DEPUTY DIRECTOR – DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES

DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for the Deputy Director position. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Deputy Director assists the Executive Director in ensuring the smooth operation of Dakota Plains Legal Services.  He/she will have primary responsibility for fundraising, overseeing the Human Relations functions of DPLS, staff development and training and oversight of the annual performance evaluation system.  Other duties may be assigned as program needs require. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

a.   Admitted to practice law in the courts of at least one state and, if not already admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of South Dakota, eligible for and applying for (1) admission to the State Bar of South Dakota without taking the South Dakota Bar Examination, per SDCL 16-16-12.1; or (2) permission to take the next scheduled South Dakota Bar Examination.

b.   At least one year of experience in the practice of poverty law or Native American law with trial experience in state and federal courts or two years of experience in the general practice of law.  Appellate experience preferred but not required.

c.   Demonstrated interest in poverty law and sensitivity to the legal needs of low income Native American and other low-income clients

      d.   Strong writing skills are essential.

      e.   Familiarity with budgets or willing to learn.

      f.    Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Word, Excel and other commonly used software.  

g.   Ability to work collaboratively with board and staff members.

SALARY: Competitive, depending on experience. DPLS has excellent fringe benefits, including generous leave benefits and employee insurance coverage (medical, dental, life, disability).

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:  Please submit a letter of interest and resume to: Thomas S. Mortland, Executive Director, Dakota Plains Legal Services, PO Box 489, Mission, SD 57555, (605) 856-4444, tmortland@dpls.org.  

Native Americans, Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.  Dakota Plains Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.