Executive Director - NCLEJ

POSITION SPECIFICATION

NCLEJ

Executive Director

New York, NY (Hybrid; 2-3 days/week in-office)

THE ORGANIZATION

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) advances racial, economic and disability justice for low-income individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Since its founding in 1965 during the civil rights movement, NCLEJ has been at the forefront of using the law as a powerful tool for social change. From landmark victories in its early years to groundbreaking litigation and policy advocacy today, NCLEJ remains committed to building systems that promote economic security and full societal participation for all. NCLEJ’s current advocacy focuses on: (1) Safeguarding access to government benefits (2) Advancing the rights of lower-wage workers (3) Combatting abusive debt collection and wealth extraction (4) Advocating for disability rights and disability justice.

NCLEJ believes everyone deserves to thrive, not just survive. Their work dismantles barriers to economic access and equity for the most marginalized communities, utilizing high-impact litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing to create meaningful and lasting change. With a dedicated team of award-winning attorneys and advocates, NCLEJ is uniquely positioned to continue its legacy of advancing racial and economic justice nationwide. Read more about NCLEJ’s national impact here.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

NCLEJ seeks an inspirational and dynamic leader to drive its mission forward as the current Executive Director, Dennis Parker, announces his retirement. This is more than a job—it’s a calling to shape a more equitable future by fighting systemic poverty and advancing economic, racial and disability justice through bold advocacy and legal action.

The Executive Director is responsible for NCLEJ’s vision, strategy, team, and operations. The ED will manage an annual budget of approximately $4MM and will drive fundraising to sustain and expand programming. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will lead and inspire a diverse and dedicated team of 16 employees. The ED will directly supervise and collaborate with a team including a Director of Litigation & Advocacy, Director of Finance & Administration, Development Manager, and Communications & Fundraising Strategist.

Mission, Values, & Knowledge of Landscape

• Lead NCLEJ with a deep commitment to its mission of advancing economic, racial and disability justice.
• Understand and navigate the unique dynamics of a legal advocacy organization, including managing lawyers, engaging in civil rights work, and driving systemic change.
• Provide leadership grounded in civil rights and racial justice principles, ensuring alignment with NCLEJ’s values.
• Collaborate effectively with the Board of Directors, staff, and external stakeholders to advance NCLEJ’s legal and advocacy priorities.

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for NCLEJ’s growth, ensuring the organization is well-positioned to meet evolving community needs.
• Lead and manage a high-performing team, setting clear expectations and addressing challenges promptly and decisively to maintain a caring, collaborative and effective work environment
• Foster a culture of creativity and innovation, empowering staff to think boldly about legal and policy solutions.
• Strengthen partnerships with civil rights organizations, grassroots organizations, community advocates, and institutional stakeholders.
• Energize and inspire staff, board members, and external supporters with a clear vision and actionable goals.

Fundraising & Public Engagement

• Lead and expand NCLEJ’s fundraising efforts, cultivating and securing funding from foundations, major donors, and other sources.
• Drive and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to grow NCLEJ’s budget, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for NCLEJ, building relationships with donors, foundations, partners, and the broader community.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives, leveraging their networks and expertise to achieve ambitious financial goals.
• Expand NCLEJ’s visibility and reputation in the legal and advocacy landscape, participating in events, panels, and public forums.

Financial Oversight & Operational Excellence

• Actively manage budgets, financial reporting, and strategic fiscal planning to ensure the organization’s financial health and support its mission effectively.
• Work closely with external consultants and the finance team to manage budgets and maintain financial stability.
• Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors on financial matters, providing regular updates, seeking input, and ensuring alignment on financial strategies and priorities.
• Ensure NCLEJ’s operations, staffing, and systems effectively support its mission and growth.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Skills:

• Proven leadership experience in a legal advocacy organization or related nonprofit setting, with a strong understanding of managing lawyers and leading systemic legal initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of civil rights, racial justice, and economic justice issues, with a passion for advancing equity.
• Expertise in fundraising, with a successful track record of building relationships and securing major gifts and foundation funding.
• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, addressing cash flow challenges, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.

Attributes:

• Visionary and strategic thinker with the ability to lead through challenges and drive growth.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader who can energize and empower staff, board members, and partners.
• Hands-on and adaptable, willing to roll up their sleeves to tackle immediate priorities while maintaining a focus on long-term goals.
• Transparent and honest, with the ability to communicate clearly about challenges and opportunities.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required; JD is a strong plus.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: To help ensure that NCLEJ continues to operate in the safest manner possible, NCLEJ requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for medical and/or religious exemptions from the vaccination requirement will be considered on an individual basis, to the extent required by law.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: The compensation range for this role is $215,000 - $260,000 and commensurate with experience. In addition to compensation, NCLEJ has a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance at 100% employer premium sponsored, Open PTO which allows for flexibility of personal, vacation, and sick time to be taken as needed, 12 paid holidays, 403(b) with generous employer contributions and much more.

TO APPLY: Please submit a thoughtful cover letter detailing your interest in the role and aligned experience along with your resume using this link: https://bit.ly/NCLEJ_ED.

Equal Opportunity: NCLEJ is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. NCLEJ values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture and strongly encourages people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from other historically disenfranchised communities to apply. NCLEJ does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital or parental status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NCLEJ makes every effort to ensure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified individuals, including individuals with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

NCLEJ is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying, please contact opportunities@sandlersearch.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.