STAFF ATTORNEY

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance is seeking a staff attorney for its St. Cloud office.

BACKGROUND: St. Cloud Area Legal Services is a nine-attorney office which provides civil representation to low-income people in seven primarily rural counties. The office receives funding from a variety of public and private sources and enjoys strong support from the organized bar. St. Cloud is a city of 50,000, located on the Mississippi River, about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis - St. Paul. There are three colleges and universities in the community, increasing the availability of a variety of speakers and cultural events.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The attorney will provide assistance to low income individuals on family law and immigration law issues. Representation can include service work, complex litigation, legislative/administrative advocacy, and commu­nity education as appropriate to client needs.

QUALIFICATIONS: Concern for the needs and rights of low-income persons is required. Immigration or family law experience is preferred. Second language ability preferred. Applicant must be licensed or willing to take the next bar exam. Admitted attorneys can get temporary pre-exam admission. Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences are a plus.

SALARY: Salary is $45,000-$49,436 upon bar admission, D.O.E. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

APPLICATIONS: Applications will be taken until position is filled. No Agencies. No Calls.

Send resume, cover letter and references to:

Ann Cofell, Deputy Director

St. Cloud Area Legal Services

830 W. St. Germain, #300

P.O. Box 886

MINNEAPOLIS – STAFF ATTORNEY (FULL-TIME TWO-YEAR POSITION)

The Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis (LASM), a division of Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA), seeks to hire a staff attorney at the Housing Discrimination Law Project (HDLP), located in LASM’s North Minneapolis Office. This is a full-time two-year position.

BACKGROUND: MMLA, which includes the LASM, is an 8-office, 70-attorney legal services organization providing a full range of free legal services to low-income and elderly persons and persons with disabilities. MMLA receives funding from the federal, state and local government; the United Way; foundations; local law firms; etc. MMLA enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar. MMLA does not receive funds from the federal Legal Services Corporation.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The HDLP provides legal advice and representation on fair housing issues and also participates in related community and professional education activities. This position will have a special emphasis on legal services and education in suburban Hennepin County.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to the needs of low-income clients. Experience or training in federal and state civil rights laws preferred. Applicants must have good verbal and written communication skills, and must be licensed or willing to take the next first available bar exam. Diverse economic, social, or cultural experiences, and relevant language skills, are a plus.

SALARY: $45,000 to $48,340 DOE. Benefits include family health insurance.

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible. Late applications will be accepted until position is filled.

APPLICATIONS: Send cover letter and resume with references by August 26, 2008 to:

Jessica Coyne

Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis

125 W. Broadway, #105

Minneapolis, MN 55411

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AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILY CENTER

Executive Director

The Organization

The American Indian Family Center works to strengthen and value the capacity of the American Indian community, its culture, and families to raise healthy, nurtured children to achieve their full potential and to be active, contributing members of their community.

The American Indian Family Center (AIFC) is a non-profit social services agency serving American Indian families and children throughout Ramsey County (St. Paul) Minnesota. The agency is located in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood of east St. Paul. The idea for an American Indian Family Center began in 1995 through a community-based planning effort that reflected the American Indian community’s interests, needs, and priorities. The Center opened its doors in 1996 under the umbrella of the St. Paul Ramsey County Children’s Initiative and in 1999 became an independent 501.c.3 organization

The AIFC’s philosophy is founded in a belief that the most effective way to ensure the healthy growth and development of Indian children is to support families and the communities in which they live. Programs that focus on strengthening the families have proven to be the most effective way to improve the life opportunities for children. AIFC programs are based on the traditional values of the Ojibwa culture and incorporate an egalitarian system of community living, values shared by many other Indian tribes and communities. These programs are community-driven, culturally-grounded, and promote sharing, generosity, respect, and giving back to the community.

