ABA Associate Executive Director, Global Programs / Director, Rule of Law Initiative

The Associate Executive Director for Global Programs/Director, Rule of Law Initiative is responsible for providing a global staff with the leadership, direction and motivation required to achieve the mission and vision of ABA ROLI worldwide. Working closely with ROLI staff, as well as ABA leadership, the job is accountable for the establishment of strategic goals and priorities and positions the ABA as the leading provider of technical legal assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership on the rule of law. The job is responsible for all program development and implementation in more than 50 countries, supervises a domestic staff of over 80 and international staff of more than 300, and manages a grant portfolio in excess of $35 million a year. The job frequently interacts with governments, multilateral and civil society organizations and the broader international development community in the US and abroad, on rule of law and international development issues and to secure funding. As ABA Associate Executive Director for Global Programs, the position also oversees other international-facing entities, including the ABA Center for Human Rights and Committee of UN Representatives and ensures coordination and strategic orientation of their work.

Principal Duties/Job Responsibilities

· Develops, implements, and ensures the fulfillment of the strategy which drives the optimal delivery on ROLI’s and the ABA’s mission, vision, values and the alignment with its core principles.

· Accountable for positively enhancing the profile of ABA ROLI and the ABA and its international accomplishments among key domestic and international audiences—including the donor community, the U.S. Congress and other policymakers, think tanks, multinational institutions, the international legal and advocacy communities, ABA membership, the Washington diplomatic community and others—via formal presentations, conference participation, attendance at high-profile events, in-person meetings, drafting articles and op-eds, in accordance with ABA policy.

· Functions as a subject matter expert on rule of law, democracy and governance and/or international development rule of law issues generally, and specifically in at least one area including anti-corruption, access to justice and human rights, criminal law, judicial reform, legal education, legal professional reform or trafficking in persons.

· Drives and is accountable for ABA ROLI’s communication and outreach efforts to its diverse constituents and proactively represents the ABA and ROLI before domestic and international governmental agencies and regulatory bodies, governmental and private grantors, and various legal associations to broaden the outreach and influence of the organization.

· Develops and creates opportunities for ABA and ROLI to develop new programs, pursue new grantor or current grantor expansion of funding, and engage international partners. Participates and engages in all facets of non-grant fundraising, including working with individuals, corporate representatives, law firms and other potential donors.

· Functions as a key advisor and confidant of the Executive Director and other members of senior management on all matters related to the operations, activities, and interdependencies of the ABA and its international programs.

· Fosters a collaborative, participatory work environment that encourages the delivery of high quality and innovative rule of law programs.

· Ensures fiscally sound budgeting, forecasting and management of grant funds and general operations funds.

· Provides coaching, counseling, feedback, performance management, and, where necessary, applies discipline to an assigned group of staff members.

· In addition to being accountable to the Executive Director of the ABA, the job is responsible to the ROLI Board of Directors, the Center for Human Rights Board, and the ABA Committee of UN Representatives to ensure alignment with their vision and strategies.

· Performs other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications & Interests

· Possession of a Juris Doctorate from an ABA approved law school.

· At least ten years’ experience in a senior leadership role of an international development organization with an operational budget in excess of $5 million annually.

· At least five years’ experience creating, developing, and implementing strategic international development activities and programs which were affected through a subordinate staff working both domestically and overseas.

· Experience in identifying, sourcing, and developing successful funding proposals or fundraising strategies for a non-profit organization.

· Previous experience managing and controlling grant programs.

Preferred Qualifications & Interests

· Previous experience working with grantors, grants, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities whose business function focused on non-U.S. operations and opportunities.

· Previous experience as a U.S. expatriate or third-country national living and working outside of the United States.

· Previous experience leading and managing functions in the international development community.

· As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel approximately 30% of the time.

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association please call 312-988-5188.

Please submit your application through our website here.