PILnet: President – rolling deadline

PILnet, a premier international public interest law organization, seeks a dynamic President with strong leadership, management, fundraising and entrepreneurial skills and a collaborative style to succeed our current President/founder.

The Organisation

Established in 1997, PILnet envisions a world where the rule of law delivers justice and protects human rights. PILnet collaborates with local partners around the globe to develop the legal landscape essential to rights-respecting societies. It provides lawyers with the tools they need to challenge injustice, strengthens the ability of citizens to shape law and policy, and connects a global community of activist lawyers who are using law to advance change.

With a staff of 27 and an annual budget of $4.7 million, PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, London, Moscow, Hong Kong and Beijing.  PILnet operates in four core areas:  (1) developing public interest lawyering (building the capacity of activist lawyers working in NGOs through fellowships, skill-building workshops and resources);  (2) developing pro bono (promoting the development of legal pro bono on an international basis through organizing conferences and developing, supporting and managing pro bono clearinghouses connecting lawyers willing to provide legal help and those who need it); (3) improving legal aid (collaborating with key stakeholders–national governments, local governments, and bar associations–to design context-appropriate legal aid systems and engaging NGO partners to make systems of justice more effective and accessible); and (4) developing legal education (working to help law schools promote ethical values, develop analytical and problem-solving skills, and provide knowledge of the social effects of the law in order to produce socially responsible lawyers). 

PILnet has distinguished itself as an innovative organization focused on developing and implementing effective strategies in diverse countries often undergoing major changes. 

Role and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President of PILnet will lead the organization and be responsible for its overall direction, strategy, management and performance.  We expect the next President to provide strong leadership for continued innovation and growth. The position will be based in New York. 

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership, guidance, motivation and inspiration to PILnet staff to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Ensure the fiscal health of the organization by working with staff to set the annual organizational budget and monitor financial performance.
• Work with staff to identify and develop relationships with foundations, corporations, law firms and individual donors interested in supporting the work of the organization, and annually secure funds to meet the needs of the organization.
• Lead organizational planning, identify strategic opportunities and support programmatic initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with PILnet’s key networks and partners.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization and represent PILnet in the media, in public presentations, in communications with other organizations, and with the community at large.
• Work with an engaged Board of Directors to ensure oversight and enhance the work of the organization.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, qualities and experience:

• Well-honed leadership skills. 
• At least ten years of experience including at least seven years in successfully managing and administering an organisation or a significant program of an organization, including managing a professional staff.
• A strong track record of successful, effective and creative fundraising.
• Demonstrated capacity to work successfully with a Board of Directors.
• A self-starter with a strong work ethic and a passion for social justice.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to implement programs that further the chosen strategy.
• Someone who thrives in a highly collaborative and collegial environment, in which achievements are shared.
• Proven ability to develop, maintain and leverage strategic relationships.
• Strong communications skills, including the ability to write clearly, communicate convincingly, and advocate effectively.
• A strong knowledge of public interest law, international human rights or other related social justice fields.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson for an organisation.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• A history of significant international engagement, including an appreciation of local cultural context and ability to assess political risk.
• A JD is preferred, but not required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is based on experience. PILnet offers a generous package of benefits.

To Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to the PILnet Search Committee at HR@pilnet.org, subject line: President.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

PILnet is an equal opportunity employer.  PILnet will make all decisions without regard to the race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status of an applicant or employee.