Deputy Executive Director, Institute for Law & Organizing

About the role

The Deputy Executive Director will partner with the Founder and Executive Director to support impacted community members through the Institute's research, legal, and organizing projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategy for the Institute’s research, legal, and organizing projects.
• Work with community and coalition partners to articulate strategic goals to build power within communities and to advance the broader goals of the coalition.
• Identify opportunities for legislative advocacy at the municipal and state levels; draft proposals, identify allies and champions, and engage in coalition-based advocacy efforts.
• Pursue litigation opportunities at the municipal and state levels in furtherance of shared goals, leveraging/developing subject matter expertise in property taxes.
• Identify and work with pro bono partners to advance the legal work of the organization.
• Manage a diverse team, providing direct oversight to student fellows, contractors, and full time staff and handling specific community or partner-facing portfolios.
• Design and implement management systems that allow the team to meet rigorous project milestones within a flexible staffing model, ensuring that, although there is a rotating group of student fellows, long-term goals are achieved.
• Lead the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new team members, ensuring that new team members are quickly integrated into the Institute’s culture and workflows.
• Develop and oversee budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and the strategic allocation of resources across multiple workstreams.
• Support fundraising efforts by arranging donor meetings and completing donor reports.
• Act as a key ambassador for the Institute, articulately presenting the mission and impact to the public, community leaders, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• At least three years of law practice, and ability to get barred in Michigan within 12 months of hire.
• Significant leadership experience, ideally in movement, nonprofit, or public-interest settings.
• At least two years of community organizing experience or exposure.
• Experience responsibly managing budgets and organizational resources.
• Adept at managing multiple activities and shifting requirements.
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to translate the mission into actionable workplans.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain productive relationships with a multifaceted network of partners and community members, fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect.
• Thrive in an evolving work environment that often needs to pivot activities to achieve results.
• Existing professional relationships within the Detroit community are highly desirable.

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000. The Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer contributions to health, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and dependents and 401(k) matching contributions.

Application Process

If you are interested in this position and meet the qualifications above, please submit a single PDF document containing a one-page cover letter, and CV/resume outlining your interest in this position and why you would be a good fit. Please note that the cover letter is considered an important aspect of the application and will be evaluated against the qualifications above. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.