Executive Director

Executive Director – Senior Legal Services Senior Legal Services (SLS) seeks an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization in fulfilling its mission of providing high-quality, free civil legal services to older adults and vulnerable populations in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and is responsible for advancing the mission through strategic leadership, organizational management, financial stewardship, Board partnership, and community engagement. The Executive Director works closely with an experienced management team, including the Supervising Attorney(s), Development Director, and Finance Manager, who provide operational leadership within their respective areas.While the Executive Director maintains overall accountability for organizational performance, implementation of day-to-day operations is accomplished through senior staff under the Executive Director's direction and supervision.Senior Legal Services benefits from an engaged Board of Directors, an experienced and collaborative staff, sound financial management, and a long-standing reputation for excellence in serving older adults throughout the community.QualificationsThe successful candidate will possess:Executive leadership experience within nonprofit, governmental, or mission-driven organizations. Demonstrated success leading through senior management staff. Strong financial management and budgeting experience. Experience working effectively with Boards of Directors. Proven ability to develop organizational strategy and implement long-term initiatives. Experience cultivating major donors, foundation partners, government funders, and community stakeholders. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills. Experience managing human resources and organizational culture. Knowledge of nonprofit governance and regulatory compliance. Ability to manage multiple priorities while fostering collaboration and accountability. Preferred QualificationsExperience leading a legal services organization or other public interest organization. Juris Doctor (JD) or advanced degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, or related field. Experience managing government grants and contracts.Primary ResponsibilitiesOrganizational LeadershipProvide strategic leadership to advance the mission, vision, and long-term sustainability of Senior Legal Services. Develop and implement strategic organizational goals in partnership with the Board of Directors and senior leadership. Foster an organizational culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, equity, and continuous improvement. Ensure organizational resources are aligned with strategic priorities. Evaluate organizational performance and establish measurable goals and performance metrics. Leadership and ManagementSupervise and support senior management staff, including the Supervising Attorney(s), Development Director, Finance Manager, and other direct reports. Hold management staff accountable for achieving departmental objectives while encouraging professional development and leadership growth. Ensure effective communication and collaboration among all departments. Delegate operational responsibilities appropriately while maintaining overall accountability for organizational performance. Utilize technology and effective communication practices to successfully lead a hybrid workforce. Program OversightEnsure delivery of high-quality legal services consistent with the organization's mission and funding requirements. Monitor organizational performance through regular reporting, data analysis, and management meetings. Work closely with the Supervising Attorney(s) regarding program quality, staffing needs, client service outcomes, and emerging community legal needs. Support innovation and continuous improvement in service delivery. Fundraising and DevelopmentProvide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's fundraising and development program. Establish annual fundraising goals and revenue strategies. Supervise and evaluate the Development Director. Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. Participate in major donor cultivation and solicitation activities. Review and approve significant grant proposals, fundraising campaigns, and development initiatives prepared by staff. Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting obligations. Financial LeadershipEnsure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Supervise the Finance Manager and provide strategic oversight of financial operations. Develop annual operating budgets in collaboration with staff and the Board Finance Committee. Monitor organizational financial performance and recommend corrective action when necessary. Oversee organizational risk management and internal controls. Negotiate and oversee major funding agreements and service contracts. Board RelationsServe as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors. Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities. Prepare Board agendas, reports, financial information, and supporting materials. Keep the Board informed regarding organizational performance, strategic initiatives, financial matters, legal developments, and emerging risks. Assist the Board in strategic planning and policy development. Support Board engagement in fundraising and community relations. Compliance and Risk ManagementEnsure organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, funding requirements, grant conditions, and professional standards. Maintain accountability for compliance with California State Bar requirements, government contracts, employment laws, and nonprofit regulations. Oversee organizational policies and procedures through appropriate delegation to senior management while maintaining executive accountability. Community Relations and External AffairsServe as the principal ambassador for Senior Legal Services. Build and maintain productive relationships with community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, foundations, and other stakeholders. Represent the organization at key community meetings, conferences, and public events or designate senior staff representatives as appropriate. Promote awareness of the organization's mission, services, and impact. Advocate for public policies that support older adults and access to justice. Strategic PlanningLead long-range organizational planning. Identify emerging trends affecting legal services, nonprofit management, and funding opportunities. Recommend strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational sustainability and community impact. Evaluate organizational effectiveness and implement continuous improvement initiatives.Compensation and BenefitsSenior Legal Services offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with an excellent benefits package that includes:Employer-paid health insurance Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays Flexible work arrangements 403 (B) Retirement benefits Professional development opportunities Employer-paid professional licensing fees, as applicable Collaborative and mission-driven work environmentEqual Employment OpportunitySenior Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.To be considered for this opportunity, please submit an electronic version of your resume and cover letter to resume@seniorlegal.org