Ohio Poverty Law Center (OPLC) is a subsidiary program of  Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), a legal aid program  headquartered in Columbus. OPLC’s mission is to provide civil legal aid  and advocacy to overcome unfairness and injustice, reduce poverty, and  increase opportunity.

OPLC is actively seeking a dedicated, professional Director who leads, supports, and grows the Center’s legislative and administrative advocacy efforts and enhances its positive brand.

The Director is responsible for  developing and implementing an advocacy agenda that protects and  expands the rights of Ohioans living, working, and raising their  families in poverty. The Director also identifies  and cultivates relationships with community partners, advocates, and  funders and can draw on these affiliations to advance OPLC’s mission. The Center is overseen by a Board of Managers.

Are You Someone Who:  

• Is dedicated to improving the lives of low-income individuals in our communities?
• Enjoys helping people triumph over adversity?
• Gets excited to puzzle out strategies to move policy through complex political environments?
• Works to advance social justice issues for marginalized communities?
• Has a willingness to advocate even when faced with roadblocks?
• Is motivated, professional, and thrives within a collaborative, team-driven environment?
• Believes successful resolution can be reached beyond traditional methods?
• Is interested in developing a wide range of skills and experiences?
• Enjoys driving fundraising and development efforts?
• Thrives in building new relationships and networks?
• Finds enjoyment in managing staff and a team?

You Will:  

• Manage the Center’s staff, including the Manager of the Alliance of Ohio Legal Aids, and assist with development needs for the team.
• Finalize and move the team’s advocacy plan, goals, and priorities.
• Manage and support the Center’s Board of Managers.
• Develop  and implement communications plans to support the Center’s advocacy  goals and to raise the visibility of the Center’s work.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy that includes foundations, grants, and individual donors, which will expand and diversify funding in support of the Center’s work.
• Ensure that applications and reports for funding sources and government agencies are completed.
• Engage in systemic advocacy through the legislative and administrative bodies, and media.
• Collaborate with Ohio’s legal aids as well as other community, advocacy, and statewide partners.
• Develop and maintain statewide legal aid and community leader relationships.
• Engage with legislative, administrative, and executive governmental staff in a positive and solutions-oriented manner.
• Remain current on emerging policy issues and identify relevant trends.

You Have:  

• Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven record of performance and achievement.
• Experience engaging in policy analysis and legislative advocacy.
• Ability to anticipate needs and navigate problems with a creative, practical approach toward reaching successful resolution.
• Demonstrated successful fundraising experience.
• High ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• High ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration as well as build and sustain productive relationships with diverse individuals, groups and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead, manage and develop a diverse team of professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with diverse audiences.
• A commitment to access for all people with a wide variety of lived experiences both internally and externally.
• Patience, understanding and cultural competency in working with low-income communities.
• Strong work ethic with an ability to connect big picture ideas to day-to-day work.
• Ability to prioritize workload to manage time and tasks and delegate responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, knowledge of current technologies and commitment to remain up to date with industry best practices.
• Juris  Doctor from an accredited law school preferred but non-attorneys will  be considered if they bring a strong background in the type of work done  by the Center, especially around legislative advocacy.
• Prior Legal Aid or related work experience a plus, but not required.

Other Details:  

• It  is the policy of LASCO not to discriminate against any employee or  applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual  orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national  origin, disability, age, ancestry, and military status or any other  characteristic protected by law.
• For more information, visit the Center’s website at https://www.ohiopovertylawcenter.org/.
• This full-time, exempt position is based in Columbus, Ohio and reports to the Executive Director. Some travel to offsite locations around Ohio will be required at times.
• Salary is dependent upon level of experience.
• LASCO  offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package, currently including  an employer funded HRA (up to $12,000), employer-paid employee dental  and vision insurance, a language skills differential ($2,500-$3,500  annually), paid vacation, sick and holiday time, and ongoing training  and development opportunities.

To Apply: Submit resume, references, and letter of interest.