Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives

Salary Range: $122, 000.00 To $152,000.00 Annually

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) has provided high-quality legal aid to low-income people and communities, and vulnerable individuals – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. From deep connections to clients and communities, MLA identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers.

MLA is dedicated to preserving the basic human needs of its clients, particularly as they navigate the justice system. MLA staff, pro bono attorneys, community partners, and general supporters all play important roles in ensuring that the legal playing field is leveled so that those most in need achieve equal access to justice. It is because of this diverse support that MLA is able to be a voice to tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders every year.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

MLA seeks a Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives who, as an experienced and dedicated leader, will play a pivotal role in overseeing the operational aspects of the organization, with a strong emphasis on project management. This position is responsible for leading and managing robust, foundational operational projects to ensure the successful execution of projects across the organization. The Deputy will have extensive experience in project management, including the oversight of initiatives, development, and maintenance of project documentation, and the implementation of best practices. They will bring innovative and strategic thinking, operational expertise, technical expertise, and a commitment to justice for marginalized individuals. The Deputy will know how to pivot between leading, supporting, and integrating MLA’s operations and administration efforts to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

The Deputy will supervise specific sub teams composed of staff of the IT, Administrative Services, Training, and Data Analytics & Insights departments on identified cross-departmental/organizational projects. Additionally, the Deputy will also have a secondary, indirect reporting relationship with those departments reporting directly to the COO. The Deputy will collaborate, provide guidance, and influence decisions, especially on matters related to operations and project management. The Deputy will work closely with other executive team members, especially when leading the project management for large-scale project rollouts where HR, Finance, Development & Communications, and Legal Services serve as the subject matter experts. The Deputy reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Planning and Implementation:
  1. In collaboration with the COO and the Director of Data Analytics & Insights, lead the process to define metrics to track and measure progress against strategic plan objectives.
  2. Serve as project manager for the overall implementation of MLA’s recent operational assessment roadmap encompassing the prioritization of projects by function.
  3. Serve as project manager for annual key prioritized projects by function to ensure strategic direction and leadership and that projects align with organizational goals.
  4. Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual planning for the departments reporting to the COO, including monthly convenings of the Directors, quarterly convenings of all department staff, workplan development and annual performance reviews.
  5. Lead the ongoing development, engagement, utilization, and reporting of the Ops/Admin project planning platform (Monday.com) to ensure alignment and adherence with benchmarks and key results (and recommend course corrections when necessary).
• Efficient and Effective Operational Project Management:
  1. Support, as lead project manager prioritize projects by function:
     • Develop, implement, and maintain project management best practices, processes, and templates
     • Ensure all project documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to relevant stakeholders
     • Monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure that project deliverables are met on time and within budget
     • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive project execution
     • Provide training and mentorship to project managers and other staff involved in project management activities
     • Report on project status and outcomes to executive leadership, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement
  2. Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of nonprofit standards of excellence and best practices for MLA’s organizational governance, management, policies and procedures, and legal compliance.
• Supervision and Support
  1. In close collaboration with the COO and Directors for the departments reporting to the COO, ensure that roles and responsibilities are guided, supported and clarified, especially in decision-making and oversight.
  2. Lead consistent check-ins with the Directors for the departments reporting to the COO to discuss progress, challenges, and align on goals and strategic planning initiatives.