Executive Director at National Legal Aid & Defender Association

Position Description

Charleston Legal Access has retained thredpartners to lead and manage the Executive Director search process.

About Charleston Legal Access

Charleston Legal Access (CLA) is South Carolina’s first nonprofit, sliding-scale law firm. We make legalservices affordable for people who don’t qualify for free legal aid but can’t afford a private attorney.

Since opening in 2016, CLA has helped more than 1,500 clients resolve family, housing, immigration, and other civil legal issues—preserving over $3 million in assets and helping families remain safe, stable, and secure.

We believe access to justice should never depend on income. Our team works every day to close the “justice gap” and strengthen the social and economic stability of South Carolina communities. By addressing the civil legal issues that often underlie homelessness, domestic violence, and poverty, CLA helps individuals and families move from crisis to stability.

This is an exciting moment for Charleston Legal Access, with a talented team of eight staff members—including a Development Director, Senior Staff Attorney, two (2) staff attorneys, an Equal Justice Works Housing Fellow, an Intake and Outreach Coordinator, and a Legal Assistant. CLA is exploring opportunities to expand its innovative model to serve more communities across the state. CLA is also increasing its immigration assistance to respond to the growing needs of immigrant families in the Lowcountry, ensuring that everyone—regardless of status or income—can access the legal help they need to build safe and stable lives.

The Opportunity

Charleston Legal Access seeks a mission-driven, relationship-oriented Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.

This is an opportunity for a compassionate, community-minded leader to guide a talented team, nurture partnerships, and expand access to affordable legal help across the Lowcountry. The Executive Director will serve as CLA’s chief strategist, spokesperson, and advocate—championing equity and justice while ensuring the organization’s operational and financial sustainability.

If you are energized by helping communities thrive and believe that justice is essential to community well-being, this is your chance to make a tangible difference every day.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• Lead implementation of CLA’s mission and strategic plan, fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and compassion.
• Inspire and guide a staff of eight, including the Development Director, Senior Staff Attorney, two (2) staff attorneys, an Equal Justice Works Housing Fellow, an Intake and Outreach Coordinator, and a Legal Assistant
• Build strong relationships with community partners, policymakers, and funders to advance equitable access to justice.
• Represent CLA in local and statewide coalitions, public forums, and the media.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities, evaluate progress, and shape the organization’s long-term direction.
  
  

Organizational & Team Management

• Oversee daily operations, staff development, and internal systems to ensure high-quality, client- centered services.
• Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and professional development planning.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace culture that supports staff well-being and growth.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and regulatory standards relevant to nonprofit law practice.
  
  

Fundraising & Community Engagement

• Serve as CLA’s chief fundraiser and ambassador, cultivating relationships with individual donors, law firms, corporations, and foundations.
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with the Development Director.
• Oversee grants—identifying opportunities, writing or supervising proposals, and ensuring timely reporting.
• Represent CLA publicly to raise awareness and expand partnerships.
• Lead communications, including newsletters, campaigns, and media engagement.
  
  

Financial Stewardship & Operations

• Manage an annual budget of approximately $750,000–$1 million, ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency.
• Oversee financial planning, reconciliations, and reporting in collaboration with the bookkeeper, CPA, and Board Treasurer.
• Maintain and improve administrative systems, technology platforms, and vendor relationships (Clio, Bonterra, Microsoft Suite, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit, tax, and grant requirements.
  
  

Board Relations & Governance

• Partner with the Board to strengthen governance, support recruitment, and align leadership on strategic goals.
• Prepare and facilitate board and committee meetings, including quarterly finance and executive sessions.
• Provide transparent, data-informed updates to guide decision-making.
• Support board development and cultivate strong relationships with board members.
  
  

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney in South Carolina (or eligible for admission).
• Demonstrated commitment to expanding access to justice and equity.
• At least three years’ experience in nonprofit, legal, or public interest leadership.
• Strong financial management and organizational leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities across sectors.
• Experience with fundraising, grants management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Compassionate, trauma-informed, and equity-centered approach to leadership.
  
  

Desired Attributes

• Mission-driven and community-focused.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial thinker excited about growth and innovation.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and people-centered leader.
• Ethical, adaptable, and highly organized.