Chief Of Staff

About the position

The Chief of Staff is a key executive role within the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA), directly supporting the President and CEO while closely collaborating with the Executive Management Team. This position is vital in the strategic execution and operational alignment of the NLADA's mission and values. The Chief of Staff ensures that the organization's strategies, structures, and culture are cohesively aligned and effectively implemented. Moreover, the Chief of Staff actively strengthens bonds and working relationships among staff, recognizing, and leveraging the power of intersectionality and diversity. This role is crucial in fostering an environment of shared collaboration and accountability, encouraging a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into the organizational fabric. In this role, the Chief of Staff will act as a strategic advisor and chief administrator and champion the organization's commitment to inclusion, equity, and collaborative excellence. The Chief of Staff will be expected to lead by example, demonstrating a deep understanding of social justice issues and a commitment to driving systemic change. The Chief of Staff is also responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with your external partners and members. The Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains true to its core values while navigating the complexities of the nonprofit and trade association landscape, including compliance with federal lobbying laws and the effective management of a diverse and complex organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a confidante, thought partner, and trusted advisor to the President and CEO.
• Partner with the Executive Management Team to manage and evolve the organizational structure and culture.
• Lead efforts in supporting and sustaining the organizational culture, with a strong focus on inclusion and racial equity.
• Supervise professional development opportunities and establish career paths for both attorneys and non-attorneys.
• Provide leadership on workplace culture, promoting employee engagement and high performance.
• Collaborate with leadership team to create and implement the annual budget, ensuring it reflects strategic priorities and operational needs.
• Monitor financial resources, track expenditures, and report on budget performance, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and compliance with regulations.
• Conduct financial forecasting and trend analysis to support decision-making, identifying areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• In partnership with core staff, ensure effective management systems for developing, mentoring, and empowering a diverse workforce.
• Oversee Human Resources and Executive Management Team initiatives related to staff hiring, management, performance, compensation, professional development, and retention.
• Support core staff committees focused on compensation, professional development, and more.
• Establish policies, processes, and procedures to ensure consistency and continual improvement.
• Serve as liaison for NLADA board and coordinate support for Board committees and councils, promoting best practices in board governance.
• Assist in managing relationships with organizational partners and serve as a proxy for the President and CEO in key settings as needed.
• Support the President and CEO in projects with the Board, refining and implementing their agenda.
• Promote transparent decision-making processes.
• Contribute to the organization’s thought leadership, managing self-reflection efforts for continuous improvement and learning.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required, JD or advanced degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, organization development, or a related field highly desired.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant role, preferably in a nonprofit organization of comparable size.
• Demonstrated skills in problem-solving, project management, and resourcefulness.
• Collegial management style with a proven ability to lead and manage people and groups effectively, fostering leadership, team building, organizational and staff capacity, and promoting individual and organizational success.
• Ability to quickly gain credibility and respect with both internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong track record of working successfully with diverse teams.
• Willingness to tackle tasks of all sizes, understanding their importance in the organization's success.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, showing respect and value for all individuals, encompassing differences in race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.
• Strong commitment to working collaboratively and respectfully to overcome challenges and obstacles.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong knowledge of social justice issues, and nonprofit management; ability to serve as a strategic advisor and effectively manage relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment; competence in leading organizational change and staff development.
• Superior analytical skills with a strong capability for strategic planning, decision-making, and problem-solving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with various internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, board members, and team members.
• High proficiency in project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly in federal lobbying.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing differences and promoting individual and organizational success; dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.

Benefits

• Free individual Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employee coverage, reduced rates for family coverage, and a health care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Employer-provided life insurance policy and Short-Term and Long-term disability benefits.
• Wellness support, to include paid sick leave, Family Medical Leave Act, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 403(b) Retirement Plan.
• Paid time off, to include recognition of all federal holidays, a paid day off on months without a federal holiday and is closed the week between December 24th and January 1st.