The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) is looking for a Deputy Executive Director. In this executive leadership role, you will assist the Executive Director in advancing ALA’s strategic vision. Reporting to and working collaboratively with the Executive Director, assists with overall direction, management and administration of ALA’s mission, goals, policies, and strategic objectives. Provides leadership, innovation, vision, and strategic direction in all aspects of the association’s business.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Establishing a close partnership with the Executive Director, lead a clearly articulated operational strategy aligning association operations with its overarching mission, goals and strategic direction.
Assist in the development of the annual Plan of Work and budget for Board consideration, action and approval.
Assist the Executive Director with shaping the agenda and materials for various conferences, meetings, and other communications.
Assist the Executive Director with creating and implementing communication and marketing strategies.
Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Operations to oversee all financial activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, payroll, tax reporting and risk management.
Lead the Human Resource function, including the development and administration of all staff personnel activities:
Recruitment efforts to attract applicants of all backgrounds, creating and promoting a skilled and diverse work force for the association.
Performance management policies and standards to evaluate employee performance, ensuring alignment of individual objectives of staff with organizational objectives, creating a high-performance culture.
Professional development initiatives to develop and retain staff, emphasizing a culture of coaching and mentoring.
Compensation strategy to recruit talent and motivate staff through competitive salary and employee benefit structure.
Lead and oversee renewals of the organization’s insurance policies, employee handbook, and other standard operation procedures.
Manages and administers health and welfare plans as well as the administration of the employee retirement plan.
Analyzes and processes payroll data through third-party payroll service provider. Ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws.
Develops and provides highly effective onboarding program to welcome and integrate new employees into the ALA culture. Develops and coordinates training schedule with hiring director.
Manages employee relations and grievance problems. Provides advice and counsel to directors/managers regarding personnel practices, policy, and employment laws. Advises directors/managers on performance difficulties, disciplinary steps, and employee terminations.
Works closely with senior leadership to promote a culture reflecting open and transparent communication in a collaborative and accountable workplace.
Functions as Association’s Privacy Officer to maintain compliance with federal and state laws related to privacy, security, confidentiality, and protection of information resources.
Maintains current knowledge and understanding of regulations, industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable laws regarding human resources.
Manages and administers the Association’s risk management insurance; lines of insurance include the commercial liability, umbrella, Workers’ Compensation, professional liability, cyber liability and fiduciary liability policies.
Develops and manages policies and practices relating to all aspects of facilities management including office space allocations, landlord/tenant relations, internal building maintenance, furniture acquisitions, etc.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Executive-level experience in critical decision-making and strategic management.
Experience working with chapters, committees and a Board of Directors.
Experience in assisting with the management of a professional association under a Policy Governance system.
Skilled in organizational management with the ability to manage and coach staff, develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and analyze and manage a budget.
Leadership and influencing skills in order to facilitate changes at the staff and volunteer level.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and allocate resources.
Ability to establish credibility in a wide range of interactions, develop healthy relationships that promote individual and organizational success, and build an effective internal and external network.
General knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource management; competencies include the ability to recruit and retain top talent; motivate teams; delegate effectively; promote diversity, equity and inclusion; and manage performance in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner.
Strong knowledge and understanding of insurance regulations, plan designs and third-party recordkeeping/administration required. Familiarity with COBRA, ERISA, and related state and federal regulations required.
Diverse experiences in managing a range of administrative areas of responsibility.
Excellent writing skills necessary to prepare documents, proposals and other items for internal and external distribution. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Develops extensive knowledge of association programs, operations, and strategic initiatives to assume increasing responsibility to plan, organize, staff, direct and control operational aspects of the association.
EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:
A broad-based background of education as evidenced by a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Non-profit Management; advanced degree such as MBA preferred.
Minimum of seven years progressively responsible senior leadership experience in administration, operations management or human resources required.
NOTES:
Telecommuting is allowed.
About Association of Legal Administrators
Our Mission:
ALA is the premier professional association connecting leaders and managers within the legal industry. We provide extensive professional development, collaborative peer communities, strategic operational solutions, and business partner connections empowering our members to lead the business of law.
Located near O'Hare Airport in Chicago, IL, our staff continue to deliver programs and products that provide high-quality, competency-based education to our members, creatively using Hangouts, Zoom meetings, and Roundtables as we worked remotely this past year. Our educational programming, Coronavirus Response page, and award-winning publications were there and continue to guide our members through unforeseen challenges. Our culture is built on collaboration, trust and respect.
If you are interested in joining a great professional team that values your expertise and creativity, we want to hear from you. We offer comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and other voluntary benefit options) and generous time off with very flexible work options. To learn more about us, visit alanet.org
