JOB SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Legal Services at Day One is responsible for managing the legal services program at the organization. This includes leading a team of attorneys, legal fellows, paralegals, support staff, and interns. The Associate Director provides direct services to clients who are young survivors of IPV and partners with social service and other community providers. The ideal candidate values collaboration and strives for excellence in providing exceptional service to youth accessing Day One’s services. The ability to take initiative, cooperate with others in an interdisciplinary setting, and follow through in a dynamic and highly confidential environment is a must. In addition to these responsibilities, the Associate Director of Legal Services works closely with all Day One departments.This position also will serve as the primary point person for legal services staff in their access to supplies, technology, and office resources. The Associate Director of Legal Services reports directly to the Director of Intervention & Survivor Services.

ABOUT DAY ONE:

Since 2003, Day One has devoted its full resources to preventing intimate partner violence (IPV) among young people. Serving New York City youth up to 24 years of age, Day One is a growing and vibrant organization that is fully committed to its youth-centered mission. Day One partners with youth to end IPV through a combination of preventive and direct services. Our multi-disciplinary approach brings together a highly collaborative staff with expertise in legal, social service, and education service provision.

Day One recognizes that anti-violence work is emotionally demanding and professionally complex. We strive to create an office culture that invests in the wellness of staff and leads to employee sustainability. Office policies are designed to promote healthful practices and establish a supportive and collaborative environment for and among staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise the activities of legal services staff in providing legal assistance, including advice, negotiation, litigation and administrative advocacy, to low income clients who are young survivors of IPV, 24 and under.
• Conduct regular case review and supervision meetings with team members to ensure that legal services provided are consistent with Day One priorities, values, policies and procedures, and that they provide the highest quality client service.
• Assist with the recruitment, orientation, onboarding and training of new legal staff
• Counsel and coach staff regarding performance issues; ensure team members receive regular and consistent feedback, guidance and appropriate professional development; and supervise staff to develop annual work plans with quarterly goals.
• Ensure that staff have accurate, timely, and complete information about legal issues in their practice area.
• Ensure that services provided are in compliance with grant requirements and that promised deliverables are attained.
• Provide legal representation, consultations and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other trauma in family and immigration law, child custody and visitation, child support, paternity, education, Title IX, housing and other related matters.
• Maintain a limited but active litigation caseload both independently and as co-counsel with junior staff, and conduct intakes and consultations as needed.
• Supervise and mentor pro bono attorneys, volunteers, and law students.
• Ensure that all positions are filled with qualified staff who have what they need to succeed in their positions.
• Conduct trainings for professionals and occasionally youth in community-based organizations, local agencies, philanthropic partners, and other advocates on youth dating violence, sexual assault, technology abuse, and related matters.
• Contribute to the analysis of policies and trends that affect Day One’s mission and collaborate with leadership and staff to determine Day One’s policy goals and strategies to achieve them.
• Manage the program budget and ensure resources are appropriately distributed.
• Partner with the development team to pursue funding opportunities and maintain donor relations, including providing research, attending site visits, managing external partnerships (MOUs and Letters of Support), and contributing to proposals and reports.
• Provide data and timely written reports for funders as assigned.
• Manage other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a spokesperson or representative for Day One in a range of settings such as legislative hearings, conferences, funder meetings, press conferences, special events, interviews, and within coalitions.
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise and educate others about Day One and its work.
• Participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to create a more inclusive, effective, and welcoming workplace.
• In collaboration with organization leadership, contribute to vision and strategic direction for the organization, and help determine policies, systems and practices that permit Day One to thrive and grow.
• Actively engage in cross-programmatic work groups, training, convenings, and other efforts to promote organizational development and growth.
• Contribute to staff meetings, retreats and other internal meetings with appropriate content, views and suggestions, maintaining necessary discretion and confidentiality.
• Partner with staff and leadership to fulfill Day One’s mission through high-quality program design, effective implementation and thoughtful strategic planning.
• Engage in open, effective and results-oriented communication within the organization.

LEADERSHIP APPROACH:

• Maintain a commitment to self- and team reflection.
• Lead by example and model a high bar for performance.
• Operate with the best interests of the organization in mind.
• Maintain an appropriate balance between transparency, confidentiality and professional boundaries as it pertains to program management, decision-making, and fiscal management .
• Be ready to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, push work forward through obstacles, and adapt quickly to change.
• Foster a feedback-rich culture of learning, appreciation, and improvement.
• Ensure decision-making reflects an anti-oppression analysis.
• Foster a culture of trust, employee wellness, and levity.
• Promote policies and culture in which staff, youth, and survivors can thrive.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• D. and admission to NYS Bar required.
• Experience working with youth, survivors of intimate partner violence, communities of color, and/or underserved communities is required.
• 7+ years of experience as an attorney in family law, immigration, or other relevant law.
• 3+ years of managerial experience working in a highly collaborative environment and supervising a team of diverse and dynamic staff.
• Demonstrated anti-oppressive supervision skills and commitment to anti-racist principles
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative setting
• Exceptional written, verbal and organizational skills
• Excellent oral advocacy and litigation skills
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Experience with MS Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM databases desirable.
• Excellent judgment, attention to detail and time management skills
• Fluency in Spanish, or another high need language, is helpful

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary range is $90,000 – $105,000

Day One offers a benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan with employer match, and generous vacation.

TO APPLY:

Please send a resume and cover letter via email to [email protected] with “Associate Director of Legal Services” in the subject line. Please note that only applicants being considered for the position will be contacted by Day One.

In the cover letter, please respond to the following:

• Why are you interested in shifting from your current position into this role?
• What skills and experience will you bring into this position?
• Discuss your experience with power and privilege.