Assistant Executive Director- St. Louis Bar Foundation

JOB SUMMARY: This position is primarily responsible for maintaining and advancing the Foundation’s policies, procedures, and bylaws, while supporting the continued growth of its pro bono programs, community service initiatives, and law-related education efforts. The AED will guide the Board of Directors and Executive Director to develop and execute fundraising strategies to sustain and expand these programs.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities at the direction of the Executive Director and in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints; and resolving problems, with a focus on strengthening organizational capacity and long-term growth.

• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and communication with the Foundation’s Board, committees, and sections; other Foundations; public service organizations; general public; and vendors, as necessary, to promote the best interests of the Foundation
• Guide the Board of Directors to develop and execute fundraising for programs, events, and activities, as needed
• Serve as staff liaison for the following Committees: Mock Trial, Motion for Kids, Attorneys Against Hunger, Pro Se Assistance and Bankruptcy Court and assist with all communications, organization and events for the committees.
• Attends Board of Directors meetings and assists with preparing related materials and meeting minutes
• Notifies affected groups of Board actions and ensures appropriate follow-up
• Assists with recommending, developing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and programs that promote Foundation goals and objectives
• Maintains positive relationships and awareness of policies and activities of other bar Foundations
• Manages, reviews, and tracks contracts with vendors for goods and services
• Promotes interest and active participation in bar activities among the membership and affiliated groups
• Provides motivation, direction, and appropriate staff support to enable proper development and implementation of member and public programs, activities, and services
• Responds to staff inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and programs
• Ensures Foundation’s facilities are functional and meet the needs of programs and activities
• Recommends equipment and technology needs, and oversees the implementation and maintenance of such equipment and technology
• Collects, analyzes, and reports on data related to the Foundation’s membership, programs, and activities to promote Foundation goals and objectives
• Assists with financial bookkeeping and reporting
• Assists with annual budgeting and long- and short-term financial planning.
• Staffs assigned sections and committees and assists with preparing those groups’ meetings and programs
• Supervises assigned staff members
• Performs other duties and responsibilities, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: Must have excellent organizational skills. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the below listed essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Program management and process improvement experience in a legal, nonprofit, or membership‑based environment, including experience leading operations and implementing workflow and systems enhancements.
• Data‑informed decision‑making, including the ability to interpret programs and financial reports, identify trends in revenue and case activity, and adjust strategies to improve revenue, access and service quality.​​
• Relationship‑building with attorneys, courts, community partners, and internal stakeholders to support LRIS and Fee Dispute participation and impact.
• Strong customer service orientation and professionalism in working with members of the public seeking legal help and with Association members, including serving as a “first line” liaison on LRIS and fee dispute matters.
• Experience with staff supervision and the ability to motivate a strong team of employees and volunteers
• Excellent community engagement and communication skills, with the ability to diplomatically and effectively communicate with members of the public, our courts, and the Association
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives, priorities and demands and work efficiently and effectively under pressure in a high‑volume service environment.
• Ability to network and cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with legal service providers, community organizations, and Bar leaders, and LRIS panel attorneys.​
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound ethical judgment​, including in fee dispute and client‑service contexts.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in working with diverse communities, staff, and volunteers.​

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field (such as legal studies, public administration, business, criminal justice, social work, or a related discipline)
• Juris Doctor (JD) strongly preferred but not required; candidates with a JD and an interest in legal services program management are encouraged to apply.

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in a legal, court, bar association, or legal services environment, including direct client or member service.
• Proven track record of fundraising experience is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience; non-profit leadership; and supervisory experience is preferred. 
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law work and access to justice.
• Knowledge of the St. Louis public interest legal community, or ability to quickly develop such knowledge.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of or ability to learn Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, SharePoint); and Internet Explorer and Google Chrome
• Ability to use or learn RingCentral, Microsoft Teams and Zoom videoconferencing.​
• Comfort with case‑management or CRM‑style databases; experience with legal practice management or referral systems is a plus.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common financial reports, legal documents, and other complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from members, customers, leadership, and others. Ability to write speeches and articles that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, members, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily in a climate-controlled office environment with minimal safety and/or health hazard potential. The noise level is usually low-to-moderate.