AIFC has developed a growing number of excellent programs to meet the needs of its clients and families. These fall into five general categories: family services and support, mental health, women’s health, employment services, and youth development. The staff of the family center is one of its strongest assets. This group is stable, highly educated and credentialed, and extremely effective in the delivery of programs. In addition, the organization has built a number of strong collaborations with other St. Paul organizations to deliver current and define future services. It works especially closely with American Indian Education of St. Paul Public Schools, Ain Dah Yung, Ramsey County Public Health, and the Girl Scouts.

One of the bigger challenges (and opportunity) for the organization is the need to increase the size and accessibility of the organization’s facility. This will require a significant capital campaign, as well as the subsequent project to design and build the new facility. Initial planning for this effort has started, but initiation of the campaign has been put on hold until the new Executive Director is on board and the organization’s strategic plan can be updated.

American Indian Family Center’s operating budget is approximately $1.8MM and the organization employs over 20 full and part-time professionals. Nearly 70% of AIFC’s funding is through government contracts; 25 to 30% is earned fees for services; and a small balance comes from private charitable contributions.

The organization owns its facility at 579 Wells Street that houses its office, meeting rooms and facilities for its programs. The American Indian Family Center’s website is www.aifc.net.

AIFC Programs

AFIC offers a variety of high quality programs to meet the needs of families, women and children. These programs have evolved over time and been expanded to meet emerging needs of the community. Currently, AIFC programs break down as follows:

Family Services and Support. These programs offer supportive services to families using a holistic approach and emphasizing kinship and community connections. These include Early Childhood Family Education, Nagi Kicopi Family Program for parents with school age children, Our Children Are Sacred Program for parents and children with special needs, and the MFIP Project that provides on-site services and support from Ramsey County Human Services financial workers.

Mental Health. AIFC offers cultural based mental health services including therapy, support, and groups to individuals, couples, and families through its Healing Generations Program.

Women’s Health. Through its Twin Cities Healthy Start and Community Doula Programs, AIFC works with pregnant women to reduce the high incidence of infant mortality in American Indian and communities of color.

Employment Services. This is the organization’s newest program set. Through its Anukey Partnership with the Ramsey County Financial Division, AIFC is working with families to develop their job finding and retention skills to move toward economic self-sufficiency.

Youth Development. AIFC offers a number of programs for youth that work to develop leadership potential, and to promote economic self-sufficiency, teamwork, and healthy decision-making. These programs include the Girls Best Initiative, the First Nations Sports Initiative, a Girl Scout Troop, the ENABL Project, and the Multi-Generation Learning Project.

More information about these programs is available at the AIFC website, www.aifc.net.

The Position

The Executive Director is responsible for the general and fiscal leadership and management of the entire organization. Reporting to the Board (generally through its board chair and executive committee), the Executive Director is charged with the responsibility and accountability of delivering against the mission and goals of the organization as articulated by the Board. At the same time, she or he will play a key role in the greater community representing the organization and the advocating for the mission and the needs of its clients in a wide range of situations, both public and private. This requires leadership, passion, and an ability to prioritize amid sometimes conflicting internal and external needs.

The new Executive Director will join AIFC following a two year period of fluid leadership following the retirement of its founding Executive Director. While the organization has continued to do well under interim leadership during this time, it has restrained from expanding action in a number of areas: organizational development, strategic planning, and addressing the organization’s space needs being among the most pressing. The new Executive Director must move quickly to address these issues in the near-term, yet do so in an inclusive and team-oriented way that appropriately involves the whole board and staff. This will include leading a strategic review process to identify the right strategic plan for AIFC and taking the lead in planning and executing a capital campaign to fund both programs and a new facility.

In addition, the growth of American Indian Family Center’s services and staff has highlighted an on-going need to enhance the organizational structure and systems throughout the agency. Moreover, the current political climate has emphasized the need to build a stronger private development effort to offset expected losses in public funding over the next few years. These agenda items will be important challenges to the organization and the Board and staff will look to the new Executive Director for leadership in addressing them.

Other specific responsibilities include:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative, high-quality, and effective programs and services that are consistent with AIFC’s mission.

• Manage the long-term financial health of the organization by developing a diversified funding base with grants, contracts, individual contributions, earned-income activities and program fees.

• Lead organizational fundraising efforts to new and existing funders.

• Build, develop and retain a high-quality staff, and in doing so foster a climate of cooperation and coordination among staff, board, volunteers, and other contributors.

• Promote the visibility and image of the Center and the economic and social needs of Indian women and families on a local and statewide level.

• Explore potential opportunities to partner with other organizations, community groups, and public offices to further the mission and goals of the Center.

• Advocate on behalf of AIFC and its clientele: hosting and/or attending forums, lobbying, public speaking, press contacts and agency printed materials.

• Contribute to the effectiveness of the Board of Directors by providing strategic input, vision, motivation and leadership to Board members and by implementing board directives efficiently.

• Provide the Board and its committees with timely and accurate information on the services, finances and general administration of the organization and, while doing so, build a productive working relationship with the Board of Directors and its committees and task forces.

• Foster volunteer participation at all levels of the organization.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position will be a seasoned not-for-profit professional with a demonstrated track record of fiscal responsibility and success in managing a smaller, resource-constrained, financially sound not-for-profit organization, ideally one serving the needs of American Indian families and women. A thorough understanding of the issues faced by this population and the social programs and services available to help is extremely important. In addition, this individual must have demonstrated an ability to successfully run a relatively complex, multi-program organization reporting directly to a board of directors. Commitment to the AIFC mission and a passion for working to overcome the challenges facing American Indian women and family’s in today’s world are mandatory.

Strong leadership abilities and mastery of the skills and understanding of business administration are prerequisites for this position. Managerial experience and outstanding interpersonal and communication skills are essential. A positive and effective community presence and demonstrated fundraising skills are also critical. Effective lobbying skills and experience working with state and county agencies, the Legislature, and city councils and staffs would be definite strengths. Overall, this individual must be comfortable and effective representing the organization in a wide range of venues.

In style, this person must be highly creative, innovative and have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a sense of urgency to achieve results. As the key leader of the organization, this individual must be an effective public speaker and motivational leader. The ideal candidate must also possess excellent strategic planning skills, solid management skills, and the ability to translate vision into results in a timely manner. An ability to effectively delegate responsibilities to staff is necessary for success.

Very importantly, the new Executive Director must have the leadership skills and collaborative spirit to effectively lead and support a strong, highly motivated, and fairly independent staff. This must include the insights and skills of a seasoned leader who can accomplish the mission and objectives of the organization through the efforts of many other people, both staff and volunteers. This will include the ability to work with a highly committed volunteer board and to be effective in a variety of fundraising, planning and development efforts. In addition, the ideal candidate must have a successful track record of attracting, developing and retaining a strong staff. Last, but not least, this person needs a broad range of experience with and knowledge of Indian women’s and family issues.

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Franchot & Associates

952-253-0080

Submit resumes to: peggy@franchotassociates.com

Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance is seeking a staff attorney for its Cambridge office.

BACKGROUND: Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance (MMLA), which includes East Central Legal Services (ECLS) in Cambridge, is an 8-office, 62-attorney program providing free legal representation to low-income and elderly persons and persons with disabilities. MMLA receives funding from the United Way, the federal government, the State of Minnesota, local government, foundations, law firms and corporations. MMLA enjoys a good rapport with, and strong support from, the organized bar. MMLA does not receive funds from the federal Legal Services Corporation.

ECLS is a two-attorney office which provides civil representation to low-income people in two primarily rural counties and to Mille Lacs Band Tribal Members in five primarily rural counties.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The attorney will provide assistance to low income individuals and to members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Representation can include service work, complex litigation, legislative/administrative advocacy, and commu­nity education as appropriate to client needs. Travel to Mille Lacs Reservation required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Concern for the needs and rights of low-income persons is required. Poverty law or clinical experience is preferred. Experience providing services to members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is a plus. Second language ability is a plus. Applicant must be licensed or willing to take the next bar exam. Out-of-state admitted attorneys can get temporary pre-exam admission. Diverse economic, social or cultural experiences are a plus.

