Executive Director Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: WV STATE BAR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

REPORTS TO: President, Executive Committee, Board of Governors, and Supreme Court

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The West Virginia State Bar is a regulatory agency of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, where membership is mandatory among West Virginia’s licensed attorneys-at-law. The objects of the West Virginia State Bar—and by extension, the Executive Director—shall be to protect the interests of the public; to advance the administration of justice and the science of jurisprudence; to improve the relations between the public and the bench and the bar; to uphold and elevate the standards of honor, integrity, competency and courtesy in the legal profession; and to encourage cordial relations among its members. The State Bar’s purpose is to give effect to pertinent rules of the Supreme Court, to perform the functions expressed in the State Bar’s constitution and bylaws, and to perform such other functions as directed by the Supreme Court.

The State Bar is governed by a Board of Governors, and the President of the Board of Governors serves as the chief executive officer of the State Bar. The Executive Director is the chief administrative officer for the agency and serves as Secretary of the Board of Governors.

The Executive Director serves at the will and pleasure of the Board of Governors, and the Board may appoint the Executive Director upon approval by the Supreme Court.

GENERAL DUTIES:

1. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing policies and programs approved by the President, Executive Committee, Board of Governors, and the Supreme Court.
2. The Executive Director is responsible for the management of human and capital resources, including the development of staff leadership, creating an inclusive culture, and training.
3. The Executive Director is responsible for managing the financial, contractual, recordkeeping, personnel, and property affairs of the State Bar in conformance with applicable laws, Supreme Court rules, and State Bar policies.
4. The Executive Director is responsible for delivering important information to members of the State Bar, as well as continually working to enhance the means by which information is shared.
5. The Executive Director may, from time-to-time, act as an official spokesperson for the State Bar and may coordinate communications among the State Bar, the courts, the media, the public, local and national organizations, and other governmental agencies and officials; however, the President serves as the primary spokesperson for the State Bar.
6. The Executive Director receives service of process on behalf of the State Bar.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. Finance Management: The Executive Director is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the State Bar, including ensuring that:
   1. all agency accounts are arcuately recorded and routinely audited;
   2. invoices are verified and timely paid;
   3. accounts receivable are collected and properly deposited with approved financial institutions;
   4. financial risk control measures are implemented and routinely reviewed;
   5. the agency’s annual budget is prepared, approved, and implemented;
   6. funds are expended in conformity with approved budgets;
   7. a six-year plan for the agency’s ongoing financial health is developed and updated annually;
   8. financial reports and presentations are prepared and shared with the Supreme Court, President, and members of the Board;
   9. agency credit cards, gas cards, checkbooks, account numbers, and other sensitive financial information are safeguarded; and
   10. account reconciliations are completed for the Judicial & Lawyer Assistance Program and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel accounts,

2. Purchasing: The Executive Director is responsible for administering all purchases for the State Bar, including engaging in the following activities:
   1. soliciting quotes, bids, or proposals from reputable and qualified vendors;
   2. maintaining purchasing files containing executed contracts, insurance certificates, warranties, paid invoices, receipts, project descriptions, correspondence with vendors, etc.;
   3. negotiating contract terms and executing contracts on behalf of the agency; and
   4. reconciling the agency’s credit card statements with receipts at least monthly.
      
      
3. Policy & Program Development / Implementation: The Executive Director develops and implements policies and programs by engaging in the following activities:
   1. recommending policies and programs that support the mission of the agency;
   2. acting upon approved policy and program decisions and collaborating with necessary parties to carry out those actions;
   3. monitoring local, state, and national trends and developments that may affect the legal profession and the practice of law;
   4. annually reviewing the State Bar’s bylaws and administrative rules and providing recommendations for amendments when appropriate; and
   5. administering the State Bar’s elections process.
      
      
4. Membership Services and Coordination with Related Entities: The Executive Director is responsible for facilitating a host of member services, as well as coordinating with related entities that serve the legal profession, such as:
   1. maintaining a register of all members of the State Bar;
   2. receiving, processing, and approving applications by legal corporations;
   3. coordinating with the West Virginia Board of Law Examiners;
   4. coordinating with the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program;
   5. coordinating with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel;
   6. supporting and advising State Bar committees;
   7. preparing newsletters to all IOLTA participating financial institutions;
   8. facilitating the quarterly publication of The West Virginia Lawyer;
   9. facilitating the development of the Bar Blast, the State Bar’s weekly email newsletter;
   10. providing members with objective information about State Bar operations, policies, services, and procedures;
   11. updating annually a membership directory;
   12. administering the collection of bar dues, financial responsibility disclosures, and IOLTA reporting;
   13. responding to correspondence and inquiries from members of the State Bar;
   14. receiving complaints to be submitted to the Unlawful Practice of Law Committee;
   15. receiving reports from the Unlawful Practice of Law Committee regarding investigations and other committee actions;
   16. safeguarding confidential or sensitive member information; and
   17. ensuring that the State Bar is technologically equipped to fully serve and communicate with members and the public.

5. Community Relationships: The role of the Executive Director as a relationship builder and maintainer cannot be overstated. The Executive Director will have routine contact with many diverse groups and developing positive and productive relationships with others is a fundamental job responsibility. The Executive Director is expected to maintain professional relationships and cordial communications with relevant parties and entities, including:
   1. State Bar members;
   2. the courts;
   3. the Legislature and other governmental agencies;
   4. professional organizations;
   5. public service organizations;
   6. the media;
   7. vendors; and
   8. the public.

6. Human Resources Management: The Executive Director is responsible for managing a staff of competent professionals who work to further the mission and goals of the State Bar. The Executive Director must:
   1. ensure that State Bar employment practices are consistent with state and federal employment laws;
   2. encourage the development of a workforce with varied backgrounds and a broad range of experience;
   3. approve hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining State Bar staff;
   4. ensure accurate personnel files are maintained;
   5. evaluate staff performance annually; and
   6. ensure the State Bar Center offers a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for staff and visitors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ABILITY:

The Executive Director must possess the following attributes:

1. demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and complex organization with 5 years of experience;
2. demonstrated critical thinking skills;
3. demonstrated ability to engage in long-term planning;
4. excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills;
5. familiarity with information technology systems, including but not limited to, overseeing computer system security, developing user-friendly and informative websites, maintaining financial data, using email communications and word processing systems, and processing digital financial transactions.
6. familiarity with issues and concerns affecting practicing lawyers and the legal profession in general;
7. general knowledge of government institutions; and
8. ability to travel both in-state and nationally.

Education:

A law degree is strongly preferred. Degrees in the fields of public administration, business administration, finance, or political science are helpful but not required. A minimum of a four-year baccalaureate degree from a recognized accredited college or university is a required minimum.