Executive Assistant - The Bronx Defenders

The Bronx Defenders (BxD) – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks an administrative professional with a commitment to social justice to fill a position as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director (ED).

The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have pioneered a groundbreaking, nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we defend.

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, family, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national level. We take what we learn from the people we represent and communities we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director (ED), the Executive Assistant will be responsible for providing general administrative, research, communications, and development support to the ED. The Assistant will act as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders and will have the opportunity to work with clients through community organizing, policy, and civic engagement projects. Responsibilities can be found below. 

• Manage the ED’s calendar by coordinating appointments and meetings, and prioritizing the most time-sensitive and pressing matters
• Organize executive meetings, including sending invitations and reminders to expected attendees, gathering relevant documents and information, and drafting and soliciting meeting agendas
• Provide administrative assistance, such as writing and editing e-mails, drafting memos, and preparing communications on the executive’s behalf
• Assist in the preparation and/or coordination of presentations, reports, and spreadsheets by preparing and editing text, slides and other materials
• Process invoices and expense reports for reimbursement, payments, and reconciliation
• Assist with the ED’s fundraising and community outreach efforts, including research on prospective contacts and the coordination of annual events and major fundraisers such as The Bronx Defenders' Annual Gala
• Provide administrative support to the Board of Directors including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, disseminating materials, and taking minutes
• Support the tracking of the ED’s network and relationship management in the Customer Relationship Management system and relevant online platforms
• Sort, screen, and distribute all correspondence to the ED including phone calls and mail and determine the level of priority
• Additional administrative tasks as necessary to assist the ED in the changing landscape of the organization

To be eligible, applicants must have: 

• Minimum of three years of experience working as an executive assistant

Applicants should demonstrate: 

• Passion for holistic public defense and racial justice
• Commitment to working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences
• Ability to work well independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and follow through on tasks in a timely manner
• Ability to navigate high-volume internal and external communications in a legal setting
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Exceptional research, writing, and editing skills
• Exceptional technical aptitude with operational software, large data and analysis
• Ability to think critically and creatively in fast-paced settings, finding innovative solutions to unique obstacles
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Experience in the legal field is preferred but not required 

This is an in-person position.

Salary is commensurate with experience.  For candidates with 3-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $78,000 to $95,000. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; and a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided if an offer is extended. 

Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders' staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is not within the bargaining unit. 

This position is non-exempt. By law, non-exempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not.  

To apply, please click APPLY TO THIS JOB ONLINE and upload your resume and a cover letter in a single pdf formatted document. Your cover letter should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like us to consider. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience and potential beyond the work history summarized on your resume. Your cover letter may be up to one page. If selected for the position, your resume will be used to determine your salary based on the number of years of directly relevant professional experience listed; we therefore encourage you to ensure your resume is up to date.

Applications will be accepted through October 4, 2024. Please contact Juval Scott, Executive Director, via email at jscott@bronxdefenders.org with any questions regarding the position. 

The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is cultivating an anti-oppressive workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those directly impacted by criminal, civil, family, and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we work with.