Opportunities

Board Elections to take place April 2020

National Lawyers Guild SF Bay Area Chapter (NLGSF) is inviting committed and passionate members to run for a position on our Board of Directors. The NLGSF Board of Directors plays a crucial role in governance, fundraising, strategic planning, and supporting administrative and financial matters of the organization. This is an exciting time for NLGSF as we begin our search for a new Executive Director, further develop our internal programs, and expand our membership base. Elections will take place in April 2020.

Who We’re Looking For

NLGSF is committed to maintaining a Board of Directors that reflects the full diversity and vibrancy of our membership, including age, gender, sexuality, legal status, race and professional experience. Members who are active in NLGSF’s committees and are able to represent the work and interests of the committees are strongly encouraged to run. Representatives of organizations that partner with the NLG are also strongly encouraged to run.In addition, members with knowledge and expertise in advocating for either 1) women/Queer/TGNC folks in prisons or 2) unhoused folks in encampments are especially needed to join the NLGSF Board of Directors. Prior experience serving on a Board of Directors is also desirable. 

Expectations of Board Members

• The NLGSF Board of Directors meets in-person quarterly, alternating between San Francisco and the East Bay. It is expected that Board members will attend all Board meetings and be available for conference calls in-between the quarterly meetings on an as-needed basis.
• Board members are expected to attend a one-day Board retreat annually.
• Board members are expected to attend at least three organizational events per year, including the annual Testimonial Dinner.
• Board members serve two-year terms.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

• Empower the Executive Director to set organizational priorities and develop/implement internal programming to do so.
• Evaluate the Executive Director in partnership with Committee representatives and ensure that internal programs are effective and aligned with NLGSF’s mission.
• Set organizational policies.
• Provide oversight of NLGSF’s active programmatic committees.
• Raise the public profile of NLGSF and awareness of its mission and programs.
• Provide oversight of the annual budget and assist in its development.
• Protect and strengthen the financial sustainability of the organization, including supporting the Executive Director with fundraising efforts. 

To Run for a Position on the Board of Directors

• You must be a member in good standing with NLGSF prior to election.
• Complete the online questionnaire

Priority given to those who apply by February 15, 2020

Please send resume and cover letter to: personnel@nlgsf.org

Position Summary:

National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Chapter (NLGSF) is the largest chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, with over 400 members, and seeks a full time Executive Director (ED) to lead our work with great vision, dedication and leadership in these tumultuous political times. The ED will be responsible for working collaboratively with the board and membership to provide the organization with direction and a clear sense of mission and values. This will require the ED to practice broad discretion and judgment in working collaboratively with the board, committees and membership to define the organization’s goals and strategies, ensure the administrative, fiscal and programmatic health and effectiveness of the organization, assist the organization to raise the funds needed to operate effectively, manage the organization’s resources soundly and efficiently, and maintain the organization’s overall public image, reputation and key relationships. Salary commensurate with experience and a generous benefits package.

Finance and Fundraising:

• Attend mandatory monthly meetings of the Chapter’s finance committee and board of directors.
• Develop an annual budget for review and approval by the board.
• Ensure and prepare timely and accurate financial reports for the board, finance committee, and as required by funders.
• Administer accounts, financial records, and contracts on behalf of the Chapter.
• Manage and facilitate Chapter’s fundraising plan including fundraising events, sustainer program, legacy bequests, applying for and managing grants, and other fundraising programs.

Planning, Development and Programmatic Work:

• Facilitate and lead organizational planning and development, including strategic and operational planning, in conjunction with the board.
• Foster the growth and development of Chapter work and ensure that the work of staff, Guild volunteers and interns are consistent with the goals, mission, political resolutions and programmatic priorities of the Guild.

Communication Between Staff, Membership, Committees and Elected Leadership:

• Ensure effective communication and collaboration among staff, board, membership and Chapter committees.
• Participate in board development, including recruitment and training of new Board members.

Political and Organizational Leadership:

• Function as the chapter’s and the national organization’s local representative in coordination with the elected officers and other members.
• Exercise broad discretion and judgment in working with other progressive organizations.  This includes liaising with other organizations’ staff, and engaging in joint programmatic work with allied organizations.
• Speak at NLG and non-NLG events, demonstrations, etc.

Communication of Guild Work, Activities, Internally:

• Provide support and leadership for programmatic committees, including the demonstrations committee, the immigration committee, the police and prisons committee, labor and employment committee, military law panel, and support chapter members creating new committees.
• Develop programs and strategies to expand and grow membership and programmatic work.

Policy and Legislative Work:

• Recommend and lead NLG local and national policy and legislative work in conjunction with relevant chapter committees and community coalitions.
• Speak on behalf of the Guild at hearings of local government bodies, hearings on prospective legislation/regulations, and/or political appointees, that effect areas of NLG programmatic work or interest.

