Executive Director

Website

https://lsem-mi.org/

City

Flint

State

Job Type

In-Person

Job Level

Senior, Executive

Function

Executive Director

Salary Range

$111K – $130K

Job Description

Executive Director

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan

Position Overview

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) seeks a visionary and mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead our dynamic, regional nonprofit legal services organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for providing strategic leadership, organizational management, and public representation of LSEM in its mission to deliver high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income and marginalized populations across Eastern Michigan. This is a unique opportunity to lead LSEM during a time of need, while shaping its next chapter of innovation, equity, and service expansion.

Candiate Profile

Required Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) required; admission to State Bar of Michigan (or at earliest convenience if not already
admitted); deep knowledge of civil legal aid, public interest law, or nonprofit legal management required.
Minimum of 5–7 years in a senior leadership role, with both law practice and experience in nonprofit or legal
services organizations.
Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams, overseeing budgets, and developing strategy.
Experience working productively with a Board of Directors and in a unionized environment.

Skills & Attributes

Unwavering commitment to advancing justice and equity.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across diverse constituencies.
Strategic thinker with the ability to execute operational plans and lead change.
Cultural competence and a demonstrated commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
Passionate, resilient, ethical, and collaborative leadership style.

Application Process

Please submit the following materials

A detailed resume
A cover letter outlining your interest in the role, qualifications, and vision for advancing LSEM’s
mission
Letters of Recommendation from three (3) professional references including contact information.

Submission Options:

Complete the online submission form
Email to: humanresources@lsem-mi.org
Mail to: Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, Transition Team, 436 S. Saginaw Street, Suite 101, Flint, MI 48502

Equal Opportunity Statement

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

About Us

Since 1951 Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) has delivered free civil legal assistance to persons living in poverty. Its mission is to provide civil legal services to those who need it most and have the least access. Special emphasis is placed on those issues that affect survival needs of low-income people. This work is done both reactively, by addressing individual legal needs and proactively by engaging in impact work that provides systemic change affecting the poverty community as a whole. Most clients served live at 125% of poverty or
below. This financial eligibility threshold is higher depending on certain funding criteria for specific services.

LSEM delivers free legal help in 14 Mid-Michigan counties, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola. LSEM offers service from two
offices, one in Flint, which also serves as the administrative office, and one in Saginaw. LSEM also operates a robust Fair Housing Center and Senior Services Group.

Mission: To provide civil legal services for those who need it the most and have the least access.

Vision: An inclusive legal system that ensures every individual, regardless of status or means, has equal access to justice.

Values

Great Service
Strong Relationships
Great Place to Work
Solid Outcomes
Rich Place to Learn and Lead
Actively representing our Community as Advocates for Civil Justice

Key Responsibilities

Champion LSEM’s mission and values, guiding the organization with vision, integrity, and transparency.
Lead the strategic planning and needs assessment process and ensure alignment with client needs, community changes, and
systemic priorities.
Cultivate a mission-centered, inclusive, and high-performance organizational culture.

Leadership & Strategy

Board Relations & Governance

Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to set and advance strategic priorities.
Provide regular updates and support to the Board.
Ensure the Board is informed, engaged, and equipped to fulfill its governance and fiduciary responsibilities.

Staff & Organizational Development

Recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse, talented, and union-respectful staff.
Support the Leadership Team in achieving operational excellence across departments.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration, and staff development.

Program Oversight & Compliance

Ensure LSEM’s programs deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally competent legal services.
Maintain full compliance with Legal Services Corporation (LSC) regulations and other grantor requirements.
Monitor case outcomes, program metrics, and community impact to guide ongoing improvement.

Fiscal Stewardship

Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and internal controls in coordination with finance staff and the Board.
Ensure fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability through effective resource allocation and risk management.
Manage a multimillion-dollar budget with a strong mix of federal, state, and private support.

Fundraising & Resource Development

Lead LSEM’s fundraising efforts, including government contracts, foundation grants, and individual
giving.
Cultivate strong relationships with funders, philanthropic partners, and community stakeholders.
Expand and diversify funding streams to support program innovation and growth.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

Serve as LSEM’s chief ambassador and spokesperson across Eastern Michigan and beyond.
Build strategic alliances with courts, bar associations, community-based organizations, and government
entities.
Advocate for access to justice and equitable legal systems at the local, state, and national levels.

Compensation & Benefits

LSEM offers a competitive salary based on experience and aligned with public interest standards for
compensation. Our comprehensive benefits package includes: