The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.
The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.
The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.
Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Job Summary/General Purpose of Job • Provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational management to at least one ABA Section, Division or Forum. Oversees development and delivers benefits and services to entity members, including but not limited to publications, CLE and other programs, governance, and other meetings. Administers committee, technology and diversity-related projects and activities. Manages entity finances including budgeting, revenue generation, expense management and reporting. Develops and implements entity communication and marketing plans. Oversees all entity governance activity including procedural guidance to member leaders and staff. Manages entity staff.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)
• Provide leadership and staff resources to ensure the success of entity mission and goals for an entity with a budget(s) in excess of $3 million dollars or more including all revenue generation and expense control. • Ensure financial success of the entity. Manage revenue generation including development of new and augmentation to existing revenue streams. Develop budgets and manage expenses for all entity activities. • Manage existing and develop new partnerships, collaboration opportunities and relationships with internal and external entities to further the entity’s mission and goals. • Under guidance of ABA and the Member Practice Groups leadership, direct the implementation of strategic initiatives and programs within the entity. • Oversee all entity governance activity. Develop agendas, procedures, and supporting reports; manage all entity records. Work with members on policy creation and legislative efforts. • Participate and/or lead other ABA activities/projects as part of the management team for the Center for Member Practice Groups • Provide supervisory management and professional development of the entity staff. Provide leadership, direction, coaching, counseling, performance feedback and, when necessary, discipline to and through an assigned group of team members. Coach, manage, and oversee training and development of all staff. • Performs other related duties as required.
Required Education, Qualifications, Experience
• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent experience). • Minimum of 5 years of relevant managerial experience. • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous responsibilities • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain successful interpersonal relationships with staff and member leaders • Substantive experience in the respective legal field may be required • Management experience working with boards of directors and multiple committee and membership structures is a must
Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience • Experience in one or more of the following environments is preferred: association, legal, nonprofit. • A Master’s is preferred, or equivalent previous association management experience. Some entities may require a JD degree. Physical Physical Requirements • Typical office work environment. Extent of Travel Required in the Job • Travel Required Additional Criteria for consideration • Number of Staff Managed • Number of Entities Managed • Total Number of Members (in all groups) • Total Budget (for all groups) • JD Required • Other management/oversight responsibilities (Standing Committees/Commissions)
The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.
