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.