Executive Director - SYLAW

SYLAW – Position Opening
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington (SYLAW) seeks an Executive Director who is committed to advancing the legal rights of homeless youth, and who has a strong background in fund development, as well as program development and implementation. 

SYLAW is a unique legal services organization that is seeking an energetic and motivated leader who has the skills to expand SYLAW’s services to youth and who can engage in active fundraising to bolster SYLAW’s capacity.  Fundraising will be an essential part (up to 50%) of the Director’s duties as the organization grows.

SYLAW’s mission is to assist homeless youth (and youth at risk of becoming homeless) in overcoming legal barriers in civil matters through outreach, education and legal representation. The goal is to remove these barriers so that youth can achieve positive outcomes such as housing, employment, education, and safe living environments.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities for the new Executive Director include:
*   Providing leadership in the strategic planning and implementation of programs and services that fulfill SYLAW’s mission and grow the organization
*   Increasing and diversifying the financial base of SYLAW, through grant writing, cultivating major donors, and other expanded fundraising efforts
*   Maintaining a strong working knowledge of significant policies, laws and trends affecting homeless youth.
*   Serving as the public voice of SYLAW in the community
*   Developing and maintaining positive and meaningful relationships and collaborations with community-based groups, and social and legal service providers
*   Participating with the Board of Directors to expand Board membership and leadership, and ensure effective communication between Board members and the organization
*   Provide limited civil legal representation and referrals to youth in King County in the areas of housing, employment, financial benefits, and youth law.
*   Facilitate monthly Juvenile Records Sealing Clinic.
*   Duties also include community education, outreach to clients and potential referral sources and collaboration on community based projects that serve SYLAW’s client base.  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The Director must be a licensed attorney in good standing with the Washington State Bar.

Desirable applicants will have:
*   Significant experience working with SYLAW’s client base, i.e. homeless youth, especially 12-25 years old.
*   Basic knowledge of the legal issues affecting SYLAW’s clients.
*   Demonstrated experience with grant-writing and fundraising.
*   Strong oral and written communication skills.
*   Demonstrated competence in working with diverse clients and client communities.
*   Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with other advocates and client groups.
*   Sense of humor

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary dependent upon experience.  At this time, SYLAW cannot offer health insurance or other benefits for the Director position. 

The position will be part-time until further funding is secured.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to sylawseattle@gmail.com, or mail to SYLAW, PO Box 95956, Seattle, WA 98145

SYLAW is an Equal Opportunity Employer working towards a diverse and culturally competent work place.

For more information about SYLAW see www.sylaw.org.