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About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive leader responsible for the day-to-day operational and programmatic management of LASROC. This role collaborates with the CFO on financial management and administrative functions, reporting directly to the President and CEO. The COO oversees various directors and administrators to ensure alignment across all program units and administrative functions, advancing the agency's mission to provide access to justice for underserved individuals and families.

Responsibilities

Provide overall strategic leadership for the management of the agency as a key member of the senior management team.
Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, policies, and procedures across all units and offices in partnership with the President and CEO.
Oversee the Juvenile Justice Unit, Civil Division Unit, Grants and Program Administration, and Communications to ensure high-quality, mission-driven legal services delivery.
Serve as the primary point of accountability for program quality and service delivery standards across supervised units.
Establish and maintain program policies, procedures, and case management standards consistent with the agency's mission, funder requirements, and applicable legal practice standards.
Coordinate with Division Directors on cross-agency initiatives, shared resources, and agency-wide program consistency.
Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for program unit growth, capacity building, and expanded access to justice.
Participate in the development, planning, and management of the overall agency budget in collaboration with the CEO and CFO.
Serve as a key representative and collaborative partner in the Telesca Center for Justice and Fund for Justice partnership.
Oversee the professional development, mentoring, and continuing legal education of program staff.
Lead and support Unit Directors in conducting timely and meaningful performance evaluations.
Partner with the President and CEO and CFO on human resources matters affecting program staff.
Ensure program and administrative units operate in compliance with agency personnel policies, internal controls, and applicable employment laws.
Support workforce planning, organizational structure decisions, and succession planning in partnership with the President and CEO.
Develop, implement, and maintain agency-wide training programs for attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
Advance staff retention strategies that support employee engagement, career growth, and commitment to the agency's mission.
Ensure consistent, equitable, and client-centered service delivery across all program units.
Respond to and resolve complex client inquiries, complaints, and escalated matters.
Represent LASROC at community partner meetings, collaborative initiatives, coalition tables, and public forums.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, social service agencies, courts, and other stakeholders.
Support and lead community outreach, legal education, and public awareness efforts.
Participate in the preparation of grant applications and funding requests.
Oversee the preparation and submission of required statistical and narrative reports for all program grants.
Ensure program staff maintain accurate and complete case files, data, and documentation.
Participate in funder site visits, audits, and program reviews.
Collaborate on program budget development, monitoring, and amendment.
Promote and model LASROC’s mission, values, and commitment to equal justice.
Ensure program units operate in compliance with agency personnel policies, internal controls, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Provide program reports and updates to the President and CEO on a regular basis.
Collaborate with the CFO in overall operations and oversight.
Participate in Management Team meetings and other agency-wide meetings, committees, and initiatives.

Requirements

Must be an attorney admitted to practice law in New York State.
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law, with significant experience in civil legal services or a related public interest legal setting.
Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or program management role, including direct oversight of attorneys and/or multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of social justice and ensuring access to justice for underserved populations.
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop individuals and teams to achieve high performance and client-centered outcomes.
Strong knowledge of civil legal practice areas relevant to LASROC’s service population.
Experience with grant administration, program reporting, and funder compliance in a nonprofit or legal services environment.
Ability to travel as required; reliable transportation is required.

Skills

Familiarity with applicable substantive law, court procedures, and legal ethics requirements.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, community partners, funders, and other external stakeholders.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Experience representing an organization publicly and before diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities across a multi-office, multi-county organization.

Location

In-office environment

Work Type

Hybrid Work schedule
Full-time

Experience Level

Senior executive leader
10+ years of experience

Education Level

Admitted to practice law in New York State

Benefits

Hybrid Work schedule
Paid Lunch Hour
Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
15 days of vacation to start (based on experience)
96 hours of sick leave
48 hours of personal time
14 paid holidays a year
$600 per year internet stipend
3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan
Language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
Professional development opportunities
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer

About the Company

LASROC advances access to justice for underserved individuals and families.

Equal Opportunity

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.