Office of the Executive Director
Job Grade E14; Exempt; Full-time; Monday-Friday
Starting Salary Range: DOE+ benefits
(Posted 03/03/09)
The Deputy Director for External Relations is responsible for forming a clear external vision/image of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) for the purpose of enhancing membership, public and stakeholder relations. The individual will bring a strong understanding of public, media, and government relations in addition to a solid background of effectively implementing public affairs strategies and practices that maintain positive working relations across a diverse body of stakeholders. The position reports to the WSBA Executive Director and works at the highest strategic level with the Board of Governors, senior staff, and other leaders of the Association. The position maintains peer networks with the American Bar Association, state bar associations, government entities, state and local communications and public relations executives and related stakeholders.
This position supervises the directors of the Member and Community Relations, Lawyer Services, and Justice and Diversity Initiatives departments. Strong supervision and management skills are essential for providing leadership and supervision to these directors and their teams in order to support a motivating and collaborative work environment, ensuring that work is done in the most effective way, and that work performed is of high quality. This position provides consultation and guidance to staff regarding marketing, communications, public affairs, and issues management surrounding a variety of programs, initiatives, policies, campaigns, outreach, and collaboration efforts. Board of Governor (BOG) duties include attending all meetings and related functions throughout the state, collaborating and advising the BOG on major WSBA initiatives and related external relations strategies, and shaping dialog around Board policies and implementation of strategies to promote member relations. The position is expected to identify strategies that integrate each business area under the general vision, policy initiatives, public positions of the Board, and support the accomplishment of organizational goals.
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelors degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business Administration or related field with 5-10 years of directly related executive level supervisory/ management experience. Well qualified candidates will have a J.D. or other advanced degree in related fields and experience in the legal/justice system and/or bar associations. This position requires a demonstrated ability to build relationships with and among various interest groups and calls for excellent written, spoken, and interpersonal communication skills; exceptional organization and project management skills which include the ability to handle multiple priorities within a deadline driven environment; innovative problem solving skills; experience formulating and implementing effective strategic plans that develop a strong relationship with the community and media; significant supervision and management skills; and proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook). Frequent travel is required.
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources, WSBA
1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98101
Fax: 206-727-8321
HR@wsba.org
