EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) is looking to appoint an Executive Director, to begin by September 3, 2019.
ABOUT PLSE Founded in 2010, PLSE provides free legal representation to low income residents of Philadelphia whose criminal records are holding them back from achieving their potential as productive, contributing citizens. The services include seeking expungements in criminal court and pardons from the Governor, educating elected and community leaders, creating community-based Pardon Hubs, and empowering under-resourced communities to seek a greater voice and needed systemic reforms. PLSE is a fast-growing organization that has significantly expanded in staff, volunteers and budget within the last two years. Other information about PLSE’s staff and programs may be found on its website, www.plsephilly.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION PLSE is seeking a strong, organized and farsighted attorney, with demonstrated passion for equal justice under law and for criminal justice reform, to serve as its next Executive Director. The ED will act as the organization's chief operating officer, chief external advocate, fundraiser and team leader, overseeing the organization's continued growth and statewide leadership in the area of criminal history records and pardon reform. The ED will lead a team of currently three full-time employees – the Director of PLSE’s Criminal Records Expungement Project, the Director of Communication and Outreach, and a staff paralegal – with the expectation of hiring two additional staff attorneys and one paralegal within the next six months. The current Interim Executive Director is expected to remain with PLSE as an independent contractor, assisting with fundraising and the development of the Pardon Project. Additional administrative and program support is provided by law student volunteers from the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, co-op students from Drexel, and other volunteers. The ED will also, as needed, conduct intake, prepare court petitions, and appear in court to ensure all PLSE clients receive high-quality representation. The ED reports to a diverse, active and engaged 15-member Board of Directors.