Chief Of Staff

Job Description

The Chief of Staff is a key executive role within the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA), directly supporting the President and CEO while closely collaborating with the Executive Management Team. This position is vital in the strategic execution and operational alignment of the NLADA’s mission and values. The Chief of Staff ensures that the organization’s strategies, structures, and culture are cohesively aligned and effectively implemented.

A significant aspect of this role involves federal lobbying, where the Chief of Staff will develop and execute strategic lobbying efforts at the federal level, focusing on policy issues central to the NLADA’s advancement of racial equity and access to counsel. This includes establishing relationships with key policymakers and government officials, monitoring legislative developments, and ensuring the organization’s voice is influential and present in relevant policy discussions.

Moreover, the Chief of Staff actively strengthens bonds and working relationships among staff, recognizing, and leveraging the power of intersectionality and diversity. This role is crucial in fostering an environment of shared collaboration and accountability, encouraging a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into the organizational fabric.

In this role, the Chief of Staff will act as a strategic advisor and chief administrator and champion the organization’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and collaborative excellence. The Chief of Staff will be expected to lead by example, demonstrating a deep understanding of social justice issues and a commitment to driving systemic change.

The Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains true to its core values while navigating the complexities of the nonprofit and trade association landscape, including compliance with federal lobbying laws and the effective management of lobbying efforts and resources.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration:

• Serve as a confidante, thought partner, and trusted advisor to the President and CEO.
• Partner with the Executive Management Team to manage and evolve the organizational structure and culture.
• Lead efforts in supporting and sustaining the organizational culture, with a strong focus on inclusion and racial equity.
• Supervise professional development opportunities and establish career paths for both attorneys and non-attorneys.
• Provide leadership on workplace culture, promoting employee engagement and high performance.

Organizational And Staff Development

• In partnership with core staff, ensure effective management systems for developing, mentoring, and empowering a diverse workforce.
• Oversee Human Resources and Executive Management Team initiatives related to staff hiring, management, performance, compensation, professional development, and retention.
• Support core staff committees focused on compensation, professional development, and more.
• Establish policies, processes, and procedures to ensure consistency and continual improvement.

Governance And Representation

• Chair selected Board-driven committee meetings, promoting best practices in board governance.
• Assist in managing relationships with organizational partners and serve as a proxy for the President and CEO in key settings as needed.
• Support the President and CEO in projects with the Board, refining and implementing their agenda.

Federal Lobbying

• Develop and execute strategic lobbying efforts at the federal level, focusing on policy issues relevant to NLADA.
• Establish relationships with key policymakers, legislative staff, and government officials to advance the NLADA’s legislative agenda.
• Monitor and analyze federal legislation and regulatory developments that could impact the NLADA and its mission.
• Provide expert advice to the President and CEO on federal policy issues, legislative strategies, and potential implications for the organization.
• Collaborate with the communications team to craft messaging and advocacy materials for federal lobbying efforts.
• Coordinate with other nonprofits, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to build coalitions and partnerships for greater impact in federal policy advocacy.
• Represent the organization in meetings, hearings, and federal policy and lobbying events.
• Ensure compliance with all federal lobbying laws and reporting requirements.

Continuous Improvement And Thought Leadership

• Promote transparent decision-making processes.
• Contribute to the organization’s thought leadership, managing self-reflection efforts for continuous improvement and learning.