Career Center

Executive Director

Looking for a: Managing Attorney
Practice Area: Government, Public Sector & Public Interest
Job Type: Full-Time
Starting Salary: $125,000
Job Duration: Permanent
Job Description:

About Volunteer UP Legal Clinic
Volunteer UP Legal Clinic is a nonprofit legal services organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Southern New Jersey. Our mission is to uplift and empower communities through legal representation, advocacy, and public awareness. We connect people facing systemic legal barriers with compassionate staff and skilled volunteer attorneys who provide exceptional pro bono legal services. Volunteer UP Legal Clinic’s vision is that everyone in South Jersey—regardless of income—will have equitable access to quality legal assistance.
________________________________________
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer and is responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial leadership of the organization. In collaboration with the Board of Trustees, the ED will set the organization’s vision, ensure programmatic excellence, secure resources, and represent Volunteer UP to stakeholders and the broader community. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with strong managerial expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a deep commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment.
________________________________________
Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Partner with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement a strategic plan that advances Volunteer UP’s mission and expands organizational impact.
• Lead a community-first approach to legal empowerment and systemic reform.
• Supervise, inspire, motivate, and guide a diverse staff of legal professionals, promoting a workplace culture grounded in collaboration, equity, and accountability.

Program Oversight
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive legal services.
• Expand and adapt services to meet evolving community needs.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and uphold professional and ethical standards.

Volunteer & Partnership Development
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteer attorneys, law students, and legal professionals.
• Cultivate partnerships with law schools, bar associations, and community organizations.

Fundraising & Resource Development
• Lead fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor engagement, and events.
• Build lasting relationships with funders and diversify revenue streams for sustainability.

Financial & Administrative Management
• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.
• Oversee human resources, including hiring, onboarding & offboarding staff, performance management, and professional development.

Board Engagement
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide transparent updates on organizational progress and challenges.
• Support Board recruitment and governance.

Community Engagement & Advocacy
• Represent Volunteer UP throughout Southern New Jersey, building and fostering community relationships with grassroots organizations, local governments, courts, etc.
• Elevate community voices in advocacy efforts on housing, reentry, veterans’ needs, family law issues, financial literacy, and others.
• Collaborate with coalitions to address systemic barriers to justice.

Other duties as needed.
________________________________________
Qualifications
Required:
• J.D. and active NJ Bar membership (or eligibility), or significant leadership experience in nonprofit legal services.
• 5–7+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, legal services, or public interest law.
• Strong commitment to racial equity, economic justice, and community-driven solutions.
• Proven fundraising, program development, and volunteer management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication abilities.

Preferred:
• Experience in legal aid or community-based justice programs.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and/or restorative justice practices.
• Spanish-speaking.
• Lived experience reflective of the communities served.
________________________________________
Compensation
• $125,000 annual salary with the potential for increases commensurate with additional funding opportunities secured.
________________________________________
To Apply
• Please send cover letter, resume, and professional references to [email protected].
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Priority will be given to applications received by September 12, 2025, and the interview process will commence shortly thereafter.

Location: Camden, New Jersey
Posted On: August 19, 2025 at 10:09 pm