Employment Opportunities

Alameda County Bar Association and Legal Access Alameda

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) advises and assists the Boards of Directors of the Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA) and Legal Access Alameda (Legal Access) in the development, implementation, and administration of their respective organizational policies and programs. The CEO is responsible to the Boards of Directors for the effective operation and overall management of the ACBA’s and Legal Access’s daily activities. Additionally, the CEO must also: supervise ACBA and Legal Access staff, adhere to sound business principles, effectively manage fiscal obligations, and fully comply with the statutory and contractual duties for the various programs administered by the ACBA and Legal Access.

Key Responsibilities:
Governance and Boards of Directors
1. Support the Boards of Directors and report progress, plans, and concerns related to the policies and programs of the organizations and on other important matters related to the legal profession to enable the Boards of Directors to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
2. Develop and make recommendations to the Boards of Directors on any policies and other matters requiring their consideration and approval. Provide supporting information necessary to enable the Boards to properly evaluate such recommendations.
3. Assist the Boards of Directors in strategic planning efforts and oversee the implementation of strategic planning recommendations.
4. Monitor organizational activities to identify and advise officers and Boards of Directors on issues affecting governance of the organizations and identify need for advice of counsel when appropriate.
5. Serve as the primary staff contact and resource person for the Boards of Directors and their respective committees and task forces, as the Presidents or Boards of Directors may request.

Budget and Finance
1. Oversee the development and preparation of annual operating budgets, presenting proposed budgets to the Boards of Directors for consideration and approval.
2. Maintain an effective system of financial accounting for receipts and disbursements, exercise prudent judgment in investment of funds within ACBA Reserve Fund guidelines and present an unqualified financial audit to the Boards of Directors bi-annually (in the case of the ACBA) or annually (in the case of Legal Access).
3. Seek funding opportunities to maintain the financial health of both organizations.

Personnel
1. Recruit, train, and supervise staff, maintaining a sound and equitable program for evaluation and compensation of personnel which will attract and retain qualified employees, and provide adequate legal safeguards in the event of discipline or termination.
2. Supervise and coordinate the overall administration and function of all policies, programs, and services of the organizations so as to ensure a high level of service to the membership, volunteers, and clients.

Programs and Operations
1. Evaluate on a continuing basis the organizations’ policies, programs, and activities to ensure proper execution of responsibilities, and provide for short- and long-range planning for optimum utilization of resources for growth and improved services to the membership and public service of the organizations.
2. Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with organizational funding sources, maintaining high standards of productivity, accountability, and quality assurance for the departments subject to such contracts.
3. Assure that adequate communication is taking place between Legal Access and the ACBA.

Community Outreach
1. Act as a primary contact for the organizations, with an eye towards increasing membership for the ACBA, as well as community involvement and visibility for both organizations.
2. Serve as liaison to the Alameda County courts, keeping the bench informed as to the policies, programs, and services of the organizations and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.
3. Maintain effective communication of organizational policies, programs, and services to ACBA membership, Legal Access volunteers, community partners, and the broader community through various electronic communications (e.g., bi-weekly e-newsletter, bi-
weekly MCLE digest, and individual email blasts), the ACBA and Legal Access websites, and social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
4. Participate in professional activities at the local, state and/or national level that reflect positively on the organizations.
5. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, identity and specialty bar associations; legal services providers, and other law-related entities serving Alameda County.

Remote Operations
Ensure that the ACBA and Legal Access continue to deliver services and maintain operations at previous standards.

Must reside in one of the nine Bay Area counties or be willing to relocate to one before the start of the job. Currently, the organization operates primarily remotely; however, there are internal and external events every few weeks where attendance in the Bay Area is required, and familiarity with the Bay Area legal community is likewise necessary.

Part of the role of the incoming Executive Director will be to chart a path forward in a post-pandemic landscape for continued remote operations or a transition to a hybrid/in-person model.

Miscellaneous
1. Provide legal opinions, draft or review contracts, and handle other legal issues that may arise. (For attorney candidates.)
2. Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Boards of Directors from time to time.
Minimum Qualifications
● Experience in the administration of a non-profit organization, including responsibility for finances, human resources, program management, and working with a board of directors.
● Experience in working with membership associations and volunteer-driven organizations.
● Demonstrated commitment to social justice and access to justice for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
● Experience working with members of the Bay Area legal community.
● Ability to work with volunteers, exercise sound judgment, take initiative on projects, and juggle multiple activities.
● Fluency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, Blue Jeans, and other tech platforms used for remote work.
● Sense of humor.
● California Bar Admission helpful but not required.

The ACBA and Legal Access values candidates of all backgrounds and provides equal opportunity in our hiring practices without regard to race, color, religion, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don’t check every box in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Salary range: $130.000 to $170,000/year, depending on skills, licensing and experience.

Medical, dental, and vision benefits provided.

Please submit: resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references to CEOhiring@acbanet.org, using the subject line “CEO application