WHO WE ARE

Columbia Legal Services (CLS) is a nonprofit civil legal aid organization that advances social, economic, and racial equity for people living in poverty. We support communities and movements by bringing deep legal expertise that is grounded in – and strongly guided by – an understanding of race equity.
We seek systemic solutions by bringing class action lawsuits, using cutting edge legal theories, engaging in policy advocacy, and supporting communities in building their own power. We have a special responsibility to serve people whose access to free legal services is restricted, due to institutionalized or immigration status.
At CLS we seek a team that reflects our organizational values of community, race equity, and justice. This includes hiring staff with connections to the communities we serve whenever possible, and a commitment to strive for justice and equity in our hiring practices and in our staff culture.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Interim Executive Director will guide Columbia Legal Services through a critical chapter of transition. They will provide executive oversight, rebuild trust, strengthen staff cohesion, and help reset the organization’s strategic priorities. While a law degree is not required, candidates should have law-adjacent experience and a strong understanding of movement lawyering, legal advocacy, or policy change. Within the first 90 days, they will be expected to provide the Board of Directors with clear recommendations related to organizational structure, leadership, and cultural priorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, or related field or equivalent professional experience
• 5 years of senior leadership experience, with at least three years of experience managing others.
• Background in the legal, public policy, or nonprofit advocacy field
• Demonstrated success in change management and conflict resolution
• Experience working with labor unions and collective bargaining agreements
• Proven leadership with system-impacted communities, particularly immigrants and incarcerated individuals
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance, Board relations, and fund development

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (JD, MPA, MA in Organizational Development, or similar)
• Knowledge of Washington State’s racial justice, legal, and policy landscape
• Strong communication, facilitation, and consensus-building skills
• Ability to integrate equity across HR, finance, and organizational infrastructure

Connection to the Mission

• Deep understanding of CLS’s core work and affected communities
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, anti-Blackness work, and social justice
• Experience advancing mission-aligned, community-informed initiatives

Strategic Leadership

• Skilled in assessing organizational health and identifying cultural misalignment
• Ability to guide teams through transition with transparency and inclusion
• Demonstrated experience in setting interim strategic direction without a full strategic plan

External Relations and Fundraising

• Track record in cultivating donors and managing institutional funder relationships
• Comfort with public speaking, legal advocacy, and media engagement
• Familiarity with grant writing, reporting, and financial stewardship of public/private funds

Organizational Leadership

• Proficient in managing operations, compliance, and human resources
• Experience overseeing budgets, fiscal controls, and nonprofit financial health
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and empower managers

Board Relations

• Proven ability to engage, advise, and partner with Board leadership
• Experience in nonprofit governance, Board development, and transparent reporting