What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Staff position at Legal Aid of Arkansas?
Chief of Staff
Legal Aid of Arkansas is a public interest, not-for-profit law firm dedicated to assuring equal access to justice in civil matters for low-income Arkansans. Legal Aid’s advocates provide counsel in housing preservation, domestic violence prevention, economic justice, and consumer protection.
The Chief of Staff will support the overall success of Legal Aid of Arkansas through improved information flow and increased collaboration and coordination, both internally between projects and practice groups, and externally with community partners and other services providers. The Chief of Staff will support the organization to achieve optimal resource allocation and greater efficiency in follow-through and action.
As a member of the Management Team, the Chief of Staff will serve under the supervision of the Executive Director and work in close coordination with the Deputy Director, the substantive group leaders, and the Pro Bono Director.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Operations and Efficiency
- Ensure the integrity and sustainability of internal systems and infrastructure.
- Oversee accountability systems to ensure project completion in alignment with organizational strategy and emerging needs.
- Increase efficiency, identify areas of improvement across the organization and make actionable recommendations.
- Supervise other staff as assigned.
Implementation of Strategy and Policies Greater Coordination
- Assist Executive Director and Deputy Director in strategy implementation and investments that support the long-term health and sustainability of the organization.
- Support substantive leaders with coordination, tracking interdependencies, resolving creative tensions and creating more robust systems for internal communication.
- Collaborate with management on effective implementation of programs and policies.
- Leading meetings and workshops with meticulous planning and coordination.
- Lead legal needs assessment and development of strategic plans.
- Engage in donor relations and fundraising in support of the Director of Development.
- Lead outreach efforts and assist the Pro Bono team with clinic development.
- Be fully involved in communications and government relations efforts.
Direct Support to Executive Director and Deputy Director
- Support Executive Director in scheduling, time management and tracking all priorities.
- Oversee preparation of key information to prepare the Executive Director for participation in external speaking engagements, partner meetings, and state and national advocacy efforts.
Cross-Sectional & External Collaboration
- Develop relationships and serve as liaison between external partners, advocacy organizations, and other legal service providers.
- Identify gaps in available resources and propose solutions to enhance services and relationships, internally and externally.
- Represent Legal Aid at conferences, hearings, stakeholder meetings, and in public engagements as needed.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Juris Doctor and licensed to practice in Arkansas, eligible for reciprocity, or will sit for the next bar exam.
- Five (5) or more years of experience as an attorney.
- Experience improving organizational efficiency through effective time management and establishing effective criteria in setting priorities a plus.
Other
- Demonstrate knowledge of and support the organization’s mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
- Resolves conflicts effectively and makes effective decisions
- Regular travel throughout Arkansas will be required. ·
Competitive salary. This is a full-time position, and outside legal work is prohibited. Legal Aid offers health and dental insurance, retirement, Supreme Court and bar association dues, CLE, position-related travel reimbursement and per diem, student loan repayment assistance, and other benefits.
To Apply:
To apply please email your letter of interest, resume and three references to Allison Sehika, Human Resources at asehika@arlegalaid.org. Positions are open until they are filled. Apply as soon as possible.
Legal Aid of Arkansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Legal Aid of Arkansas participates in E-Verify.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
