Director and Lead Attorney, Upper Midwest Pension and Retirement Rights Program

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging • Minneapolis, MN

50d • Hybrid

About The Position

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging (MAAA), a respected nonprofit organization serving older adults throughout the Upper Midwest, is seeking an experienced and mission-driven attorney to serve as the Director and Lead Attorney for the Upper Midwest Pension and Retirement Rights Program. This is a part-time, 20-hour-per-week leadership role that combines direct client advocacy, legal strategy, program management, and community partnership development to help older adults and their families secure critical retirement and pension benefits.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree required.
• License to practice law in Minnesota.
• Knowledge of ERISA, the SECURE 2.0 Act, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
• Strong legal research, writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain complex pension and retirement benefit issues.
• Ability to supervise and support staff attorneys, law clerks, interns, and volunteers.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with Legal Aid providers, law schools, social service organizations, affiliated attorneys, and members of the private bar.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex matters involving multiple variables.
• Commitment to serving older adults, retirees, and individuals seeking access to justice.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in employee benefits, ERISA, elder law, administrative law, public interest law, family law, or related legal practice areas.
• Experience working with older adults, retirees, vulnerable populations, or nonprofit organizations.
• Supervisory, leadership, or program management experience.
• Experience with contract compliance or grant-funded programs.
• Optional: Knowledge and experience managing compliance and data protection in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and advocacy related to pension, retirement, survivor, and former spouse benefits.
• Manage all aspects of the Upper Midwest Pension and Retirement Rights Program, including budget oversight and operational leadership.
• Develop and implement strategic outreach initiatives to increase program visibility and expand services to eligible clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with attorneys, legal aid organizations, law schools, retirement specialists, and other community partners.
• Supervise staff attorneys, interns, and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and client-centered culture.
• Conduct client intake, analyze legal issues, and evaluate cases for merit and program eligibility.
• Prepare administrative claims, appeals, and legal correspondence involving retirement and pension disputes.
• Negotiate settlements and represent client interests in benefit claim and recoupment matters.
• Prepare reports and program updates for funders and key stakeholders.
• Connect clients with appropriate external resources when legal matters fall outside program scope.

Benefits

• Salary of $39,520 - $45,760 per year, depending on qualifications, for a part-time schedule of 20 hours per week.
• Retirement benefits with a 5% salary match, beginning 30 days after employment.
• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Opportunities to influence program strategy and growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree