Equity and Justice Specialist DEI & Pub Svc | WSBA

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Equity and Justice Specialist DEI & Pub Svc

Regular Full-Time Grade 11 WSBA, Seattle, WA, US

Salary Range: $58,006.00 To $60,000.00 Annually

Equity and Justice Specialist ADV Department Job Grade N11-N12; Non-exempt; Full-Time Starting Salary: $58,006 – $60,000 DOE + benefits (Posted 3.19.2021)

The WSBA's mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice. The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court to license the state’s nearly 40,000 lawyers and other legal professionals. In furtherance of its obligation to protect and serve the public, the WSBA both regulates lawyers and other legal professionals and serves its members as a professional association—all without public funding. About the position: The Equity and Justice Specialist is part of the Equity and Justice Team, which develops, establishes, implements, and evaluates initiatives, programs and policies that: 1) Serve the members of the public especially those who cannot access justice because of systemic oppression; 2) Equip and support WSBA members to serve the public especially those who cannot access justice because of systemic oppression; 3) Advance a legal profession that is diverse and inclusive for members and prospective members especially those from communities harmed by systemic oppression; and 4) Support the WSBA to operate in ways that align with its stated values of justice, diversity, inclusion and equity. Job Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Moderate Means Program Coordination (20%)

   • Manage the WSBA’s role in the Moderate Means Program as a partner and a grantor. This work involves partnering with the law schools to identify, develop and implement systematic improvements and operations, recruitment of MMP professionals, development and delivery of trainings and toolkits for MMP professionals, outreach to the public, collaborating with the Washington State Bar Foundation to raise funding, and grant management.

1. Minority Bar Association Leadership And Support (10%)

   • Partner with and support the work of the Minority Bar Associations which includes but is not limited to:

   • Liaise with each MBA on how to promote and support their mission and work.

   • Support collective MBA leaders.

   • Support and facilitate attendance at MBA events.

   • Partner with Equity and Justice Team and MBAs on WSBA events and programming (e.g., WADA event, Legal Lunchbox, nonprofit governance training).

1. Powerful Communities Project Management (15%)

   • Manage Powerful Communities Project (PCP) by:

   • Overseeing the PCP and deliver on the vision for success which is to work with people who are underserved and underrepresented so they have equitable access to free or affordable legal services;

   • Developing and re-assessing grant goals and application process;

   • Promoting opportunities to stakeholders and potential applicants (especially to non-traditional applicants);

   • Convening community stakeholders;

   • Coordinating grant selection process;

   • Supporting grantees with project delivery;

   • Coordinating contracts with grantees;

   • Co-developing a communications’ strategy with the Washington State Bar Foundation Development Officer; and

   • Engaging stakeholders to routinely evaluate program’s impact and alignment with goals.

1. Pro Bono Programs Management (20%)

   • Collaborate with the CLE Team in the development and delivery of pro bono and public service CLE programming with a goal oriented towards preparing legal professionals to effectively represent the legal needs of low to moderate income families through an equity and justice lens.

   • Collaborate with the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee, Pro Bono Council, the Access to Justice Board, and other stakeholders to identify the needs of low and moderate income individuals and families in Washington State; determine what pro bono and public service programming the WSBA is uniquely positioned to provide within its framework, resources and connections; and help to expand WSBA’s menu of public service programming.

   • Redesign and relaunch a pro bono pledge program for WSBA members which includes designing a pledge system and recognition including managing the Honor Roll, commendation letters, and certificates recognizing WSBA members for pro bono publico.

   • Manage the Qualified Legal Service Provider (QLSP) application and review process, and membership database. Support QLSPs by presenting on WSBA benefits, connecting with members and WSBA programs; Identifying opportunities to support volunteer engagement and retention with QLSP and ways that WSBA internal processes can be leveraged to support the work of QLSPs.

   • Collaborate with the WSBA Communications & Outreach Department (COMM), the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee’s Technology Workgroup, the Pro Bono Council, and other key stakeholders to manage, re-develop, and re-launch the pro bono portal, www.probonowa.org; Technical back-end support of the pro bono portal, to include updating content and postings, reaching out to organizations to collect up-to-date contact information and program priorities.

1. Pro Bono and Public Service Committee Support (15%)

   • Serve as primary staff liaison to the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee. Provide leadership, support and project management for activities and annual planning as needed. Provide training on history of committee, purpose, role, and goals.

   • Assess and recommend changes to the structure and function of the Committee, as well as support initiatives to ensure they continue to be effective and efficient. Staff and support workgroup meetings and initiatives, advocate for Committee initiatives for internal and external support.

   • Develop and improve systems for effectively and efficiently managing the work of the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee, and supporting the volunteers.

   • Review monthly reports for the Pro Bono and Public Service budget and reconcile budget worksheet and report to the Manager any discrepancies.

   • Educate volunteers about the reimbursement policy and process volunteer expense reimbursements.

   • Manage the annual appointment processes for volunteers involved with the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee with a lens towards race equity and support leadership opportunities from underrepresented groups in the legal community. Partnering with co-chairs to manage, recruit, onboard, and retain diverse membership.

   • Take the lead in design and production of the Pro Bono and Public Service Committee’s annual report to the Board of Governors and any external reporting to WSBA members, the public, and funders such as the Washington State Bar Foundation.

   • Pro Bono and Public Service Committee. Support for meetings includes but is not limited to:

   • Agenda and materials preparation;

   • Taking minutes, tracking action items, and maintaining files in accordance with the WSBA Retention Schedule and prepare year-end records.

1. Pro Bono and Public Service Outreach and Communication (5%)

   • Collaborate with the WSBA Communications & Outreach Department (COMM) and Equity and Justice Team to develop and execute a communication and outreach plan to engage WSBA members in pro bono and public service work, especially around October in Pro Bono Month. Work with the Equal Justice Coalition and Pro Bono Council for statewide Pro Bono Proclamation efforts; coordinate communication of statewide events to WSBA members in collaboration with COMM.

   • Manage assigned webpages on the WSBA website and any related list serves (QLSP, MMP, PBPSC) and email distribution lists.

   • Respond to inquiries from WSBA members, volunteers, members of the public, etc.; monitor and address the general electronic mail for the public service email.

   • Meet and collaborate with external stakeholders to discuss opportunities to collaborate on future projects, programs, or initiatives.

1. Team Collaboration (10%)

   • Collaborate with other WSBA staff to align and work towards shared goals, find operational efficiencies, and advance and promote the WSBA guiding principle of access to the justice system. Work collaboratively with the Equity and Justice team to implement WSBA’s internal diversity, equity and inclusion plan.

1. Other duties as assigned (5%)

Education Required: Education Required: Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience Education Preferred: JD or graduate degree in related field Experience Required: Project or event management in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment; financial/ budget accountability; volunteer management; and a working understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. Experience Preferred: Experience with legal services delivery to people with low or moderate income; experience tracking, analyzing and data; and experience staffing or serving on a board or committee. Abilities/Skills Required: Must be exceptionally organized and possess outstanding written and verbal communications skills. Must be able to manage projects, multitask and prioritize workload. Must have technical ability to learn and utilize new software/databases and content management software. Proficiencies: This position requires sitting in front of a computer or in meetings for long periods of time. The position is required to travel occasionally to various locations statewide for meetings and events. To apply, upload your résumé and cover letter. Cover letters are required and your application will be considered incomplete without one. The WSBA is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.