 Union Relations:

• Work with elected officers and designated personnel committee of the board to ensure that personnel management and policies are consistent with the union contract.Work with elected officers and designated personnel committee of the board to ensure that personnel management and policies are consistent with the union contract.
• Keep proper wages and payroll records, leave benefits and dates for all staff to ensure the proper and timely payment of hourly wages required by the Union Agreement and/or compliance with applicable federal or state labor and employment laws.

Commitment to Inclusivity & Diversity:

• Ensure the Guild’s policies, practices and programmatic work, as well as the recruitment of Board members and the activities of staff, volunteers and committees, are performed in a manner consistent with the Guild’s commitment to diversity including racial, ethnic, economic, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience working in a grassroots, membership-based organization.
• Knowledge of issues related to a progressive political and legal agenda, including support for civil liberties, opposition to government repression, workers’ rights, and social, racial, economic and gender justice.
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills with diverse audiences and with the media.
• Ability to connect and communicate with cross-functional communities, including legal, activist, and policy.
• Strong relationships with diverse communities and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise great patience, multi- task, set priorities and meet required deadlines.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and creative at problem-solving.
• Spanish and/or Arabic language a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree is required. California bar passage or significant other legal experience preferred but will consider person with other extraordinary strengths.
• 3-5 years of experience working in nonprofit sector as an executive director or program director.
• History of activism in sectors relevant to the work of NLGSF.

**The position involves supervising and directing the work of (at least) one other staff position, a position covered by an existing national labor agreement between the NLG nationally and the United Auto Workers, Local 2320. As of this date, this position requires the performance of the listed and other managerial duties as their primary work for the chapter, and is therefore considered a “managerial” position, excluded or exempt from the coverage of the NLG’s national agreement with the Union. But the inclusion or not of the position in the current staff bargaining unit is subject to possible change in the current contract negotiations and the position may end up being covered by the existing, or possibly a new union contract, in either case potentially requiring union membership and the payment of union dues to the UAW 2320. More information about the payment of union dues and the Union contract is available upon request.

Priority given to those who apply by March 31, 2020

Please send resume and cover letter to: personnel@nlgsf.org

POSITION SUMMARY:

The National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter (NLGSF) is the largest chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, with over 400 members.  NLGSF seeks a Membership Coordinator to work as an employee to ensure the smooth operation of our office, with a focus on membership renewals and supporting the organization’s annual fundraiser, the Testimonial Dinner.  The Membership Coordinator will report directly to the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors.

Details of Employment

• Full-time (35 hours per a week)
• Generous benefits package: Health Insurance, Dental, Life Insurance, sick, generous Vacation and Holidays
• $42,000 – $45,000 depending on experience

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Membership Support 

• Manage and ensure the quality and accuracy of our membership database.
• Respond to member email and telephone inquiries.
• Oversee monthly billing of members and lapsed members.
• Oversee and update membership listservs.
• Create and distribute regular email newsletter to members and supporters. 
• Update website with news and events.

Office Administration

• Check and respond to general office email accounts and voicemail boxes.
• Collect and sort incoming mail.
• Ensure that bills and checks received get to the Treasurer or to our fiscal sponsor. 
• General office filing and data entry.
• Coordinate main office operations, including ordering supplies, coordinating use of office space, serving as primary point of contact for office service providers.
• Support Board of Directors and committees with any meeting logistics.
• Coordinate and prepare mailing lists for mass mailings to members as needed.

Testimonial Dinner 

• Support the volunteer members of the Dinner Committee to track and coordinate ad sales and ticket sales. 
• Generate acknowledgement letters/emails for ad sales and donations. 
• Update and maintain website with information about the Testimonial Dinner. 
• Coordinate with event vendors, including caterer and venue. 
• Attend regular Dinner Committee meetings (approximately once per month in the evenings).
• Staff the event and coordinate the registration table, including lists of attendees, name tags and volunteers. 
• Print and coordinate signage for event. 

Event Coordination 

• Coordinate events organized by NLG-SF Board, members, program staff and/or Committees
• Coordinate CLE trainings
• Support collaborative events with NLG-SF partners

Other support as needed and requested by Executive Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

Required

• At least two years of experience in fundraising, event planning/coordination, member services, or customer service. 
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, accurately, and efficiently.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and independent – must be able to implement and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing situations.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

Desired

• Experience with non-profit databases (familiarity with PowerBase or CiviCRM highly preferred)
• Knowledge of WordPress.

TO APPLY:

Please email your cover letter and resume to need to personnel@nlgsf.org  with “Membership Coordinator” in the subject line.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until it is filled but preference will be given to those who apply before midnight PST on March 31, 2020.

NLGSF is an affirmative action employer.  People of color, women, immigrants, formerly incarcerated persons, LGBTIQ+ individuals and differently-abled individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.