Veterans Legal Institute | Executive Director

Orange County, California Veterans Legal Institute Executive Director Orange County, CA About Veterans Legal Institute Veterans Legal Institute’s mission is simple - to provide world-class legal pro bono assistance to homeless, at-risk, disabled, and low-income veterans to eradicate barriers to housing, healthcare, education, employment, and to foster self-sufficiency. VLI is a full-service law firm that represents the complete suite of veterans’ legal needs including family law, discharge upgrades, veterans benefits, housing, consumer law, civil litigation, trusts, estates, and probate, healthcare, business, non-profit. For instance, VLI joined forces with policymakers in Sacramento to expand access to justice for disabled California veterans. Before SB 498 was passed, many veterans were disqualified from legal aid because their disability compensation made them “over-income.” VLI partnered with Senator Tom Umberg to push for this critically needed legislation, which allowed disabled veterans to access justice while not being penalized for their disability. In 2023, VLI secured over $2.9 million in benefit awards for disabled veterans, including over $165,000 in monthly compensation. VLI receives between 200-400 applications per month for legal services serving 150 on average each month. Position Summary At an exciting time of growth and transition, VLI seeks a visionary Executive Director whose leadership will expand on the work of the founding Executive Director to support, advance, and grow the mission of this veteran-focused legal services organization. The Executive Director directs all aspects of the organization’s operations including donor relations, fundraising and development, recruitment of attorneys, human resources, finances and budgeting, public relations, and strategic planning. Duties Promote the Mission Support the mission of VLI at the operational, strategic, and policy-making levels. Cultivate new relationships, and further develop current relationships with a deep knowledge of our community. Fundraising and Development Design and execute VLI’s development strategy including donor relations, corporate/foundation partnership development, and lead fundraising campaigns. Strategic Planning Develop a sustainable expansion plan to grow the organization and extend its ability to serve veterans. Finances Supervise the creation and manage the organizational budget. Maintain VLI’s financial health through County and State budget advocacy. Board Administration/Support Report to the Board concerning the organization, community needs, proposals and initiatives. Human Resources and Public Relations Manage all hiring, termination, and employee evaluations for the organization. Represent VLI as the Point of Contact for all media inquiries. Organizational & Staff Oversight Oversee a staff of nonprofit professionals, attorneys, paralegals, support staff and volunteers. Requirements 7+ years leadership experience within a nonprofit. 10+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, specifically major gifts, donor/board relations, and grant writing. An authentic connection to VLI’s mission. Strong financial acumen along with experience creating and managing budgets. Knowledgeable about the CA legal process/landscape. Compensation Compensation ranges from $125,000 to $175,000, commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package. To Apply Interested applicants should send a resume and statement of interest to Jonathan McIntosh, Partner at jmcintosh@thinkingahead.com.

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