Executive Director

Position Description

Upper Seven Law seeks a creative and experienced leader to serve as our incoming Executive Director. In this role, you will serve as strategist, fundraiser, and the public face of Upper Seven Law. You will serve as the organization’s chief executive while collaborating with the Operations and Litigation Directors to lead our team and ensure the organization's financial sustainability and continued impact.

Ideal candidates have significant litigation experience, strong legal writing skills, experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, and the ability to cultivate strategic partnerships with donors, funders, tribal nations, and community organizations. A generalist or constitutional background is particularly welcome but not required. Essential qualities include exceptional fundraising ability, strong collaborative leadership skills, the ability to think strategically about organizational growth, and excellent communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders.

The position is based in Helena, Montana, and reports to the Board of Directors. The Executive Team works in partnership to achieve the organization’s mission, with each member bringing specialized expertise, toward the common goals laid out in our culture documents, handbook, and strategic plan. While the Executive Director holds ultimate decision-making authority, success in this role depends on effective collaboration and partnership with the existing Executive Team.

Responsibilities & Opportunities

Fundraising & Development

• Serve as the primary fundraiser and lead contact for major national foundations and institutional funders
• Build, manage, and grow relationships with major donors and individual contributors to maintain and expand the annual operating budget
• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans, including securing multi-year funding commitments
• Oversee grant application logistics and reporting in coordination with the Director of Philanthropy
• Cultivate new funding sources and diversify revenue streams
• Organize targeted events for relationship-building with potential funders and stakeholders
  
  

Legal Strategy & Organizational Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight for active litigation and legal matters in partnership with the Litigation Director
• Maintain high-level relationships with co-counsel, legal partners, and tribal nations
• Ensure the firm continues to deliver high-quality legal work that aligns with our mission of holding the powerful accountable
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to ensure our litigation work aligns with the organizational mission, serves the public interest, and meets community needs
  
  

External Communications & Stakeholder Relations

• Oversee the Montana Constitution Roadshow, ensuring its continued success and strategic evolution
• Act as the final reviewer for all public-facing communications and social media content
• Represent the organization in the media and at public-facing events
• Serve as the public face of Upper Seven Law to diverse audiences including the public, partners, funders, and major donors
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with other organizations, community groups, and legal experts
  
  

Organizational Culture

• Foster our organizational culture grounded in Upper Seven Law's core principles: mission-driven decision-making, collaborative culture, candor with kindness, directness, excellence and accuracy, and balanced work ethic
• Make final decisions with clarity after open input, ensuring the team moves together once direction is set
• Provide guidance and support to ensure the highest quality work and professional growth across the organization
  
  

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Execute and refine the organization's strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors and leadership team
• Ensure operational efficiency and organizational capacity to support sustained growth
• Maintain financial health including adequate operating reserves
• Provide timely and accurate reporting to the Board of Directors
• Oversee compliance with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements
  
  

Success Metrics (Year One)

Fundraising & Financial Health

• Secure at least two multi-year funding commitments
• Grow individual giving revenue
• Submit all grant reports on time
• Maintain adequate operating reserves
  
  

Relationships

• Meet top donors, funders, and key partners within 120 days
• Establish credibility and trust with key stakeholders
  
  

Programs & Legal

• Familiar with all ongoing casework
• Zero missed court or grant deadlines
• Ensure smooth organizational transitions
• Deliver monthly Montana Constitution Roadshow programming
  
  

People & Culture

• Visibly model Upper Seven Law's culture and communication principles
• Build strong working partnerships with Operations Director and Litigation Director
• Foster team cohesion and accountability
  
  

Governance

• Provide timely and accurate reporting to the Board
• Make clear decisions using a collaborative process
• Maintain transparent communication with Board leadership
  
  

Logistics

• Location: Helena, MT
• Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience $140,000-$155,000, plus health benefits including health insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and 3% retirement match.
• Generous paid time off including vacation leave, sick leave, federal holidays, and quarterly days off
• Timeline: Priority Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Upper Seven Law is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the value and strength of a diverse staff and prioritize diversity, kindness, and competency.
• Upper Seven Law is committed to mentorship, professional growth, and providing opportunities for advancement and skill development.