ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE OF THE CALIFORNIA APPELLATE PROJECT JOB POSTING

THE ORGANIZATION
The California Appellate Project (CAP) is a non-profit organization established by the State Bar of California as a legal resource center to implement the constitutional right to counsel for indigent persons facing execution. The San Francisco office of CAP (CAPSF) serves the largest population of condemned individuals in the country (more than 700 men and women) and is funded by a contract with the Judicial Council of California.

CAP-SF assists private counsel appointed by the California Supreme Court to represent indigent defendants in capital cases challenging their convictions and sentences on direct appeal and in habeas corpus proceedings, and provides them with professional training and litigation resource materials. In addition, CAP-SF assists unrepresented death row inmates by collecting and preserving evidence for their post-conviction claims, and by providing needed advocacy before counsel is appointed. At the request of the judiciary, CAP-SF also consults on policy matters regarding indigent defense representation in capital cases.

POSITION SUMMARY
In accordance with CAP’s mission of providing high quality support and resources to private attorneys representing indigent defendants on death row and its operational policies, the Associate Director partners with the Executive Director in the overall direction and management of the office and its activities, in consultation with the Board of Directors, including planning and decisions related to personnel, resources and services, technology, finances, and supervision of various departments and teams. The Associate Director would be expected to carry a small caseload assisting appointed counsel. The Associate Director would also participate in meetings with the California Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts, negotiate contracts, and produce reports for the California Supreme Court. All of these responsibilities are directed toward accomplishing CAP’s mission. The actual allocation of responsibilities will be determined by the office’s needs and existing resources, and by the specific strengths of the Associate Director.

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Juris Doctorate.
2. Admission to the California State Bar.
3. Strong writing and legal research skills.
4. Prior death penalty experience.
5. Senior-level leadership/management experience, with significant experience successfully managing financial activities, administrative operations and human resources, budgeting, contract administration and strategic planning, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
6. Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly in resolving challenging situations.
7. Demonstrated ability to set priorities, track and monitor performance, complete projects, and report on multiple projects and programs concurrently.
8. Demonstrated success in effectively leading and developing staff, with the capacity to ensure accountability, and to develop, retain, inspire and motivate a diverse, high-performing staff.
9. Demonstrated comfort with and commitment to working with and on behalf of people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, socio-economic levels, and perspectives.

THE DESIRED CANDIDATE
The desired candidate will have a passion for, and believe strongly in, CAP’s mission. This candidate will be credible, competent, highly motivated, energetic, organized, and possess strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and a vigorous work ethic. She or he will have the ability to build a working team internally and cultivate a goals oriented, congenial, innovative work environment. She or he can both lead and manage, and bring strategic vision to the organization.
Please note: The California Appellate Project is strongly committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We encourage candidates of all ages, races, sexual orientations, national origins, ethnicities, and religions to apply.

TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in this position, relevant work experience, resume, references, and salary requirements to: hiring@capsf.org by December 1, 2011.