SALARY: $45,000-$48,340 upon bar admission, D.O.E. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, family medical, life and long-term disability insurance.

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible after the position is filled.

APPLICATIONS: Send cover letter and resume with references to:

Ann Cofell, Deputy Director

East Central Legal Services

1700 East Rum River Drive South, Suite B

Cambridge, MN 55008

No Agencies. No Calls.

MMLA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Please forward resume and writing sample to Deputy Attorney General Jo Deen B. Lowe

P.O. Box 340

Crandon, WI  54520

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Cass Lake, Minnesota

Job Announcement

Title: Associate Tribal Attorney

Reports to: Legal Department Director

Work Site: Facilities Center Building – ICWA Offices

Wage/Status: $40,000-60,000 DOQ
Salaried/full-time W/ Benefits

Deadline: Tentative application deadline of August 15th – Open until filed

Tentative hiring date following Labor Day Weekend

This position will primarily be responsible for ICWA and Child protection cases in Tribal and State courts and acting as general counsel for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Social Services Department. Must be able to work independently and manage caseload with little direct supervision. Will also have supervisory responsibilities for support staff.

This position requires a highly motivated individual, with a thorough understanding of the unique cultural needs of the clientele being served and a commitment to being a strong advocate for Native American children. Native American preference will be given, but all are encouraged to apply. The LLBO is seeking the best individual to protect the interests of our children, our most valuable resource.

The Leech Lake Reservation is located in Northern Minnesota. This is an area of stunning natural beauty with deep forests and hundreds of lakes. Hunting, fishing, wild rice harvesting, as well as many other year-round recreational opportunities abound.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary responsibility for ICWA, Child Protection cases and other cases as assigned. Coordinate, organize and track legal obligations for tribal government administration, program development, tribal businesses Defend and prosecute on behalf of the Leech Lake Band in Tribal Court and other state and federal district courts and forums.

Qualifications and Skills:

Must possess a Juris Doctorate Degree and licensed to practice in MN.

Minimum of two years experience with Indian Law and strong relevant Child Protection (ChiPs) experience with emphasis on Indian Child Welfare Act.

Excellent writing and communication skills required.

Excellent organizational skills required.

Must have a current driver’s license.

Leech Lake, MCT, Other Native American preference, Non-Native American.

Physical Requirements:

Primarily office work with some travel. Light lifting and bending with prolonged sitting.

How to apply: Send a letter of application, resume, credentials, and transcripts to:

LLBO – Human Resources Department, 115 Sixth St NW, Suite E, Cass Lake, MN 56633.

For more information call 218-335-3698 or toll free 1-800-631-5528

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Battered Women's Legal Advocacy Project ("BWLAP"), a state-wide nonprofit organization based in South Minneapolis, seeks to fill an open position on its Board of Directors. BWLAP's mission is to effect system change, secure access to justice, and improve the legal system's response to battered women, particularly underrepresented women, and their children. BWLAP has been providing legal information, resources, and training to battered women and children, their advocates, attorneys, and other service providers for over 10 years. It is particularly renowned for its annual New Laws trainings, held at multiple locations throughout the state. It also runs special immigration and housing initiatives. More information is available at www.bwlap.org.

The Board of Directors meets the fourth Thursday of every month, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Board members from remote areas may participate by phone. Board members are asked to serve a two year term. Some knowledge of domestic violence is helpful, but not required. The Board seeks members from diverse backgrounds with skills in areas such as fundraising, finance, marketing, human resources, program development, public relations, technology, and the law. BWLAP is also recruiting members for its Advisory Council, which is open to all members of the public who are interested in BWLAP's mission, and has more flexible participation requirements. To apply, or for more information about serving on the Board or the Advisory Council, please contact Chloe Thompson (651-336-6094 or sct@oarlaw.com) or Tonya Boyd (651-402-1625 or tonyasboyd@gmail.com).