Executive Director

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is the leading national criminal bar association comprised of all facets of the criminal defense bar. It is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights and to fight against racial inequality and disparity in the criminal legal system.   The organization harnesses the diverse views and forward-looking viewpoints of its members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in all areas of the criminal legal system. It does so in collaboration with a wide range of partners from across the ideological spectrum who share a commitment to core constitutional principles and promoting criminal justice reform.

NACDL supports its membership of criminal defense lawyers at all stages of their career to promote professional development by providing widely acclaimed continuing legal education, a vast compendium of resources, policy advocacy, and pro bono opportunities.

NACDL has a strong network of criminal defense lawyers and criminal legal advocates across the U.S., all of whom embody a commitment to the principle that all accused persons deserve zealous and effective representation and share a commitment to pursing fundamental reforms to combat over-criminalization, mass incarceration, racial, ethnic, and economic disparity, and to rein in prosecutorial overreach.  Additionally, NACDL’s more than 90 affiliate organizations in the U.S. and throughout the world share NACDL’s determination to ensure justice and due process for those accused of crime, improve the integrity, independence, and expertise of the criminal defense profession, and promote a more fair and rational approach to crime and punishment.

Reporting to a 47-member Board of Directors and managing a budget of approximately $8.5M, the Executive Director serves as Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the administrative and personnel management of approximately 45 committed and professional staff. The Executive Director also serves as the leader of the NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice (NFCJ) which has an 11 member Board of Trustees.

The next leader of NACDL is  a proven, accomplished leader who exhibits passion for the mission of the organization and a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by the criminal legal system, as well as in the lives of NACDL’s membership. The ideal candidate is committed to harnessing the potential of a vast array of volunteers in service to NACDL’s vision and mission.

In partnership with the Officers and Board of Directors, the next Executive Director casts a vision of NACDL’s work at the intersection of systemic racism and reforming the criminal legal system. The ideal candidate provides direction to the Officers, Board, staff and Trustees, and creates a collaborative atmosphere throughout the organization. This individual possesses exceptional management abilities, highlighted by a track record of high-level program administration, business and financial acumen, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, comfort and facility with public speaking, and a demonstrated presence within the criminal justice field.

NACDL’s next Executive Director will lead the organization to fulfill its strategic priorities and to establish a system of periodic review. This individual is a strategic thinker and problem-solver without seeking or desiring to solve problems on their own. A healthy and intentional reliance on staff and volunteers (including Officers and Board members) is required. This person demonstrates effective management approaches in building consensus, identifying solutions to multi-faceted problems, and acting with decisiveness.

The Executive Director develops strong partnerships with Officers, the Board of Directors, multiple highly-engaged committees, and the NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice  Board of Trustees, with a mutual interest in furthering the mission and increasing the organization’s scope of outreach and influence. A track record of successfully engaging with an active and participative governing Board must be evident.  This person maintains a climate of trust in all leadership and Board-related matters, as well as a learning environment that encourages active engagement by the Board in pursuit of organizational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate demonstrates an ability to firmly establish a positive organizational culture of mutual respect, cross-system communication, and teamwork. This individual also encourages and pursues an environment of integrity, transparency and service, and appreciates and acknowledges the work of NACDL’s dedicated staff, while advancing their professional excellence.  Other core skills are evident in seeking diverse views and perspectives, building consensus, and acting with integrity. 

The ideal candidate demonstrates fundraising success and the ability to strategize around revenue generation and diversification, through active solicitation of contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and through development of a supportive, diverse Board of Directors and trustees. 

A J.D. is highly preferred, but not required. Current or prior experience in the criminal justice arena, including but not limited to policy work, teaching, grant writing surrounding the criminal justice arena, or some form of criminal justice advocacy is essential.

To apply, submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/3938nEz (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). Application deadline is March 3, 2021.

For more information about the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, visit www.nacdl.org

The National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is an equal opportunity employer. NACDL provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation or political affiliation or any other protected classification which may be applicable under the law of the particular state or locality in which you are applying for employment. No question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excluding any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization.