NACC Executive Director Search

The NACC Board of Directors is conducting a search for an Executive Director. Please see the job description below.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors, and serves as the Chief Executive of the NACC.  The Board currently includes 18 members from throughout the nation, including attorneys and medical and mental health professionals with expertise in child welfare issues.
The Executive Director has overall responsibility for ensuring strong compliance with NACC’s core mission to promote quality legal representation for all children and families involved in the judicial system. The Executive Director is charged with ensuring the fiscal health of the organization and inspiring and leading the NACC staff.
 
The Executive Director’s primary duties and responsibilities include:

1. Direct and implement activities to generate earned income, including, but not limited to, training, the annual conference, CWLS and new projects or initiatives to be identified and developed by the Executive Director;
2. Ensure the vigorous and competent pursuit of public and private support, individual and corporate fundraising, grants, cy pres, and other award opportunities;
3. Maintain fiscal control over expenditure and adherence to generally accepted accounting procedures (GAAP),  oversee and have final authority on all budgetary matters, and ensure that NACC maximizes the use of every budgeted dollar. Oversee the operating and capital budgets – including an endowment account under development;
4. Manage staff responsible for the organization’s programs, including, but not limited to, certification, amicus activity, policy advocacy, membership, communications, conferences and trainings;
5. Develop and maintain a collegial, cooperative and supportive working relationship between all staff and volunteers;
6. Conduct or review annual performance evaluations of all NACC  employees;
7. Exercise final decision-making authority to hire, promote, discipline, demote and terminate all employees, and to exercise such authority with thoughtful consideration;
8. Exercise final authority over all NACC operations, including setting internal policies regarding staffing, budgeting, human resources and employee benefits;
9. Maintain good working relationships with and promote NACC to local and national child welfare organizations and agencies, foundations, related government agencies, courts and elected officials;
10. Represent NACC at local, statewide and national workgroups, convenings, and conferences. Lead and oversee NACC’s ’s active engagement in legislative and other reform efforts, and spearhead initiatives to enhance public awareness of issues and concerns relevant to NACC’s mission;
11. Implement the Strategic Plan and carry out policies and decisions of the Board of Directors;
12. Work with the President of the Board of Directors to set the agenda and manage the Board Meetings; and
13. Maintain regular communication with the President of the Board and keep the Board regularly apprised of all significant developments at NACC.

 
QUALIFICATIONS

• Personal Characteristics: The successful candidate will exhibit natural leadership abilities and outstanding interpersonal skills. She/he will be approachable, diplomatic, and a natural problem solver. It is critical that the person be both comfortable working both in teams, and individually.
• Leadership: Can demonstrate and inspire in others a strong work ethic and a deeply felt commitment to the advancement of the interests of children and families.
• Knowledge/Understanding: Has a sophisticated understanding of the child welfare system and related legal issues involving vulnerable, victimized, accused and disadvantaged children and families. Recognizes ethnic, racial, gender identity and economic inequity in the child welfare and justice system and actively seeks social justice and inclusion for all.
  
• Management and Fundraising Skills: Possesses a proven track record in leading and managing multiple, highly skilled staff and a complex, diverse organization in a manner that is progressive and consistent.  Is experienced in organizational and financial management, program development and implementation, fundraising, and public policy advocacy.
• Commitment: Brings a demonstrated commitment to service, system reform, strengthening and empowering children and communities and to issues of justice and opportunity.
  
• Communication & Technology: Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills and will be able to serve as a major public spokesperson for the organization. Has facility with and utilizes current technology to ensure optimal efficiency, timely communication, and exemplary overall job performance;
• Organizational Skills: Is creative, imaginative, and progressive. Comprehends and can work with complex organizations, including entities with memberships and educational responsibilities.    Has a proven ability to attract the "best and brightest" staff.  Exhibits tenacity to start and finish difficult tasks.  Has the ability to form alliances that serve the interests of children.  Can manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Political Skills: Understands political relationships and political power in the United States, and knows how to be politically effective in the U.S. at the federal and state level, and within all three branches of government.

A law degree and background in child welfare law is preferred, but not required. The Executive Director will serve in the Denver-area headquarters of the NACC, but will be expected to travel extensively to plan and conduct conferences, trainings, and meetings, engage in child advocacy, facilitate expansion of membership and the Child Welfare Law Specialist program, and to raise funds.

The salary and benefits package for this position will be competitive.   NACC is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will be evaluated on a merit basis.

Resumes may be submitted in confidence to:
H. D. Kirkpatrick, PhD, ABPP
President, NACC Board of Directors
NACCed@naccchildlaw.org