Executive Director
Executive Leadership
U.S.
Lead IALDF’s mission-driven work at the intersection of law, advocacy, and community impact.
U.S.
$160,000 - $200,000
The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund (IALDF) is seeking a visionary, compassionate, and strategic Executive Director to lead our organization in its mission to advance justice and equality. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, legal expertise, and a passion for empowering and advocating for the Iranian American community.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategic litigation, community legal support, and organizational development. The role requires effective leadership, legal acumen, and a commitment to fostering partnerships and expanding the organization’s impact.
- Strategic Leadership, Vision, and Management
- Develop and implement the organization's mission and long-term strategic goals.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to align organizational priorities and ensure effective governance.
- Lead organizational growth, innovation, and adaptation to evolving legal and community needs.
- Supervise and support staff, fostering a collaborative and productive workplace.
- Program Oversight and Legal Strategy
- Oversee three core programmatic areas:
- Address systemic issues impacting the Iranian American community through partnerships with law firms and civil rights organizations.
- Support Iranian American families affected by hate crimes by facilitating access to effective legal representation.
- Educate Americans about the contributions of people of Iranian descent on American law and society such as the Cyrus Cylinder as in inspiration for Thomas Jefferson and other founders on the creation of the Bill of Rights.
- Serve as the Chief Legal Strategist for systemic cases, acting as General Counsel in matters impacting the Iranian American community.
- Oversee three core programmatic areas:
- External Relations and Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, representing its mission and work to various stakeholders, including the media, policymakers, and the public.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with civil rights organizations, legal partners, advocacy groups, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote IALDF's mission and initiatives. This involves developing outreach strategies that engage and encourage active community participation and engagement.
- Fundraising and Communications
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors on fundraising strategies and donor engagement.
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure diverse funding sources, including grants, donations, and government contracts.
- Manage the organization's budget, financial planning, and reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
- Cultivate relationships with donors, funders, and community partners to support the organization's financial health.
- Oversee communications efforts to raise awareness of IALDF’s mission and impact.
- Staff Management & Organizational Culture:
- Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented team, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
- Implement equitable human resource practices and support professional development opportunities for staff.
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure adherence to IALDF bylaws and policies, submit regular reports on activities and financial status, and maintain records of members and dues. This includes submitting annual reports covering organizational. The Executive Director is also responsible for keeping the Board of Directors informed of events affecting the interests of Iranian Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities.
- Educational Background:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Bar Admission:
- Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
- Experience:
- 7+ years of relevant legal experience, including litigation, public interest law, or legal advocacy.
- Proven leadership experience in nonprofit management, including staff supervision and organizational development.
- Proven success in technology-enabled nonprofit or legal operations.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and financial oversight.
- Core Qualities and Skills
- Ability to lead an organization, manage staff, and work effectively with a Board of Directors.
- Strong legal expertise, with a focus on strategic decision-making in complex litigation.
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills, demonstrating integrity, vision, and empathy.
- Ability to act strategically to advance organizational goals, improve access to services, and enhance internal efficiency.
- Travel:
- The role requires periodic travel within the United States for meetings, events, and outreach, depending on organizational and community needs.
- Preferred Qualifications (Plus Factors)
- Fluency in Farsi.
- Familiarity with the Iranian American legal community.
- Established relationships with civil rights organizations and potential law firm partners.
- Established relationships with potential donors.
The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $200,000 per year, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, statement of leadership philosophy, and three professional references to info@ialdf.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by July 15.
The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.