Director of Partnerships and Resource Development

As of September 5, 2024

Legal Services Corporation of Virginia (LSCV) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Partnerships and Resource Development. This is a newly created leadership position that will play a crucial role in advancing LSCV's mission to support the delivery of civil legal aid to Virginians with limited financial means. As the primary architect of LSCV's relationship-building and resource development strategies, the Director will forge strong partnerships with the banking and legal communities, ensuring the sustained growth and impact of the organization's vital services. This is a time of organizational transformation for LSCV, and as part of the leadership team the Director will play a vital role in strategic planning over the next few years.

Legal Services Corporation of Virginia

LSCV was formed in 1975 by the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Department of Social Services, and the Virginia Legal Aid Association to develop, fund, coordinate and oversee the delivery of civil legal services to people with very limited financial means in Virginia. LSCV accomplishes this by providing public and private funding to coordinate the work of nine local Legal Aid programs and a statewide support center. Together, the Legal Aid programs operate out of 35 offices and serve every city and county in Virginia.

LSCV is funded through a state general revenue appropriation, a state filing fee appropriation, the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, private philanthropy, and corporate giving. Many LSCV-funded programs also receive direct funding through an array of other local, state, and federal sources, as well as through individual and corporate giving.

LSCV is headquartered in Richmond and has an office in Charlottesville. There are four current employees: the Executive Director; Director of Finance and Operations; IOLTA Coordinator; and Office Coordinator. 

More information about LSCV is available on its website. 

Director of Partnerships and Resource Development

The Director of Partnerships and Resource Development is a new leadership role for LSCV. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director has primary responsibility for building relationships - especially with the banking and legal communities initially - and telling the story of LSCV’s mission in ways that are clear, consistent, and compelling so as to build lasting revenue-generating agreements and partnerships. 

One important funding source at LSCV is the IOLTA program. In most cases, a Virginia lawyer who holds client or third-party funds is required to place those funds in pooled, interest-bearing accounts. LSCV uses the interest generated by these IOLTA accounts to support legal aid in Virginia. Across the Commonwealth (and the nation), IOLTA revenue is a significant source of funding for civil legal aid programs working on behalf of low-income individuals and families. 

The Director will lead the continued development and strengthening of LSCV’s IOLTA program. This will be an opportunity to learn from other programs throughout the country and establish best practices, benchmarking, and programmatic goals. 

Ultimately, the success of the IOLTA program will depend on fostering strong relationships with bankers, lawyers, law firms, legislators, and other stakeholders. The Executive Director will actively partner with the Director in managing relationships and executing the identified strategies. The Director will also oversee administrative activities related to IOLTA, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met. While there is administrative support for IOLTA and the Director through the IOLTA Coordinator, LSCV is a small organization and the Director will actively engage in executing the strategies they identify, often taking a hands-on approach to get the work done. 

The Director will primarily focus on building and fostering the IOLTA program during their first year or two at LSCV, along with exploring opportunities where telling LSCV’s story can have immediate impact. To this end, they will develop a strong awareness of what data and information is compelling in demonstrating impact and mission value, and will help ensure that relevant information is being tracked and shared to support LSCV and legal aid efforts. 

As the IOLTA program becomes more streamlined, the Director will explore additional opportunities for engagement and resource development. This includes partnering with the Executive Director in fostering relationships, representing LSCV in meetings with key stakeholders, considering opportunities for major grant funding, and exploring corporate partnerships and philanthropic support. As an advocate and ambassador for LSCV and legal aid in Virginia, the Director will build lasting relationships with various agencies and collaborators that will lead to long-term funding relationships for legal aid broadly. 

This is a time of organizational transformation for LSCV, and as part of the leadership team the Director will play a vital role in strategic planning over the next few years. They will work closely with the Executive Director and other leaders to design resource development strategies that further organizational goals, ensuring a unified approach to advancing LSCV’s mission. 

Hybrid Work Expectation: LSCV has offices in Charlottesville and Richmond. While permanent office space is available, the Director may work in a hybrid format if desired, with the expectation of an ongoing in-person presence one or two days a week. LSCV is willing to consider this a fully remote opportunity for a truly exceptional candidate. 

Compensation: $80,000-$110,000 salary depending on experience and skills. LSCV additionally offers a generous benefits package including paid time off, health, dental, long-term disability, retirement plan, and organization-paid parking. There is a strong culture of promoting work/life balance and the wellness of employees. 

Qualifications

The Director of Partnerships and Resource Development is an important new role at LSCV, and will require an experienced professional who is mission-driven, strategic, organized, collaborative, and skilled at building and fostering meaningful professional relationships with diverse stakeholders. The role requires the ability to research and realize opportunities, and to develop programmatic vision while attending to the day-to-day tasks to get the work done.  

A commitment to equitable and inclusive practices, and to the work of legal aid, is vital.  

Specifically, the Director will have: 

• Proven experience in relationship management, which may be with financial institutions or within the legal aid sector. Transferable experience in other fields such as sales or fundraising may also be applicable. 
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights that drive strategy. 
• The ability to use data to measure impact and tell compelling stories with facts, figures, and narrative text.
• Attention to detail and technological proficiency, with a knack for utilizing modern tools to streamline operations, improve outcomes, and translate data into compelling graphics. 
• An orientation to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting diversity in all aspects of work with an understanding of how to engage with stakeholders from varied backgrounds and the ability to incorporate inclusive practices into strategic initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Deep commitment to the mission of LSCV and a drive to contribute to its long-term success.
• Proven history of driving positive change with resilience and adaptability.

LSCV recognizes that candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds with the skills needed to be successful in this role. The priority is not specific sector experience (though candidates with IOLTA-specific experience are encouraged to apply), but in finding a Director who is deeply committed to the mission and impact of legal aid, who is highly professional and competent, and who has the temperament and skills to lead lasting and meaningful change for LSCV in developing valuable partnerships and securing the resources needed to support legal aid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

To Apply 

LSCV has engaged June Partners, and Sarah Gaines, Principal, is leading the search. Inquiries and nominations can be directed to Sarah at sarah@junepartners.net. 

Use the "Apply Now" link on this page to submit your application. Please be sure to upload both a resume and cover letter. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; apply by November 4, 2024 to be guaranteed consideration. 

Legal Services Corporation of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, and communities to apply.