Executive Director

Management Information Exchange; Cincinnati, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati is seeking an Executive Director to serve as the chief executive and strategic leader, partnering with the Board of Trustees to advance mission and impact across the seven-county region. The role requires visionary leadership, financial stewardship, governance, and a commitment to access to justice while guiding LASGC through its next chapter.

The successful candidate will build on a distinguished legacy, engage with government, funders, donors, and the

Job description

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati (LASGC), providing visionary leadership and strategic direction for one of the nation's premier civil legal aid organizations. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is responsible for advancing LASGC's mission, ensuring organizational excellence, and strengthening the long-term impact of the organization throughout the Greater Cincinnati community.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to build upon a distinguished legacy while thoughtfully guiding the organization through its next chapter of continued excellence and impact. The successful candidate will respect the organization's strong foundation, listen and learn from its experienced team, and identify opportunities to advance long-term organizational effectiveness and impact.

As the organization's primary ambassador, the Executive Director will cultivate trusted relationships with community organizations, government officials, funders, donors, philanthropic partners, and the Greater Cincinnati legal community. The Executive Director will elevate Legal Aid's visibility, strengthen public understanding of its impact, and advocate effectively for policies and resources that advance access to justice.

The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of organizational leadership, including strategic planning, financial stewardship, operations, talent development, governance, compliance, fundraising, and organizational performance. Success in this role requires exceptional executive leadership, legal judgment, political acumen, financial discipline, organizational stewardship, and the ability to inspire confidence across diverse constituencies while leading the organization through executive transition.

The Executive Director will provide leadership across LASGC and its affiliated organizational structure, including its relationship with Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC (LASSO) and leadership of the Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation. Working collaboratively with LASSO leadership, the Executive Director will strengthen regional alignment, operational effectiveness, private-bar engagement, and the delivery of high-quality civil legal services throughout the seven-county service area.

Key Leadership Themes & Priorities

The successful candidate will be an accomplished leader who brings a compelling combination of the following experience and capabilities:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction: Significant leadership experience within a legal, nonprofit, governmental, public interest, corporate, or similarly complex organization, with demonstrated success setting strategic direction, partnering with governing boards, leading high-performing teams, and driving execution of organizational priorities.

Legal Services & Regulatory Acumen: Strong understanding of civil legal services, access-to-justice issues, and the regulatory and compliance responsibilities of publicly and philanthropically funded organizations.

Financial & Organizational Stewardship: Demonstrated experience overseeing organizational and financial stewardship and operations with a proven track record of operational excellence.

People & Culture Leadership: Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, navigate a complex employee environment, and position people and teams for sustained success.

External Leadership, Community Engagement & Resource Development: Accomplished relationship-builder and community ambassador with demonstrated success engaging legal, civic, governmental, philanthropic, business, and nonprofit stakeholders. Proven ability to fundraise and build strategic partnerships that advance organizational impact, visibility, and long-term sustainability.