The Philadelphia Bar Association, founded in 1802, is the oldest association of lawyers in the United States. Its founders and early leaders included several of the nation’s founders. It was originally formed by a small group of Philadelphia lawyers who gathered together to share law books and professional resources. Founded as the Law Library Company of the City of Philadelphia, it was later incorporated as the Law Association of Philadelphia and then the Association. Over the years, its members have included some of the nation’s most prominent lawyers, judges, public servants, business, civic and community leaders.
Today, the Association has about 8,500 members. With a strong sense of social responsibility and community purpose, the Association supports numerous law-related public interest programs and Philadelphia lawyers contribute millions of dollars’ worth of in-kind services annually to various groups and agencies pro bono publico (for the good of the public). The Association handles 25,000 calls a year for legal referrals. The Association also has relationships with other bar associations throughout the United States and around the world.
The Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system.” Key to that mission is working to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the legal profession.
ROLE SUMMARY
Due to retirement, we seek an Executive Director who will manage and guide the operational, administrative, and financial activities of the country’s oldest bar Association and work with the leadership, including the Chancellor, Katayun Jaffari, to implement its strategic plan, and further its mission in a collaborative and thoughtful way. The new Executive Director will work with the Chancellor who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and the other Officers of the Association, including the Chancellor Elect, Ezra Wohlgelernter, and the Vice Chancellor, Kristine Calalang, as necessary.
Current challenges and opportunities are:
Membership
Organizational Management/Builder of Culture and Capacity
Board Engagement and Effectiveness
Programmatic Review
Financial Sustainability and Revenue Diversification
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
BA/BS degree required; a degree in business administration, finance, or management a plus
5+ years executive-level management and leadership
Familiarity with the law and the legal profession
Strong knowledge and comfort level with the political landscape at the local and state level
Sets agendas, goals, timetables and successfully follows through on projects and initiatives
Energetic, enthusiastic, innovative, empathetic, and resourceful with an ability to get things done and achieve goals
Emotional intelligence skills, cultural awareness, politically astute, inclusive, self-directed, agile, and flexible
Good understanding of nonprofit governance, reporting requirements, and management
Effectively collaborates with diverse groups of people
To discuss further, in confidence, or to offer referrals, or apply via email to:
The Philadelphia Bar Association has retained the services of Diversified Search to assist in this search. Interested candidates please e-mail your cover letter and resume to: PhilaBarAssoc@divsearch.com
We support diversity and inclusion efforts across every level of our business—from our employees, to our suppliers, contractors and vendors, because it is important to us that our company reflects the vibrant, diverse communities that we serve.
