Program Officer for Technology

Legal Services Corporation•Washington, DC

88d•$108,490 - $135,679•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Officer for Technology works under the general direction of the Director of the Office of Program Performance (OPP) and their designee. The role works with grantee programs to use technology to improve legal services for eligible populations and assists in managing the Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) program. It is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, Local 135. The position manages and monitors a TIG grant portfolio of approximately $5 million annually, including the grant lifecycle from application review and award through progress monitoring and closure. It also supports grantees’ use of technology, provides technical assistance and oversight, analyzes grantee data, coordinates knowledge-sharing activities and conferences, and contributes to policy and technology improvements across the legal aid community and LSC.

Requirements

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse audiences and manage conflicts.
Ability to analyze complex concepts, conduct thorough investigations and reviews, and provide objective, well-informed recommendations.
High integrity and adherence to ethical and professional standards; sound judgment and ability to handle confidential matters discreetly and diplomatically.
Flexibility, self-management, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
Commitment to the organization’s mission and ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and working styles.
For Program Officer II: bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and at least 7 years of experience as a practitioner, funder, or policy or design expert in technology and/or access to justice, or 10 years of combined education and experience.
For Program Officer III: bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and at least 11 years of relevant experience, or 15 years of combined education and experience.
Knowledge of the intersection of technology and the justice system and ability to devise technology-based service delivery strategies.
Solid research and analytical skills.
Demonstrated experience serving as a liaison and convener across sectors, including grantees, practitioners, technology vendors, government officials, academics, private sector representatives, and civil legal or social services organizations.
Ability to interpret the LSC Act, Appropriations Riders, LSC regulations, policies, and rules as they relate to technology grants, and to design and implement changes responsive to those requirements.
Ability to identify, evaluate, and understand trends and data affecting LSC, its grantees, and their clients.
In-depth working knowledge and experience with information technology, including law practice and law office management applications, case management systems, websites and web applications, knowledge management, network applications and administration, and technology project implementation.
Familiarity and experience with grants management.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with legal services providers, the court system, or other nonprofit organizations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with TIG team members, OPP management, and LSC leadership to develop grantmaking strategies and manage, monitor, and coordinate an approximately $5 million annual grants portfolio.
Manage all stages of the TIG lifecycle, including pre-award activities, application review, awards, progress monitoring, and grant closure.
Evaluate funding applications and related documents and make funding recommendations.
Review and finalize grant goals, objectives, milestones, and budgets; prepare and execute grant modifications, extensions, and amendments.
Manage awarded grants by reviewing and approving progress reports, payment requests, budgets, and compliance with grant assurances; communicate requirements to grantees and refer matters for compliance or enforcement as needed.
Lead or participate in onsite and remote grantee visits to evaluate projects, provide technical assistance, assess technology-related service delivery, and identify areas for improvement.
Advise OPP Program Counsel and other LSC colleagues on grantees’ technology use and technology plans; draft findings and recommendations for OPP visit reports.
Design, implement, and promote grant application processes; oversee existing grants; maintain TIG procedures; and help ensure compliance with program rules and requirements.
Analyze, interpret, and visualize grantee data to support decision-making and grant management.
Coordinate LSC’s annual Innovations in Technology Conference, including agenda design, speaker recruitment, marketing, communications, registration, and onsite logistics.
Represent the TIG program through presentations and participation in national and regional conferences and online legal aid community events.
Encourage innovation among grantees and build relationships with access-to-justice stakeholders to promote effective legal service delivery approaches and technologies.
Maintain knowledge of research, trends, and emerging issues at the intersection of technology and legal services, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Help develop policy on technology in legal service delivery and promote cybersecurity best practices and accessible, inclusive technology solutions.
Manage information flow between TIG grantees and LSC departments through reporting, dashboards, and summary documents.
Present legal service delivery approaches and best practices to LSC staff, the LSC board, and at LSC-sponsored events and other convenings.
Respond to information requests from LSC management and GRPA and provide expertise on grantees and technology-related legal service delivery.
Work with OLA on reviewing and revising regulations and developing new regulations, as appropriate; work with OPP and OIT to improve LSC internal technology systems and usage.
Provide project management and evaluation support for TIG-related special projects involving outside consultants.
Contribute to TIG program goals, objectives, and operational plans; complete special projects and other related duties as assigned.