President and CEO

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY•Rochester, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The President and CEO will provide visionary and strategic leadership for The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY (LASROC), advancing access to justice and championing equal justice for the underserved individuals in our community. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO is responsible for the overall direction, management, and performance of LASROC in alignment with Board-established policies and the agency’s mission, vision, and values. The President and CEO will develop and maintain a mission-driven, inclusive internal culture that is equally committed to access to justice, ensuring that staff have the necessary resources and tools to fulfill the agency's mission. This includes ensuring employees have access to competitive compensation and benefits, as well as mentoring, professional development, and continuing education necessary to support both individual growth and organizational excellence.

Requirements

In accordance with the By-Laws of LASROC, the President and CEO must be an attorney admitted to practice law in New York State.
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law and organizational leadership or management.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of social justice and ensuring access to justice for underserved populations.
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and challenge individuals and teams to achieve high performance and organizational goals.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Strong knowledge of budget development, financial management, and fiscal oversight.
Experience in grant writing, fundraising, and resource development.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment while providing decisive executive leadership.
Ability to travel as required; reliable transportation is required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the chief executive leader of LASROC, providing overall authority, responsibility, and accountability for organizational management, strategic direction, and operational effectiveness.
Promote and embody LASROC’s mission and values internally and externally, leading with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set organizational policy, strategic priorities, and long-term vision that advance access to justice. Cultivate a mission-centered, inclusive, and highly performing organizational culture that supports staff engagement, retention, and excellence.
Serve as the President of the Board of Directors and act as the primary liaison between the Board and LASROC.
Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities by providing timely, accurate information and strategic recommendations.
Exercise final authority over the hiring, discipline, and termination of all employees.
Appoint and supervise all supervisors and directors; participate in second-round interviews for staff positions as time permits.
Direct and oversee all human resources functions, including workforce planning, organizational structure, leadership development, and succession planning.
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of a comprehensive salary and benefits program for all LASROC employees.
Oversee performance management, evaluation, and compensation recommendations for the Senior Management Team.
Provide executive oversight of the fiscal health and sustainability of the organization.
Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of LASROC’s financial information, reporting and disclosure requirements, internal controls, and management information systems.
In collaboration with the CFO and Director of Administration, prepare and present the annual budget, quarterly balance sheets, and financial statements to the Board of Directors.
Responsible for preparing reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes and rulings, and other items affecting businesses or program services.
Serve as the public face and primary spokesperson for LASROC.
Ensure strong visibility and representation of LASROC at the local and statewide levels with community partners, government officials, funders, and industry stakeholders.
Act as a key representative to the Telesca Center for Justice partnership and the Telesca Center’s Fund for Justice, strengthening collaborative relationships and advancing shared goals.