General Summary:
The Nebraska Legal Diversity Council (NLDC) is a new organization being founded as a nonprofit entity to operate as a collaborative organization that attracts and retains diverse attorneys throughout Nebraska. The first Executive Director will be responsible for the creation, development, and implementation of a strategic plan that to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within Nebraska’s legal profession. The goals of the plan should include:

1. Improving the pipeline of diverse law school candidates to and graduates from Creighton University School of Law and the University of Nebraska College of Law;
2. Enhancing the ability of Nebraska’s legal employers to recruit and retain diverse lawyers;
3. Helping Nebraska’s legal community (law firms and other legal employers, law schools, bar associations, etc.) create a more inclusive culture; and
4. Connecting diverse lawyers with professional development support (e.g., networks, mentoring, leadership opportunities, etc.).

Principal Responsibilities:

• Develop, manage, and implement a Strategic Plan for the NLDC that advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within Nebraska’s legal profession. Development of the plan will include seeking long-term funding (via grants, dues, private donations, etc.), assessing and coordinating with existing DEI initiatives and informing the development and coordination of new efforts.
• Manage communication and reports to internal and external stakeholders about the progress toward the Plan’s goals.
• Develop pipeline opportunities with K-12 schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities.
• Create partnerships with and serve as a liaison to law schools, minority law student organizations, minority and specialty bar associations, law firms and other organizations, for diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Serve as a resource and spokesperson on diversity and inclusion issues. For example, collect, analyze, maintain, and disseminate information about evolving best practices aimed at the professional development and promotion of diverse and inclusive talent within the legal system. Promote increased participation by diverse populations in legal education and the legal profession through the development workshops, publications, etc.
• Develop recommendations and consult with stakeholders in Nebraska’s legal community about adopting best practices and policies or modifying existing policies and practices that impede the advancement of diversity in the legal profession.
• Seek out and apply for grants, scholarships, sponsorships and other forms of funding that provide support for diversity efforts within Nebraska’s legal profession.
• Develop, monitor, and report on goals and metrics to assess and support progress on key indicators.

Minimum Position Guidelines (Education, Experience, Knowledge Skills, and Abilities):

• Juris Doctorate strongly preferred, but relevant experience and expertise will be considered.
• Demonstrated competency with issues relating to inclusion, diversity, and cross-cultural competency.
• Experience developing and managing a diversity and inclusion program preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers and boards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with internal and external contacts at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of program plans, leadership, project coordination and consensus-building skills.
• Comfort level with basic metrics, data, and analytics required to gather and summarize data for reports.
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position requires demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Must be both team oriented and have the ability to work independently.

Computer Skills:
Microsoft Windows or Mac OS environment with ability to use Office Suite and other similar programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for preparation of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Location/Travel:
This position can be located primarily in Omaha or Lincoln, with a regular-but-periodic presence expected in the other location. The NLDC will serve the entire state of Nebraska, and some travel will be necessary.

Compensation:
Salary range: $85,000 to $115,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus benefits or a benefits stipend.

Applying:
Please send applications with a cover letter/statement of interest and resume to Liz Neeley, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Bar Association via email at: lneeley@nebar.com.

Applications are requested before July 23, 2021 but they will be accepted until the position is filled.