Executive Director

OVERVIEW and PURPOSE:

The Arkansas Appleseed Legal Justice Center is a statewide nonprofit with a mission to increase justice and opportunity for all Arkansans by developing and advancing inclusive, collective, and systemic solutions to complex issues. Joining a national network of similar centers, Arkansas Appleseed advances its mission by addressing systemic barriers to justice at the root.

The Executive Director serves as the organization’s principal leader, representative, and spokesperson to the greater community. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for carrying out the responsibilities below.

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advocacy for Systemic Change (Approximately 40%)

• Develops advocacy campaign strategy; leads, coordinates and executes all advocacy campaigns;
• Collaborates with Board of Directors in identifying and implementing programming related to the organization’s core mission;
• Ensures programs and operations are rigorously evaluated and modified as needed to advance the organization’s mission as effectively as possible.

Development and Community Outreach (Approximately 35%)

• Represents the organization in key community events and meetings;
• Leads efforts to secure funding from diverse sources, including foundations, individual donors, and government grants;
• Develops sustainable fundraising strategies to support the organization's growth and impact;
• Builds and cultivates relationships with funders, volunteers, and community members.

Operations and Administration (Approximately 15%)

• Guides the creation of the multi-year strategic plan and annual organizational work plan that sets goals for each program and incorporates progress towards longer-range strategic goals;
• Ensures the organization is in full compliance with all laws and regulations, including maintaining 501(c)3 status and fulfilling all related tax obligations;
• Ensures the organization implements best practices to support equity and inclusion among all staff and community members served;
• Guides the preparation of the annual operating budget and budgetary adjustments during the fiscal year to maintain a balanced budget;
• Supervises and coordinates the work of staff and volunteers.

Collaborations with the Board of Directors (Approximately 5%)

• Works closely with the Board of Directors to evaluate, revise, and implement the organization’s strategic plan;
• Collaborates with the board to leverage directors’ expertise and networks to advance the organization’s mission;
• Attends board meetings, and prepares and presents reports regarding financial updates, programming and administrative reports as needed;
• Works with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to communicate organizational updates to the Board of Directors between scheduled meetings.

Relationship with the Appleseed Network (Approximately 5%)

• Participates in the Appleseed Network, including in the Executive Directors’ Council, collaborative projects, Appleseed committees, providing technical assistance to other Centers or Appleseed, and/or other similar activities;
• Engages in collaborative efforts with other Centers where similar needs and goals allow.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, and EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Three (3) years experience in nonprofit, public policy, government, or law-related work environments. This experience should include more than one of the following:
  • Significant work experience building and leveraging legislative relationships to advocate for policy changes;
  • Demonstrated fundraising, grant-writing, and grant management experience, including cultivating relationships with funders and securing substantial financial support;
  • Working knowledge of the Arkansas community, nonprofit and political landscape;
  • Effective communication and public relations strategies, methods and techniques;
  • Knowledge of nonprofit operations, management and structures.
• Graduate degree in a field related to public policy or legal studies preferred, not required;
• High level of personal accountability and work ethic;
• Flexibility, creativity, curious and open to learning.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Residence: must reside in the State of Arkansas during term of employment;
• Travel: required locally up to several times per month for short durations, required within Arkansas or nationally up to several times per year for durations of a few days;
• Transport: valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health benefit reimbursement
• Employer retirement contribution
• Classification of Employment: Exempt

Applications received by October 21, 2024 will be given priority consideration, and thereafter will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and at least three references to board@arappleseed.org