Erie County Bar Association (PA)

Executive Director Position Description

Organization Overview

The Erie County Bar Association (ECBA), located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a 501 (c)(6) non-profit professional organization with approximately 500 members comprised of attorneys and judges.

The Association, founded in May 1875, remains dedicated to maintaining professional standards of the highest caliber, advancing the administration of justice, supporting its members in the practice of law, and engaging in activities that promote the public’s understanding of and respect for the American system of law and justice.

Executive Director Position Summary

The Executive Director position is salary exempt and reports directly to the Board of Directors. The Director is responsible for managing the Association’s day-to-day operations and the oversight of its resources. S/he follows and implements the Association’s Bylaws as well as the policies and directives of the Board. Knowledge of 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) operations is important.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Board of Directors

• ensure that the policies and directives of the Board are implemented
• make suggestions and recommendations for the Board’s consideration when appropriate
• keep the Board fully informed on all matters that may influence the operation of the ECBA
• prepare the monthly Board agenda with the Board President
• maintain professional confidences as related to the Board as well as all aspects of the ECBA

Finances

• oversight of the ECBA’s $500,000.00+ annual budget and communication with the Board Treasurer at least monthly
• prudent monitoring of income and expenses as budgeted
• preparation of the annual budget draft with support of appropriate staff; review of draft with the Budget Chair, Budget & Finance Committee, Board and Membership
• communication with ECBA’s accountant and auditing firm, Maloney Reed Scarpitti, PC

Staff

• responsible for the supervision and management of ECBA staff
• address any staff performance issues
• oversee staff hiring and termination with the support of the Personnel Committee
• prepare annual reviews of staff and salary/benefits recommendation to Personnel Committee
• delegation of responsibilities to staff; oversight of results
• understanding of general HR issues and benefits offered; consult with Personnel Chair as needed
• assign staff as liaisons to Committees, Sections and Divisions; oversee their involvement; obtain follow-up details as needed
• relay Board meeting information to staff as appropriate

Facilities/Property Oversight

• oversee routine property maintenance
• obtain proposals and bids for work as needed
• conduct advance planning and troubleshooting to avoid any major facility issues
• ensure that property insurances are adequate; include Board in this discussion; periodically obtain bids from other providers
• recommend capital improvements and repairs for budget consideration

Sections/Divisions/Committees

• either personally or through assigned staff liaisons, provide support to the ECBA’s 10 practice Sections, 5 Divisions, and numerous Committees in a wide variety of areas
• implement needs assessments when helpful

Oversight of Programs and Services

• Admissions Ceremonies
• Annual & Mid-year Membership Meetings
• Business Partners Program
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programming
• ECBA eNews (monthly membership newsletter)
• Erie County Legal Journal (ECLJ)
• Facility rental
• Judicial Candidate and Retention processes
• Law Day
• Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)
• Marketing and public relations
• Mock Trials
• Social events

Erie County Law Foundation

Monitor the Erie County Law Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1989 as the charitable arm of the Association.

• Attorneys & Kids Together (AKT) Program
• Chief Justice Samuel J. Roberts Scholarship
• Erie Gives Day
• Bocce Beer and Bites Tournament
• Wills for Heroes
• compliance with IRS and state filing requirements
• fundraising
• meet with Board of Trustees
• budget drafting

Miscellaneous

• meets privately and confidentially with members experiencing drug, alcohol, mental health, financial difficulties or any personal issue and refer appropriately
• work with Disciplinary Board and Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Fund for Client Security
• maintains beneficial relationships with other relevant organizations including the American Bar Association (ABA), Bar Leaders Institute (BLI), Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA), Pennsylvania association of Bar Executives (PABE) and Conference of County Legal Journals (CCLJ)

Skills and Characteristics

• non-profit management experience
• good judgment
• leadership and motivation skills
• ability to look for and see opportunities
• strong work ethic; self-discipline
• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• respect for confidentiality, diplomacy and discretion
• patience, understanding
• personable, responsive, exhibits integrity, honesty

Qualifications and Compensation

Minimum of a four-year degree is required as well as experience with the following: non-profit organizations, business management, HR, and finances.

Annual salary is commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package.

To Apply

Submit your resume along with a letter of introduction and salary requirements no later than November 17, 2023 to:

Jennifer K. Fisher, Esq.

Erie Indemnity Company

c/o Erie County Bar Association

429 West 6^th Street

Erie, PA 16507

Jennifer.Fisher@erieinsurance.com

The Erie County Bar Association is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.