Executive Director

WHO WE ARE:

Created in 2019 after a class action settlement and subsequent court order in Scharfstein v BP West Coast Products, Multnomah County Circuit Ct Case No. 112-17046. OCJ’s purpose is to advance consumer protection in Oregon including, without limitation, advocacy in all forms (including state and federal litigation in multiple venues, legislative and regulatory advocacy), research, and education (including direct consumer education and legal CLEs) targeted at consumer protection in Oregon.

This directive continues to lead OCJ today as we focus on supporting litigation, leading advocacy and policy creation and providing direct consumer engagement. With a dedicated staff and Board of Directors, OCJ has made an impact in Oregon and across the country in helping consumers understand their rights and strengthening consumer protection laws.

OCJ currently does not directly engage in consumer litigation. Rather, it has made a grant to Oregon Consumer Justice Law, a separate and independent professional corporation. OCJ Law actively engages in consumer litigation in line with the court’s order.

OCJ does not have a permanent brick and mortar office. More information about OCJ can be found by accessing www.OCJ.org .

POSITION SUMMARY

OCJ is hiring its next Executive Director to continue to build OCJ’s presence in the legal community, legislature and with consumers. This opportunity to build strategy and engage in consumer protection while overseeing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is unique and requires a unique leader.

The Executive Director will need to demonstrate fluency with nonprofit management, finance, and program implementation while regularly engaging in the community and legislature to advocate for consumer rights. Whether an attorney or not, the ED will be building and maintaining relationships with the legal community in Oregon and across the country through regular communication, advocacy and building an understanding of the rights of consumers.

Accountable to the Board of Directors, the ED serves as OCJ’s chief strategist and, along with other key staff, the public voice. The ED oversees a leadership team responsible for finance, operations, communications and engagement, legal outreach, and advocacy. Along with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures that the organization operates sustainably while remaining rooted in its mission and community.

QUALIFICATIONS

To successfully perform this role, an individual must be able to meet all essential duties and responsibilities to a satisfactory level. The qualifications listed represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, provided such accommodations do not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the employee or others.

• 7+ years in the legal, regulatory, legislative or advocacy sector, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing or participating in management of a 501(c)(3) or similar organization.
• Strong fiscal management skills, including experience developing and managing significant budgets.
• Understanding of nonprofit fundraising, including public funds, grants, individual donors.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, supervise, and evaluate department leaders in a timely, constructive, and collaborative manner.
• Understanding of, and interest in, legal processes and actions, and community engagement with consumer justice.
• Experience working in partnership with a Board of Directors or the equivalent to strengthen governance and execute organizational strategy.
• Advocacy experience at the state and/or federal levels, with the ability to elevate OCJ’s visibility and influence.
• A law degree is not required, but some combination of nonprofit management, and familiarity with the legal system and legal concepts is preferred.