Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Business (CLIMB), a Charlotte-based non-profit, seeks to hire its first Executive Director to lead and scale the pro bono program launched in 2021 to expand access to business law services and advance economic mobility in Charlotte.

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Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to info@climbnc.org. Applications will be considered as they are received and accepted until the position is filled.  

 

You are encouraged to apply no later than July 31, 2023.
 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
CLIMB provides pro bono business law services to historically under-represented entrepreneurs and small business owners of limited means.
 

CLIMB partners with a growing list of referral sources to reach under-resourced entrepreneurs and small business owners, prioritizing service for people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, and veterans. CLIMB utilizes a network of volunteer lawyers from Charlotte law firms and corporate legal departments to provide free non-litigation business law services directly to eligible clients.
 

CLIMB seeks to advance economic mobility and social justice in our local community by expanding access to the legal system in Charlotte.  

 

CLIMB strives to be part of a well- organized supportive network for entrepreneurs that contributes to an increased number of minority-owned small businesses in the Charlotte area.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As CLIMB’s first hire, the Executive Director (ED) will have the opportunity to build on the foundation originally conceived by local law firms in response to social and racial unrest in 2020.  The ED will partner with the inaugural Board of Directors and supporting law firms to scale CLIMB and expand access to legal services in the Charlotte community.

 

The ideal candidate will bring a deep connection to the legal community (both private firms and other non-profit legal service providers), large corporate businesses with a local presence, and the small business community.
 

Candidates should have a passion for CLIMB’s mission, as well as a successful track record as a strong community leader, growth catalyst, and fundraiser. Ideally, the candidate’s background will also demonstrate a history of service to under-represented groups and/or a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices, both internally and externally, in the organizations in which they have served or worked.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision and strategy: Lead CLIMB’s strategic direction; collaborate with Board, staff, CLIMB’s client base, and other key stakeholders to set clear goals and achieve CLIMB’s mission. Assess, evaluate, and update organizational structures
and models with an eye toward sustainable growth and impact.
 

Organizational leadership: Establish organizational infrastructure and systems, with an eye toward organizational development and sustainable growth and expansion.  Assess and evaluate organizational practices to align the Board and
staff around the goals and objectives outlined in strategic planning.
 

Organizational culture: Advance CLIMB’s work to build an authentically diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture and foster a culture of collaboration and
transparency, both internally and externally.
 

Relationship management: Build trusted relationships with CLIMB’s client base and organizations to inform intake procedures, operating structures, case selection, and impact measures; nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including law firms, corporate businesses with a local presence, funders,
community partners, staff, government agencies, and Board members.
 

Resource development:  Ensure the financial sustainability and growth of CLIMB through strategic fundraising, partnership development, and strong financial management. Cultivate relationships with a robust array of partners and donors to
actively increase and continue to diversify CLIMB’s revenue streams.
 

DESIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, & ATTRIBUTES
Belief in CLIMB’s mission and the people served by the organization;
 

J.D. from accredited law school; must be admitted to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and admitted to practice or eligible to practice in North Carolina at the start of employment or soon thereafter.

 

Demonstrated experience as a spokesperson, communicating with a wide range of audiences, including community leaders, the media, donors, and the public at large;
 

Ability to motivate, empower, and grow a team of talented professionals, including recruiting, hiring, and retaining team members;
 

Prior experience leading a nonprofit or legal services organization, including having oversight of an organization or team’s people, operations, and finances;
 

Successful track record of leading and scaling programs and projects;
 

Adept at financial visioning and strategy;
 

Proficiency in languages beyond English
 

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION
Salary will be commensurate with experience.  The ED will be located in Charlotte.