Chief Executive Officer (Legal Services) (West Palm Beach)

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (LASPBC) seeks a dynamic and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead our organization in its next phase. This role is the driving force behind LASPBC’s mission to ensure that all individuals—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—have meaningful access to civil justice. With courage, compassion, commitment, and clarity of purpose, the Chief Executive Officer guides the organization in confronting systemic inequities, empowering communities, and shaping a more just society. This is an exciting opportunity to carry forward a proud legacy and expand the organization’s reach, voice and lasting influence in the pursuit of justice!

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Executive Officer serves as the Chief Strategic Officer, guiding the organization’s vision, planning, operations, and long-term sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer provides visionary leadership while serving as the organization's principal ambassador, fundraiser, and relationship builder, cultivating the philanthropic partnerships and community support necessary to expand access to justice. The role fosters a positive organizational culture, strengthens community relations, and ensures the delivery of high-quality legal and litigation services to underserved populations. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board of Directors, committees, staff, and external partners to advance the mission and impact of the organization. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors, and performance is evaluated on an annual basis by the Board of Directors. Work schedule varies based on organizational needs and business hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with frequent evening and/or weekend requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Visionary Leadership

• Lead with authenticity and purpose, energizing staff, board members, and partners to pursue transformative change.
• Inspire and articulate a bold, compelling, and forward-thinking vision that reimagines access to justice and centers dignity, equity, and fairness.
• Anticipate emerging legal, political, economic and social trends affecting underserved communities and position the organization as a catalyst in the evolving landscape of civil legal advocacy.
• Promote systemic advocacy and civil justice efforts that address root causes of injustice.

Strategic Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of a clear direction grounded in community needs and long-term impact, by establishing measurable goals, and encouraging innovation and continuous learning.
• Evaluate progress and effective program delivery, while ensuring organizational adaptability in a changing legal, social, and funding landscape.
• Aim for the highest standards of legal excellence, client-centered service, and ethical practice.
• Present a holistic view of client services through the development of new initiatives and systemic reforms that provide easier access for clients.

Organizational Culture

• Cultivate a collaborative workplace rooted in mutual respect, diversity, equity, inclusion, and shared purpose.
• Maintain an environment in which staff are valued, supported, and empowered to grow professionally.
• Support, review and approve staffing goals, employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.
• Collaborate with all departments to promote mentorship, upward mobility, and leadership development.
• Participate in the performance review of direct reports and in compensation package decisions.

Collaboration with Board Members and Committees

• Coordinate a reporting structure that supports long-term health of the organization through close partnership with the Board of Directors’ Resource Development Committee, and the Chief Philanthropy Officer.
• Engage stakeholders as advisors to support governance, policy development, and strategic oversight.
• Cultivate trust and shared leadership through transparent communication by scheduling board and committee meetings, preparing agendas and presenting organizational performance and key initiatives.

Financial Stewardship

• Lead a strong philanthropic culture by building and nurturing partnerships with funders.
• Develop and increase diversified revenue streams to fuel long-term sustainability and growth.
• Ensure the organization’s financial health through transparency, fiscal accountability, and strategic foresight, by overseeing the annual budget, financial reports and funding compliance.
• Align financial decisions with mission priorities and regulatory requirements.

Fundraising

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to increase board engagement in fundraising, donor cultivation, advocacy, and community relationship development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with philanthropic leaders, private foundations, corporations, community organizations, elected officials, and strategic partners to expand organizational visibility and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to establish annual fundraising goals, monitor campaign performance, and evaluate return on investment across all fundraising initiatives.
• Stay abreast of emerging philanthropic trends and innovative funding opportunities that advance the organization's mission and long-term strategic priorities.
• Represent the organization at donor meetings, fundraising events, community functions, and public engagements to inspire investment in equal access to justice.
• Foster a sustainable fundraising culture in which philanthropy is viewed as a shared organization responsibility supporting long-term mission success.

Community Relations

• Lead outreach efforts to increase the organization’s visibility and strengthen its reputation.
• Serve as the main spokesperson and trusted ambassador for the organization, by being a compelling voice for justice, elevating critical issues through public speaking engagements, advocacy, and media relations to advance civil justice initiatives.
• Serve as primary liaison with the judiciary, and local bar associations, including presenting at bar association functions.
• Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with funders, and community stakeholders.
• Strategically place key staff members in community roles to increase the depth of the organization’s community support and transformative power by building bridges across sectors.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from an A.B.A. accredited law school.
• Member in good standing and licensee of The Florida Bar (or eligible for admission).
• 15 years of legal advocacy experience, with at least five (5) years in poverty law or civil legal services and substantial litigation experience.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience, ideally within non-profit, legal services, or public interest sectors.
• Experience managing complex organizations with multiple program areas and funding sources.
• Proven executive leadership experience, including demonstrated success securing philanthropic investments within a nonprofit organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of substantive poverty law areas (housing, family law, public benefits, consumer, etc.).
• Understanding of nonprofit governance, grant management, and compliance requirements.
• Cultural competency and ability to work effectively with diverse staff, clients, and stakeholders.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and financial management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal, public speaking and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to inspire and influence teams, build and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a leadership team and collaborate across departments.

Desired Attributes

• Mission-driven with a passion for advancing access to justice and equity.
• Strategic thinking with ability to balance long-term vision with immediate operational needs.
• Collaborative, relationship-centered, consensus building.
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing organizational needs.
• Professional demeanor with strong ethical standards, integrity, accountability, and resilience.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Salary Range:

Competitive salary of $200,000 to $225,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Additional Benefits

• Vacation leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks per year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment) and increases to 3 weeks per year after two years of employment.
• Sick leave earnings equal 2.4 weeks per year (beginning the first of the month after 30 days of employment).
• 13-15 paid holidays per year (depending on c]]>