others’ views; actively seeks input on key decisions; demonstrates consistency and fairness in decisions; Unafraid to embrace and initiate change; Entrepreneurial, innovative; Good motivator/team-builder/convener; Proactive, decisive, and action oriented; Well-organized, disciplined, maintains focus; Accessible and invites input; Has fun and a sense of humor; Systems-wide (holistic) perspective; a strategic, forward thinker but also attends to detail.

Travel:
The Executive Director is expected to participate twice a year in the national Appleseed Executive Directors’ Council meetings, often in Washington DC or New York City.

Application Timing:
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume as soon as possible. Please address applications to Paula Littlewood, Board Chair. We appreciate all submissions via email to Susan Carpenter, Associate Director, at susan.carpenter@waappleseed.org with documents in MS Word or PDF format.

All submissions will be held in strict confidence and will be acknowledged. WA Ap is an Equal Opportunity Employer and desires a highly diverse candidate group.

Category: Executive Director
Closing Date: Until filled
Contact: Paula Littlewood, Chair, Board of Directors, Washington Appleseed
Email: susan.carpenter@waappleseed.org
Organization: Washington Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest
City: Seattle, WA

Preferred Response:

Email addressed to Paula Littlewood, Board Chair,

in c/o Washington Appleseed Associate Director Susan Carpenter at susan.carpenter@waappleseed.org