The MLSC was initiated by the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) in 2018 in recognition of the lack of culturally competent legal services accessible to the Muslim community. The MLSC works to empower Muslims in Ontario by providing public legal education, referrals and summary legal advice, in addition to working towards systemic change.
The MLSC is looking to hire a Director to lead and develop the infrastructure and services of the MLSC. Working initially with the CMLA Board of Directors, the Director will guide the MLSC’s operational, financial, administrative and human resources activities. The Director will also provide direction to a team of staff and volunteers to implement the MLSC’s strategic plans, goals and objectives. The ideal Director will serve as a representative of the MLSC and champion the legal rights of Muslims in Ontario.
Qualifications and Skills
Post-secondary education including a graduate degree or law degree (or equivalent experience), and a minimum of four years of related experience in the legal, government, public interest or education sectors.
Access to justice expertise and a deep understanding of the legal issues and/or access to justice challenges facing Muslims in Ontario, including but not limited to Islamophobia, systemic racism and anti-Black racism.
Excellent leadership skills, strategic judgment, innovative spirit, and the drive to originate and deliver norm-challenging services and programs.
Experience in planning and managing services for and outreach with marginalized and/or vulnerable communities.
Expertise in developing partnerships within and across sectors, and integrating and supporting a diversity of stakeholders.
Experience hiring, training, supervising and supporting staff, students and volunteers.
Demonstrated administrative and financial management capacities including strong budget and variance reporting.
Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication, public speaking, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
A strong understanding of, and commitment to, anti-oppression principles and an awareness of the various intersections of social identities.
Proven ability to set and meet deadlines in complex and fluid circumstances.
Knowledge of applicable legislation (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Employment Standards Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Labor Relations Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and workplace policies as they pertain to employees’ rights, management responsibilities and related legislative policies and requirements).
Assets
Experience working with Muslim communities in the Greater Toronto Area and/or Ontario.
Experience with fundraising through private or corporate donations, community-based fundraising campaigns and/or social enterprise.
Experience with grant writing and reporting, and grantor relations.
Project management skills including the definition of objectives, project activities, deliverables, monitoring, and evaluating progress and outputs.
Experience with lobbying, campaigning, community mobilization and/or grassroots systems-change advocacy.
In-depth knowledge of the provision of legal services to diverse clients (including, for example, Ontario’s clinic system) and public legal education principles and models.
Strong strategic and lateral thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.
Evaluation and research expertise.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time position of approximately 37.5 hours a week. The position is currently a remote position until further notice and the selected candidate will be expected to work flexible hours including weekdays, evenings and weekends as needed. The hours and location of work may change as required. We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The MLSC promotes flexible working hours to encourage higher job satisfaction and organizational growth. The incoming Director can expect to start in mid-January of 2022.
Application Process
All interested candidates are requested to send a cover letter, resume and three references in one document to mlsc.coordination@gmail.com by January 21, 2022. The document must be in Word or PDF format. Please indicate ‘MLSC Director Application’ in the subject line when the job application is submitted. Applications that are complete will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The MLSC may not be able to respond to individual inquiries given the volume of applicants.
The MLSC welcomes diverse applicants who self-identify on the basis of any of the protected grounds under the Human Rights Code. We are committed to full compliance with the Human Rights Code, the Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. We will provide accommodation during the hiring process upon request. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Application Update
The application deadline has been extended from January 7, 2022 to January 21, 2022. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the extended date. We look forward to reviewing your applications!
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