Overview of the Executive Director Position:

MJF’s Executive Director has a high impact in and visibility across the Minnesota legal profession as an essential partner in the effort to increase access to legal services.

The Executive Director leads three staff attorneys assigned to work with students at each Minnesota law school: Mitchell Hamline School of Law, the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and the University of Minnesota Law School. The Executive Director also supervises a communications and development associate. The Executive Director interacts frequently with the deans and other leaders of each law school, leaders of legal services agencies, law-firm pro bono coordinators, and the Minnesota Supreme Court Legal Services Advisory Committee, ensuring that law-student volunteers and clerks are connected with the legal services providers that rely on their efforts.

The position will be open due to the upcoming retirement of the current MJF executive director, who was the longest-serving executive director in MJF’s history, having served in the role from 2004 through 2018.

Essential Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership.

• Lead, coach, and develop the staff. Foster a positive professional and organizational culture.
• Develop and deepen relationships with key MJF stakeholders from throughout the Minnesota legal, legal-services, and nonprofit communities.
• Represent MJF in the larger legal services/pro bono community through service on state and community committees and coalitions
• Develop and maintain a strong Board of Directors by planning and executing effective regular meetings focused on MJF’s objectives.
• Oversee budgeting, finances, financial reporting and audits to ensure MJF’s financial integrity and health.
• Identify new sources of organizational funding.
• Lead and foster efforts to develop and implement principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity principles into MJF’s everyday work.

Programming.

• Final responsibility for the overall direction of programs including Law School Public Service Program, Summer Clerkship Program and Street Law Program and any new initiatives.
• Direct coordination of Summer Clerkship Program, including solicitation and selection of agency partners, development of student application and selection process, and financial operations.

Development.

• Direct responsibility for raising $460,000 annual budget through broad range of state, private, and individual donors and organizational fundraising efforts
• Direct supervision of volunteer development support staff

Supervision.

• Direct supervision of Development-Communications Assistant and Program Director
  • Monthly check-ins or more often as work load requires
  • Annual performance reviews
• Shared responsibility with Program Director for supervising three staff attorneys
  • Monthly check-ins
  • Annual performance reviews
  • Bi-annual staff retreats to strengthen staff communication and leadership skills and to strategize about current and future program opportunities

Qualifications: 

The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, will be highly organized, and will enjoy working with students earning a professional degree. The successful candidate also will have knowledge of the Minnesota legal services community and have experience working with nonprofit organizations.  Candidates should also have strong verbal communication, writing, and training skills; a demonstrated ability in program administration, fund development, public relations and financial management; and a demonstrated interest in and commitment to serving low-income and disadvantaged people.  A law degree and experience working as a practicing attorney are preferred, but not required.

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation package for this position is competitive and includes participation in MJF’s benefits plan. Additional benefits include a flexible work schedule, “dress for your day” work standards, and a generous paid time off program.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

MJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

To Apply:

Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to Jack Sullivan, President of the Board of Directors, Minnesota Justice Foundation, at: sullivan.jack@dorsey.com.

Applications accepted until July 18, 2019.

For more information please click HERE