Employment Opportunities

B. Executive Leadership/Board and Committees 

1. Supports and informs efforts of the board of governors; works with the president to ensure that the decisions of the board are carried out. 

2. Brings issues of concern to members to the board and/or president; works with the board and president to determine when WACDL will take action and what form that action might take. 

3. Works with the president-elect, executive committee, board and committees to develop yearly goals. 

4. Works with the president to set agendas for board and executive committee meetings. Ensures that board members have background information for board discussions and decision-making.  

5. Works with WACDL committees to help facilitate their work and ensure compliance with association policies. Attends committee and task force meetings to extent possible and stay informed of committee and task force activities. 

6. Works with the president, executive committee, board of governors, committee chairs, and committees to set association priorities, develop programs, and determine strategies. 

C. Personnel: Directs and supervises association staff and contractors including interviewing, selecting, training, assigning tasks, evaluating work performance, and any terminations.  

D. Fiscal & Legal 

1. Prepares the annual budget for consideration by the treasurer, executive committee, and board of governors.  

2. Monitors and manages the budget approved by the board, and keeping the board informed of the association’s financial status. 

3. Ensures all required federal, state and local tax and other regulatory filings are made in a timely manner. 

4. Represents the association in contract negotiations with hotels, lobbyists, and other service providers generally. 

5. Provide support and leadership for fundraising efforts of the board and committees.  

E. Member Services:  

1. Works with the board, committees, other volunteers, and staff to develop and provide member services, including continuing legal education programs; criminal defense practice resources; list serves; member website and online databases.  

2. Regularly reviews and evaluate member services; bring proposals for changes in member services to the board for its consideration; effectively implements any new member services.  

F. Policy & Legislation 

1. Works closely with WACDL’s Legislative Committee and to set priorities, determine strategy, monitor and respond to legislation, and involve members in our legislative efforts.  

2. Monitors work of other agencies that implement policies related to criminal defense and brings issues to attention of the association. 

G. Membership: Develops and carries out plans for increasing membership and retaining current members.  

H. Communications 

1. Serves as editor Washington Criminal Defense, email newsletters, and other association publications. 

2. Responsible for development and design of WACDL website, and for development and design of continuing website enhancements.  

I. Liaison with Others: Maintains relationships with NACDL, other state defense bars, and state and local law-related organizations.  
 

Requirements 

1. A commitment to WACDL’s mission, including knowledge of criminal justice issues, and a commitment to protecting the rights of the accused. 

2. Bachelor’s degree.  

3. A valid driver’s license. 

Desired Attributes and Skills 

A. Experience & Skills 

1. Prior experience in the management or administration of a non-profit organization, or other public or business organization. 

2. Experience working in a local, state, or national legislative process 

3. A strong working knowledge of the computer programs required for the implementation of the association’s operations and services, including competency in Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, QuickBooks, and association management systems.  

4. Leadership or management experience including planning, membership services, financial management, marketing, professional conferences, programs, publications, and public policy.  

5. Experience mentoring, developing, and empowering employees and volunteers. 

6. Demonstrated experience of effectively supporting a volunteer Board of Governors; facilitating meetings, and knowledge of Roberts Rules of Order.  

7. Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and leadership skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse groups including the governing body of an organization, judges, lawyers, politicians, organization members, volunteers, hotel sales staff, other vendors, and the public. 

8. Experience in coalition and relationship building, including the ability to initiate and influence positive change and gain support of stakeholders in developing effective partnerships.  

9. Skills necessary to work effectively with a broad range of constituent groups such as public and private organizations; legislative bodies; other volunteer associations and professional organizations; and the public.  

10. Marketing skills. 

11. Experience using social media and other resources to build member engagement and participation.  

12. Experience in, or a knowledge of, criminal justice and a commitment to protecting the rights of the accused/  

B. Personal Characteristics 

1. A reputation for honesty, integrity, and fairness. 

2. Effective decision making. 

3. Ability to work collaboratively with the president, board and committees to advance the association’s mission and strategy. 

4. The ability to self-start, take initiative and follow-through on all projects. 

5. Ability to work comfortably and with diplomacy with varied audiences. 

6. Flexibility, organizational skills and attention to detail. 

7. Written and oral communication ability. 

8. Exceptional organizational abilities. 

C. Education: An advanced degree in public or non-profit administration, or other similar advanced degree, is desirable.  

D. Other 

1. The position requires occasional travel, some involving overnight stays. 

2. The work environment is currently remote/hybrid. Current staff are in the office at least one day per week, and work remotely otherwise. The chosen candidate will work with the board to decide the work environment moving forward. We welcome applicants from outside of the greater Seattle area.