Equal Justice Works is seeking a Deputy Director who has primary responsibility for all internal functions, processes, and people working to achieve the mission of Equal Justice Works. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a talented management team with ambitious plans to expand the scope and impact of the organization and its programs including:

• The nation’s largest postgraduate legal fellowships programs.
• Working with 200 dues-paying law schools to improve programming that instills public service values among law students.
• The largest national public interest law career fair hosted each year in Washington, D.C.
• Programs that reduce the educational debt burden that prevent many law graduates from pursuing public interest careers.
• A network of program Alumni in leadership positions or working on high visibility issues around the country. 
   

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Deputy Director’s primary function is day-to-day management oversight for all departments, including Public Interest Law Opportunities, Law School Advocacy and Outreach, Development, Finance, Communications, Technology, Human Resources, and the West Coast Office. Heads of these departments or representatives of these functions report to the Deputy Director, and he/she is responsible for ensuring they are furnished with the resources they need to be successful, as well as challenged to achieve superior performance.

He/she ensures the efficient and effective delivery of Equal Justice Works’ external programs, while also overseeing the development of best-in-class programs in fulfillment of the mission by:

• developing operating plans that achieve strategic and short-term goals;
• judiciously allocating finite resources among competing interests;
• establishing and maintaining sound financial practices;
• working with the staff, Finance Committee, and the Board in preparing a budget; and seeing that the organization operates within budget guidelines;
• overseeing the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers;
• ensuring that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are conducted, and that sound human resource practices are in place;
• aligning human, capital, and intellectual resources to achieve goals;
• harmonizing activities and creating cohesion among functions;
• continuously innovating and improving processes;
• setting challenging goals and measuring results;
• reinforcing high standards of performance;
• establishing (with the Leadership Team) internal policies and practices, and enforcing them consistently;
• fostering a collaborative, engaged culture that attracts and motivates top talent;
• contributing thought leadership to the development and improvement of programs; and
• determining the feasibility and benefits of programs. 

The Deputy Director supports and is the internal operational complement to the function of the Executive Director. A successful Deputy Director manages the organization’s activities with maximum effectiveness, which allows the Executive Director to confidently focus attention toward external and/ or strategic activities such as building the Equal Justice Works’ brand, board relations, relationship- and alliance-building, and fundraising.

While the Executive Director will have more of an external and long-term focus, he/she nonetheless fulfills a key obligation to the organization and its Board of Directors by maintaining active oversight of internal performance and effectiveness measures that fall within the domain of the Deputy Director.
 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Genuine interest in and passion for the mission and programs of Equal Justice Works;
• BA/BS in a relevant field required, J.D. or Master’s degree strongly preferred;
• Extensive experience at a senior management level in a complex organization, with broad operational responsibility for disparate operating functions;
• Significant budgeting experience, familiarity with basic accounting principles, human resources practices, and standard office technology and systems;
• Prior nonprofit management experience a plus;
• Fundraising expertise and /or a legal background a plus;
• Skill in basic process engineering, reporting, and metrics;
• Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities and achieve results; and
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a team and develop talent.

Critical attributes that will define a successful candidate include:

• Drive and discipline to achieve results;
• Independent initiative;
• Pragmatism and common sense;
• Anticipates, plans, and organizes well;
• Decisive, even in ambiguous circumstances or with incomplete information;
• Able to multi-task;
• Sees problems as opportunities;
• Direct and clear communicator;
• Thorough, fair, and rational decision-maker;
• Inquisitive, lifelong learner;
• Polished and confident presenter to audiences; and
• Motivates and inspires colleagues.
   

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be between $125,000 and $150,000, depending on experience; comprehensive and generous benefits package, including loan repayment assistance, full health insurance coverage for employee, employer sponsored disability insurance program, monthly transportation stipend, retirement plan up to 4 percent employer contribution, and 4 weeks vacation plus sick leave, holiday schedule and summer hours.
 

TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter, résumé and salary requirements via email to mail@equaljusticeworks.org or by mail to Deputy Director Search Committee, Equal Justice Works, 2120 L St, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC, 20037. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. No phone calls please.

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