Maine Equal Justice Partners
Executive Director Job Description

Job Summary: This position is responsible for the overall management of Maine Equal Justice Partners, and, as such, directs the organization’s activities in legislative affairs, litigation, administrative advocacy, client support services, fundraising, and outreach and training. Work is performed in consultation with staff and under direction of the Board of Directors.

Representative Tasks:

• Directs, monitors, and evaluates overall work of organization, with delegation of day-to-day administrative activities to Associate Director.
  
• Directs litigation activities of organization, providing oversight to Litigation Director. Directs federal and state lobbying activities of organization. Maintains active presence at state legislature, while delegating significant lobbying responsibilities to other experienced MEJP staff.
  
• Provides leadership in developing program, organizational, and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carries out plans and policies authorized by the board.
  
• Works with other legal services providers, members of the Bar, and other community organizations to ensure adequate provision of legal services to low-income people.
  
• Represents MEJP’s mission and initiatives to agencies, organizations, the general public, and the media.
  
• Oversees preparation of organizational budget and sees that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
  
• Identifies funding opportunities and participates in fundraising work, as necessary.
  
• Represents organization in negotiations and collaborative endeavors with other legal services providers.
  
• With assistance of the Associate Director, is responsible for recruitment, employment and release of all personnel and ensuring that job descriptions are developed, regular performance evaluations are held, and sound human resource practices are in place. The Executive Director is individually responsible for conducting performance evaluations of the Associate Director, Litigation Director, and Public Policy Specialist.
  
• Ensures administration of organization is consistent with its mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of various areas of poverty law, including health, welfare, food assistance.
  
• Knowledge of political process, legal services, office management.
  
• Knowledge of applicable Maine law and legal system.
  
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
  
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple initiatives.
  
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the activities of staff.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  
• Ability to make sound decisions, delegate, and synthesize conflicting viewpoints.
  
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives.

Minimum qualifications: Law degree from accredited law school. A minimum of eight (8) years combined experience in advocacy, policy analysis, senior administration and management, and working on issues affecting low-income people.

Licensing/Registration/Certification Requirements: Admitted to practice law in Maine and currently registered with the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar, or eligible for admission.

Special Requirements: Ability to work extended and evening hours, when necessary.

December 1, 2005