Description

Ohio Poverty Law Center (OPLC) is a subsidiary program of Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), a legal aid program headquartered in Columbus. OPLC’s mission is to provide civil legal aid and advocacy to overcome unfairness and injustice, reduce poverty, and increase opportunity.? OPLC seeks a highly effective Director to lead and strengthen its advocacy work by managing staff, creating and executing strategic initiatives, and deepening alignment with Ohio’s Legal Aid Community.  The director develops and advances an advocacy agenda while building strong relationships with partners, policy makers and funders. OPLC is overseen by a Board of Managers.

Are You Someone Who:  

• Sees the big picture and proactively drives strategy into action?
• Thinks creatively about advocacy opportunities? 
• Has a clear understanding of Legal Aid work and how a range of advocacy can support it?  
• Provides strong, clear leadership and holds teams accountable for results? 
• Enjoys managing staff, workflows and priorities to move projects forward? 
• Communicates proactively and effectively with colleagues, partners and funders? 
• Is motivated to advance justice for low-income and marginalized communities? 
• Thrives in a collaborative team environment?  

You Will:  

• Provide active leadership and supervision of OPLC staff, including managing performance, priorities, and workflow 
• Help shape, advance and execute OPLC’s advocacy agenda, goals, and strategic priorities 
• Work with OPLC’s Board of Managers 
• Develop and implement communications strategies that support advocacy goals and strengthen relationships with Legal Aid programs, funders, and partners 
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Legal Aid Directors, Litigation Directors, task forces, and statewide partners 
• Engage in a wide range of advocacy efforts 
• Work with the development team to build relationships with funders, apply for and report on grants.  

Requirements

You Have:  

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including direct supervision and mentoring of staff
• Strong background in legal, policy, legislative, or administrative advocacy
• An understanding of Legal Aid work or closely related public interest legal advocacy
• Ability to move work forward, independently and strategically
• Demonstrated experience working on and reporting for grants
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to build and sustain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strong judgment, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities  
• Juris Doctor preferred; non-attorneys considered with substantial relevant experience
• Prior Legal Aid experience is a strong plus

Other Details:  

• It is the policy of LASCO not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, disability, age, ancestry, and military status or any other characteristic protected by law.
• For more information, visit the Center’s website at https://www.ohiopovertylawcenter.org/.
• This full-time, exempt position is based in Columbus, Ohio and reports to the Executive Director. Some travel to offsite locations around Ohio will be required at times.
• Salary is dependent upon level of experience.
• LASCO offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, currently including an employer funded HRA (up to $12,000), employer-paid employee dental and vision insurance, a language skills differential ($2,500-$3,500 annually), paid vacation, sick and holiday time, and ongoing training and development opportunities.

To Apply: Submit resume, references, and letter of interest.