ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACDs foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.ACD envisions a society liberated from systems of oppression where the promise of justice and racial equity is realized; communities where our approach to public safety prioritizes investment in well-being, health, and transformation without relying on criminalization and incarceration; and people living freely in their communities, thriving regardless of their race or income.ACD and its partners in the organizing and advocacy community are at the center of efforts in the St. Louis region to:
Re-envision public safety, promote community well-being through policy change, and hold public actors and institutions accountable for misconduct through litigation and zealous holistic representation.
Challenge a system of policing, courts, and jails designed to meet municipal financial needs rather than the needs of those they purport to serve. Such practices attracted national spotlight during the 2014 Ferguson Uprising and remain widespread throughout our region.
Engage in litigation and collaborative advocacy designed to bring abusive practices to an end and empower those communities that have been targeted by such practices.
ACD seeks a diligent and creative individual with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizers, and media and communication advocates who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of poverty and involvement with the legal system.The Director of Finance and Operations is primarily responsible for three aspects of ACD - Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, and Operations. The Director of Finance and Operations will report to and partner with the Executive Director on internal practices and board management while also working closely with the operations team on office and vendor management. This position will require diverse backgrounds including strong finance and accounting experience, knowledge of human resources and overall operational and office administration skills. The Director of Finance and Operations will hold supervisory responsibility for an operations team that currently includes two full-time staff members.ACD has recently undertaken a major capital investment and is currently developing a property that will serve as the office location for ACD and another organizational partner, as well as a community convening space. The Director of Finance and Operations will play a critical role in designing and stewarding the financial and operational infrastructure for this project. This will include collaboration with partners, project managers, general contractor, third-party accountants, and ACD staff and board leadership.As appropriate when opportunities arise, this role may lend technical expertise when supporting external partners in an operational capacity thereby strengthening relationships and efficiencies.Specific responsibilities include:Financial Management and Systems Support
In collaboration with Executive Director, oversee financial operations including execution of financial strategies and processes including annual operating budget, annual audits, 990 tax preparation, and update monthly cash flow projections based on approved budget.
Review monthly financial reports prepared by the third-party accountant and develop and provide appropriate analysis and updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure the financial stability and growth of ACD.
Make sou d investment decisions to increase a companys portfolio and analyze trends to reduce financial risks associated with making investment or spending decisions.
Establish quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which the companys efficiency and effectiveness can be evaluated; identify opportunities for improvement.
Coordinate financial functions, including banking, investments and investment strategies, review financial controls and recommend improvements when needed, and preparation of monthly financial reports in accordance with General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Manage the organizations accounting procedures.
Human Resources SupportPartner with the Executive Director to identify and organize resources, opportunities, and experiences for team and individual development and learning.