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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title:      Executive Director

COMPENSATION:       $75,000 DOE Full-Time, Salaried / Exempt

Position, Medical Insurance Reimbursement, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, Payment of WSBA and Kitsap County Bar Dues

RECRUITMENT CLOSES:       Applications received by 5 pm on January 31, 2025

will be given priority consideration.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Mission Statement: The charitable purpose and mission of Kitsap Legal Aid Services is to provide and facilitate access to justice in Kitsap County for low- income individuals or marginalized communities through advocacy and free civil legal services.

Organization Description: Kitsap Legal Aid Services (KLAS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income people throughout Kitsap County. KLAS currently has seven (7) employees and an annual budget of approximately $600,000. KLAS provides legal services through two programs, a Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP) and an Eviction Defense Program. The VLP relies on the participation of lawyers who volunteer their time and legal expertise to provide advice and brief services consults, unbundled legal services and full direct representation. The Eviction Defense Program uses Staff Attorneys who provide advice and direct representation to eligible tenants who are at risk of eviction and/or who have been served a Summons and Complaint for eviction.

KLAS is committed to race equity and justice. We want our employees to be diverse and reflect the community and individuals we serve. We strive to have services and programs that are free from bias and oppression, and staff and volunteers that treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Position Summary: The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and provides leadership in planning, developing, and implementing the objectives of the program. The main duties of the Executive Director include:

  • Facilitate activities to ensure that the vision, mission, and initiatives of the program are effectively implemented and shared with the legal community and the broader community through outreach and networking
  • Regularly interface with other programs within the local community
  • Stay well informed on statewide and national equal justice related issues
  • Work closely with attorneys and other legal professionals
  • Ensure confidentiality, quality legal services, and respect for low-income client communities while managing client expectations and communicating the extent of services/referrals available

This position requires flexibility and the ability to work with community partners, including advanced interpersonal and communication skills. Travel within Kitsap County and Washington State may be required. Evening and weekend work is occasionally necessary.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
  1. Demonstrate cultural competence and experience working with low-income client communities, which may include diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, persons with limited English proficiency, persons with disabilities, etc.
  2. Demonstrate commitment to the principles of Access to Justice and to the development of programs and initiatives designed to ensure that low-income persons have access to the legal help they need.
  3. Manage program services including oversight and coordination of regular legal advice clinics, developing community education classes, facilitating referrals for limited-scope representation and full direct representation, and coordinating legal services at community events.
  4. Serve as a spokesperson for Kitsap Legal Aid Services and establish and maintain the organization’s desired image, collaborating and networking with other organizations and community partners.
  5. Develop and maintain ongoing working relationships with Kitsap County attorneys in order to foster active participation in the program and with external community organizations to enhance access to civil legal assistance.
  6. Recruit and support volunteer attorneys and paralegals for participation in various program activities.
  7. Maintain a collaborative working relationship with the statewide network of similar organizations, known as the Pro Bono Council. Facilitate efforts to develop, strengthen, promote and sustain collaborative projects between Kitsap Legal Aid Services and other Alliance for Equal Justice members.
  8. Train and supervise
  9. Maintain records of client eligibility, client contacts, and services provided in compliance with grant requirements.
  10. Compile statistical information and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual program Prepare annual and monthly budgets. Provide regular and accurate financial reports. Supervise financial assistant/bookkeeper.
  11. Write grant applications and pursue other funding sources and activities, including fundraising events and sponsorships, and comply with all reporting requirements of the Legal Foundation of Washington, the Office of Civil Legal Aid, and other funders.
  12. Assist Kitsap Legal Aid Services to achieve and sustain compliance with best practice standards as set forth in the Washington Pro Bono Program Standards.
  13. Maintain an operational calendar, support the work of regular and ad-hoc committees, compile monthly narrative and statistical board reports, participate in training as approved and directed by the Board, and attend monthly Board

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
  1. Strong and effective communication skills, both oral and written, capable of relating to all levels: individual, agency, community, state, regulatory, and courts
  2. Experience and supervisory skills for managing support staff
  3. Experience working with volunteers
  4. Ability to organize and conduct community outreach and education programs
  5. Ability and intent to participate in community meetings and events
  6. Research new grant and funding options, arrange logistical support for fundraising events and programs
  7. Good judgment and strong interpersonal skills
  8. Excellent organizational and time management skills
  9. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  11. Excellent PC-based computer skills
OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
  1. Experience with program design, program management, or program administration
  2. Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse, low-income communities
  3. Knowledge of court and legal systems
  4. Experience with relationship development/building for fundraising/resource development
  5. Experience and skill in engaging with an active Board of Directors
  6. Experience in compliance with grant programs, contracts
  7. Experience and knowledge of legal aid principles and requirements
  8. Clear understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct and what constitutes unauthorized practice of law
  9. Experience with QuickBooks
  10. Bilingual or Multi-lingual

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Candidates licensed with the Washington State Bar Association are highly preferred. Otherwise, a bachelor’s degree or higher degree is desired. Equivalent and/or relevant experience in a nonprofit setting also highly preferred.

TO APPLY:

Submit the following to [email protected]

  1. A letter of interest identifying the position and describing how you meet the position qualifications,
  2. a detailed resume, and
  3. a writing sample (newsletter, report, grant application, article, blog, ).

Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application process should contact Amanda Williamson, KLAS President, at: 360-627-8026 or [email protected]

Kitsap Legal Aid Services (KLAS) is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. KLAS actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, and teamwork. KLAS is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious preference, marital status, sexual orientation, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.