Executive Director of the Texas Access to Justice Commission

General Description

Serves as primary executive staff to the Texas Access to Justice Commission (Commission). Brings existing knowledge concerning access to justice issues and the Texas legal community and environment. Assists the Commission in implementing plans and policies it adopts. When directed by the Commission, assists in implementing or coordinating the implementation of all related projects that promote access to justice for low-income Texans. Provides staff support for Commission projects and activities. Supervises and directs staff assigned to support the Commission. At the direction of the Commission, works closely with the access to justice community to support the Commission’s efforts and interacts frequently with the Commission, relevant committees, state, local and national stakeholders, and the public. Reports directly to the Chair of the Commission and the Commission’s Executive Committee.

Primary Functions

As directed by the Commission and in coordination and communication with its Chair and Executive Committee:

1. Assists in planning, development, and implementation of projects to initiate, improve, promote, and support access to justice.2. Assists in the development and coordination of policies, goals, and priorities for access to justice efforts to promote the availability of legal services to the poor.3. Assists in the production of materials and in development of campaigns designed to promote access to justice and to educate the public, the members of the State Bar, and government leaders concerning critical needs for increasing access to justice and the benefits to individuals, families, and society that flow from increasing access to justice.4. Provides and supervises staff support to the Commission and their committees.5. Researches and reports to the Commission grant opportunities and presents for their consideration grant applications for Commission related projects.6. Performs necessary administrative duties and supervises all staff activities.7. Assists in communication and coordination with other entities, legal service providers, and other interested parties to promote and support access to justice for low-income Texans.8. Assists the Commission as directed and required by and consistent with current law regarding access to justice related legislative activities.9. Attends and participates in approved bar association and other community and professional organization activities and programs to promote awareness of the Commission and the importance of helping low-income Texans obtain important legal services.

Position Requirements

Texas law license (or licensed in another state and eligible to sit for Texas Bar Exam or apply for reciprocity and committed to becoming licensed in Texas as soon as practically possible within the discretion of the Executive Committee) with a minimum of eight years of experience in working with access to justice issues required. Requires demonstrated skills in management and leadership across all organizational levels. Must have the ability to build productive professional relationships with staff, Commissioners and volunteers, and State Bar of Texas membership and its leadership. Requires strong oral and written communication, including public speaking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Requires proven ability to maintain confidentiality. Requires the ability to work both independently on assigned projects and as a team member. Requires outstanding strategic and annual planning skills, financial management skills, and staff support skills. Experience with coordination with stakeholders regarding fundraising events and efforts preferred. Some travel is required.