Legal Education - Director Section Operations

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

• Manages the administrative and financial operations of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, including internal processes and projects.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Manages and plans all aspects of the Accreditation Projects and Sections budgets, including revenue generation, expense control, and investment of reserves. Ensures council is educated about reserve investment portfolio and receives regular investment performance updates and advice from outside advisor(s).
• Oversees selected internal processes of the Section (e.g., document retention, tech for Section systems).
• Collaborates within the department and other ABA entities to assure effective communication of processes, guidelines, and general information to stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Provides project management and process implementation support for the Section.
• Reports status and recommends actions to maintain project schedules, quality, and deliverables.
• Identifies best and next practices and introduces such initiatives into project management and activities.
• Recommends process improvements, and leads the department in implementation of improvements, which may require collaboration across functional areas and departments of the ABA.
• Coordinates training of the Section staff.
• Coordinates integration of ABA policies and practices into Section policies and practices.
• As needed, participates and/or leads other Section activities and projects.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience, preferably in an association, legal or nonprofit environment.
• Prior experience and responsibility for developing and implementing budgets and tracking and communicating updates to stakeholders.
• Relevant experience having successfully managed long and short-term projects.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple simultaneous responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain successful interpersonal relationships with staff and leaders.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Equivalent previous association management experience.
• Experience in the legal field.
• Prior experience in Accounting or Finance.

Physical Requirements

• Hybrid office work environment.

Extent of Travel Required in the Job

• As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 20% of the time.