MLAC Begins Search for its Next Executive Director
View the complete position description [PDF].
The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), a statewide, quasi-public organization that provides leadership and support for civil legal services to low-income individuals and families, in partnership with the broader civil legal services community in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, seeks nominations and applications for its next Executive Director.
Since its creation by statute¹ in 1983, MLAC has been working to address the causes, and to ameliorate the effects of poverty by pursuing equal justice for low-income people. To achieve this goal, MLAC works to strengthen the network of Massachusetts regional and statewide legal aid programs, supporting them as they deliver high-quality, strategically focused legal assistance that helps clients transform their lives and communities.
This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of one of the strongest legal aid systems in the country and to help shape the direction of civil legal services provided to vulnerable and marginalized communities throughout Massachusetts. As the largest funder of civil legal services in the Commonwealth, MLAC, in conjunction with its grantees, has long been a leading proponent of civil legal aid. MLAC’s influence has increased over time, as more governmental agencies and foundations have partnered with MLAC and its grantees to meet burgeoning civil legal aid needs.
Reporting to an 11-member Board of Directors appointed by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, the Executive Director will lead the organization in its mission to provide funding and strategic support of civil legal services through its grantees and other partners across the Commonwealth. The Executive Director represents MLAC publicly and will continue to elevate the organization’s image as a critical, impacting agency within the community. As MLAC moves into the next phase of its evolution, there is an enormous opportunity to become the leading voice for civil legal services in the Commonwealth. In close collaboration with grantees and other partners, MLAC can increase public understanding of the critical role civil legal aid plays in ensuring just, fair and equitable communities.
The Executive Director will be an inclusive, adaptive leader with a breadth and depth of public interest legal experience across a range of issues. The Executive Director will uphold a culture of collaboration and transparency to ensure operations consistently support exceptional quality services, which in turn meet the civil legal needs of low-income people, empower them to transform their lives and assure equal access to opportunities and justice with an appreciation for the barriers low-income people face.
TO APPLY
The search committee is being assisted by Tamar Datan and Nureen Das of NPAG. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format) and where you learned of the position should be submitted to: mlac-ed@nonprofitprofessionals.com
¹Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 221A. The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation Act.
