OVERVIEW:

The Special Projects Manager is a member of the Legal Services Corporation’s (LSC) Executive Office. LSC celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2024, and during that time the Special Projects Manager will focus on further developing and executing the strategic programming, communications, and fund development plan associated with the anniversary campaign. The Special Projects Manager will design content for programs and events, and implement communications plans that achieve LSC’s educational and outreach needs and amplify key messages. Post-2024, the Special Projects Manager will manage special projects, programs, and time-limited initiatives, like task forces (linked are examples of LSC’s recent task forces: Housing Task Force and Opioid Task Force). This role demands a self-directed, organized, and intellectually curious individual with excellent writing and project management skills and a collaborative mindset. The ability to toggle between big-picture thinking and managing all the little details will be key to a new hire’s success. Given the changing composition and priorities of LSC’s Board of Directors, who are nominated by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, the Special Projects Manager’s work may vary over time. They will collaborate closely with the President, Chief of Staff, and Special Assistant to the President on all matters and will join a closely-knit and exceptional Executive Office team who enjoy working together and value camaraderie, mutual respect, and a sense of shared responsibility in achieving our objectives. This role reports to LSC’s President and the Chief of Staff.

ABOUT LSC:

Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is the country’s single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. LSC currently funds 132 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations with more than 800 offices throughout the nation. LSC’s mission is to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans.

This position is based in Washington, DC, and will require working from an office in DC in accordance with LSC’s hybrid work model. The successful candidate must live in the DC metropolitan area.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

STRATEGY SETTNG AND TEAM COORDINATION (20%)

Design and implement cross-organizational initiatives and programs, including components of the 50th anniversary plan, topical task forces, and other projects initiated by LSC management or Board of Directors.
Develop strategic programming and implement communication plans in concert with colleagues and stakeholders to articulate the need for robust investment in civil legal aid and engage new audiences (e.g., identify audience to reach, set event dates and locations, develop a list of program participants and Master of Ceremonies, integrate the legal aid provider and client voice into programming, develop pre- and post-event marketing and social media strategy).
Build and maintain a knowledge base of civil legal aid practice and access to justice issues to develop event themes.

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT FOR EVENTS (65%)

Monitor LSC’s earned media and identify compelling topics to further research and program development such as legal deserts, right to counsel in eviction cases, unique legal needs faced by Veterans.
Plan and execute live and virtual events, webinars, discussions, receptions, and meetings, from conception to completion, with a focus on developing impactful content. This includes development of thoughtfully curated speaking programs, invitation lists, event marketing collateral, detailed run-of-show documents, and comprehensive logistical plans.
In conjunction with the office of Government Relations & Public Affairs (GRPA) craft engaging content for internal and external communications about events, ranging from promotional pieces and impactful social media posts to invitation letters, registration emails, and informative on-site handouts.
Collaborate with colleagues across various offices including GRPA, Informational Technology, Institutional Advancement, and Travel to incorporate diverse perspectives and goals into content and program structure and to ensure all pre- and post-event logistical details are in place.
Conduct thorough research, craft compelling talking points and questions for moderated panel discussions and prepare LSC leadership or notable program participants for speaking engagements and interactions with key external stakeholders.
Schedule and lead preparation calls and dry runs for program participants and internal presenters, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident.
Proactively anticipate potential changes, develop contingency plans, and troubleshoot effectively in real time to ensure flawless execution.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (15%)

Track progress, develop team timelines, and communicate effectively with colleagues to keep project elements on schedule yet high quality.
Author and edit publications and progress reports to funders.
Schedule, support, and lead meetings: create meeting agendas, assemble background materials, take and circulate meeting notes, and ensure timely follow up on next steps.
Proactively complete (or coordinate) administrative tasks that contribute to the success of events and communications, such as liaising with audiovisual, design or print vendors, coordinating with venue security personnel, or overseeing the production of name badges.
Identify opportunities to continually learn and improve and expand upon existing programming.
Monitor LSC’s 50th Anniversary email inbox and ensure timely responses from appropriate offices.

Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

General:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to produce professional, clear, well-written work product that requires minimal editing. Ability to reach different audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with individuals at all levels of an organization chart. Ability to work well with persons from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles. Ability to manage conflicts.
Highly organized and attentive to detail; able to meet and beat competing priorities with tight deadlines.
High degree of flexibility and capacity for self-management.
Intellectually curious. Able to master unfamiliar subjects quickly and thoroughly. Able to understand trends that affect LSC, its grantees, and their clients.
Unimpeachable integrity and adherence to the highest standards of personal ethics and professionalism.
Must possess excellent judgment and articulate well-informed and objective recommendations.
Ability to influence, motivate, challenge, and inspire confidence among others.

Technical/Specialized:

Minimum 4 years of program and event management experience. The ideal candidate will have experience implementing a broad array of programming formats for non-profit organizations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. Familiarity and high level of ability with event management platforms (e.g., Cvent), HTML email marketing services (e.g., MailChimp), customer relationship management (CRM) software/databases (e.g., Salesforce), and cloud-based file systems (e.g., Box).
Knowledge of the legal system, understanding of the workings of the federal government, and demonstrated commitment to public service and social justice.
Experience in drafting, editing, and managing publications or reports.
Knowledge of effective, nonprofit communications strategies and tools required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary: $101,332; Step 1

Salary range: $101,332- $105,426

LSC has a competitive market-based salary structure that establishes a specific salary range for this position. The salary range has eight pay levels separated by seven steps. An employee must wait two years to advance in Steps 1 through 4. New hires typically begin at Step 1. In special circumstances, LSC may authorize a new hire to start at a higher step based on a special need or superior qualifications of the new employee.

Excellent benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please apply through LSC’s online application portal at www.tinyurl.com/applytoLSC. A cover letter and résumé must be included. To have your application considered, please answer all application questions and provide all requested information.

Note: If you need reasonable accommodations in the application process, please notify the Office of Human Resources at jobapplicant@lsc.gov.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our differences fuel excellence, and we strive to create an environment where every individual is valued and feels empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We are building a community rooted in openness and trust where colleagues have the resources to grow, thrive and fully contribute to achieving equal access to justice.

LSC is an equal opportunity employer.