Executive Director - East River Legal Services

Are you looking to make a difference? East River Legal Services (ERLS) in Sioux Falls, SD seeks an Executive Director who is a visionary leader. This individual will provide strategic vision, organizational leadership, and resource development to advance ERLS's mission of expanding access to justice for low-income individuals and families. The Executive Director will articulate the program's mission and values to garner broad community support, increase the visibility of ERLS, expand services to underserved communities, cultivate funding opportunities, and support a high-functioning and professional team.

Who We Are

East River Legal Services (ERLS) is the primary provider of free civil legal aid for low-income individuals and families across eastern South Dakota. Serving 33 counties, ERLS provides legal assistance in matters involving family law, housing, consumer protection, public benefits, and services for vulnerable populations, including veterans, survivors of domestic violence, older adults, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

What You Will Do

Provide overall leadership and management of the organization, ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and mission-driven service delivery.

Supervise grant compliance, ensuring that all reporting requirements, federal or state regulations, and individual grant requirements are met.

Partner with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities, support effective governance, and provide regular updates regarding organizational operations, finances, and program outcomes.

Build and maintain strategic relationships with legal aid organizations, courts, community partners, and human services providers to improve access to justice and address gaps in civil legal services throughout the state and region.

Cultivate private donors, engage corporate sponsors, and pursue new grants.

Work directly with individual donors, Board members, corporate entities, law firms, institutional funders, and foundations.

Serve as the primary ambassador for ERLS, promoting its mission and strengthening relationships with stakeholders, funders, community leaders, and the legal profession.

Lead the development of innovative and client-centered legal service strategies, including expanded intake systems, community outreach, holistic advocacy, technology-enabled access to services, and interdisciplinary approaches to client support.

Champion access-to-justice initiatives and identify emerging legal needs and service opportunities throughout the ERLS service area.

Oversee the creation and amendment of budgets as needed, with consideration of cost containment where appropriate.

Envision success for the program, developing policies and protocols to support delivery of legal services that advance the program's mission.

Hire, train, invest in, coach, and lead a highly professional, effective, closely coordinated, self-accountable staff.

What You Will Need

A demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the critical legal needs of low-income individuals and underserved communities.

A J.D. and admission to the South Dakota Bar, or the ability to obtain admission within one year of hire.

Five (5) years of experience in the practice of law or five (5) years of experience managing people, with demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and team development skills preferred.

Experience in nonprofit management, legal services, or other mission-driven organizations is preferred.

Experience with fundraising, grant administration, budgeting, and organizational leadership is preferred.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.

What We Offer

Salary ranging from $115,000-$125,000 based on experience.

A generous benefits package including: Health Insurance, Prescription Drug Coverage, Telemedicine Services, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Basic Group Term Life/AD&D Insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Advocate Support Services, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan with a 4% match. Relocation assistance available.

ERLS is a charitable and tax-exempt organization as defined by IRS Code 501(c)(3). A successful candidate may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (20 U.S.C. § 1087e(m)). Also, candidates without an active South Dakota law license may be able to apply under SDCL 16-16-7.1.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a delightful surprise tucked into the American Midwest—a practical, welcoming city where the prairie meets a lively urban core, all anchored by its namesake waterfalls. Sioux Falls balances an excellent quality of life with a strong economy in a safe, clean environment in southeast South Dakota. For a slice of local life, visit a weekly farmers' market or pop into a neighborhood coffee shop — conversations here are unpretentious and genuinely welcoming. With a competitive cost of living, no state income tax, and amenities of a community twice its size, such as fine dining, shopping, arts, sports and nightlife, Sioux Falls is a friendly place to call home.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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