position description and application instructions

Position Announcement: Executive Director
The Organization
The Colorado Juvenile Defender Center (CJDC) is a nonprofit organization based in Denver
dedicated to excellence in juvenile defense and advocacy, and justice for all children and
youth in Colorado. CJDC believes children and youth should experience adolescence free
from over-criminalization in a just society that promotes their well-being and provides
second chances. CJDC celebrates its 5th Anniversary as a nonprofit organization in 2015,
and seeks to announce its new Executive Director by our Justice Rising Gala September 10.
CJDC's youth strategy integrates our three program centers: (1) a Juvenile Defender Center
that promotes the right to effective assistance of counsel and provides continuing legal
education seminars and manuals to lawyers representing indigent youth; (2) a Juvenile
Policy Center that advocates for systemic reforms that reduce the criminalization and
incarceration of youth through policy advocacy, non-partisan research and education, and
coalition building; and (3) a Juvenile Resource Center that serves as a clearinghouse of
information and provides direct legal services for youth in expungement, de-registration,
and school discipline representation.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) of the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center is the primary
champion and voice for CJDC’s mission, vision, values, and programs locally and nationally.
The ED is responsible for leadership and management of CJDCs operations, fundraising,
programs, strategic plans, work plans, and supervision of staff who in turn supervise
students and legal fellows. The ED reports to the CJDC Board of Directors. The ED’s role
includes influencing juvenile defense and juvenile justice policy in Colorado, being the
media spokesperson for the organization, and leading CJDC’s ongoing organizational
growth and performance. Specific responsibilities include:
Leadership
• Serve as an advocate and voice for juvenile defense and juvenile justice reform
• Grow leadership and expertise in CJDC staff and the juvenile defense community
• Represent CJDC at local, state, and national events, and as a media spokesperson
• Manage and foster CJDC’s relationships and partnerships within nonprofit, legal,
legislative, educational, and service communities
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of issues in juvenile defense and policy
• Identify and pursue opportunities and trends in the field to support CJDC’s
programs and development
• Partner with, engage, and serve CJDC’s Board of Directors
Financials and Fundraising
• Prepare annual budgets for approval by the Board of Directors
• Ensure fiscal accountability, integrity, and maintain sound oversight of financials
under the supervision of the Board Treasurer
• Apply for grants and ensure compliance with all grant activities and reporting
• Lead fundraising efforts and continue to diversify and grow CJDC revenue and
programs consistent with CJDC’s mission, vision, and strategic plan
Operations and Compliance
• Ensure compliance with administrative and legal responsibilities, including
nonprofit, federal, and state requirements
• Hire, lead, mentor, and support CJDC staff, administer personnel policies, hire and
supervise consultants
• Support the ongoing development of CJDC’s administrative infrastructure
• Coordinate marketing and outreach materials for all CJDC programs & fundraising
• Ensure CJDC’s presence on the web, social media, media, and in newsletters
CJDC Programs & Centers
• Oversee CJDC’s Juvenile Defender, Juvenile Policy, and Juvenile Resource Centers
• Testify at the State Capitol, speak at other forums on juvenile defense and juvenile
justice policy, and promote CJDC’s policy agenda and initiatives
• Ensure CJDC produces high quality legal education programs and materials
• Ensure CJDC’s client representation observes standards of excellence, client
satisfaction, and rules of professional conduct
• Ensure CJDC’s law school and college partnerships build and inspire future
generations of juvenile defenders and youth advocates
• Lead strategic planning and work plan implementation
• Track, measure, and evaluate the outcomes of CJDC’s programs and logic model
Qualifications:
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Demonstrated commitment, passion, and enthusiasm for CJDC’s mission and vision
Lawyer or highly skilled leader with experience in criminal/juvenile issues
Strong familiarity with the legislative process and policy advocacy
Detail oriented with demonstrated organization and time management skills
Skilled writer of letters, grants, policies, op-eds, and organizational documents
Supervisory and/or management experience with staff, students, and/or fellows
Commitment to fundraising, and pursuing diverse and sustainable revenue streams
Ability to put in long hours, weekends, and travel as necessary
Applications should be submitted to admin@cjdc.org, and include the following:
1. Two Page Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Writing Sample
4. Three References (letters of recommendation welcome)
Applicants are encouraged to apply by MAY 31, 2015. Applications will continue to be
accepted until the position is filled. Compensation includes health benefits (medical and
dental), vacation, and salary range of $80k-$90k (retirement plans under consideration).
CJDC seeks to introduce its new Executive Director by our Justice Rising Gala September 10.