Summary :
The Director of Legal Services will provide direct representation, community-based education and outreach, and advocacy for the housing rights of low-income community members. The Director is responsible for oversight of the legal services program and staff inclusive of a Staff Attorney, seasonal student clerks, and support personnel. The Director will oversee and provide zealous legal defense in housing cases, assist in grant writing and ensure grant reporting and compliance. This role requires thoughtful leadership, legal strategy, resource acquisition and development, advocacy, supervision, and the promotion of an inclusive and equitable professional working environment
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Client Representation :
- Maintains a caseload and directly represents clients in housing, estate planning, and foreclosure areas; provides consultation / advice on their rights and options in these areas
- Develops and implements preventive and remedial strategies to increase housing stability and ensure the protection and intergenerational longevity of home assets
- Advises Staff Attorney on complex legal matters
- Assumes responsibility and risk for the department's client case outcomes
Program Management and Leadership :
Supports the professional development of legal services staff by providing guidance, support, mentorship, training, and technical assistance as necessary :Ensures that performance evaluations are completed in a timely manner
Sets the standard for effective leadership by maintaining a high level of ethics, prudence, productivity, and professionalismManages employees in a positive manner, promoting accountability and working to address areas that need improvement through training and coachingParticipates in St. Ambrose's strategic planning and implementation initiativesProvides ongoing assessment and evaluation of legal programs, implementing best practices where necessary to ensure that client needs, agency standards, grant compliance, and funding requirements are metCollaborates with other program departments, Oversees and strengthens the intake process, and develops referral processes to external agencies with a goal of maximizing client support relative to their needs and St. Ambrose capacityEnsures that grant reporting requirements are met, writing narratives and providing reports on client demographics and outcomesResource Development and Reporting
Monitors major changes in the marketplace, both philanthropic and economic, and provides strategic direction based on that informationCollaborates with the Resource Development Department to identify funding sources and to develop funding proposalsOutreach
Represents St. Ambrose with external parties, including partners, public and elected officials, and community leadersParticipate in activities and events to support awareness of St. Ambrose services and outreach to clients in need of St. Ambrose's legal servicesPrepares presentations, reports, and other materials for the Board as well as external audiencesMinimum Qualifications :
Education / Certifications / Licensure :
Juris Doctorate from a law school accredited by the American Bar AssociationAdmission to the Maryland Bar and in good standing with the Supreme Court of MarylandSkills :
Superior analytical, writing, and interpersonal skillsDemonstrated skill in understanding the legal needs of low-income clients.Ability to multitask, set priorities and guide team members to do so, and successfully manage time and meet deadlinesProfessional Experience :
Two to four years of related legal experienceExperience guiding and leading othersPreferred Qualifications :
5 years of applicable law practice, with experience in housing law, real estate law, foreclosure law, and / or litigationExperience working in a nonprofit setting and / or direct client services3 years in a staff supervisory roleFamiliarity with Social Solutions Apricot software platform or similar case management hardware / software platformQualities :
An interest in and commitment to our mission, vision, & valuesA commitment to diversity and social justice issuesLeadershipEmpathyExceptional interpersonal skills to cultivate and maintain positive and productive relationships both internally and externallyPhysical Requirements :
This position normally requires the physical demands of standing, walking, bending, lifting, or performing other work requiring medium exertion, talking, and hearing on a regular basis to perform the job requirement. These physical demands are required up to 85% of the time.
St. Ambrose values a diverse workforce. EOE.
