Program Manager (Sections)
Role summary
The Section Manager (SM) at the California Lawyers Association (CLA) is responsible for independently managing the business and providing support to CLA Sections. This role involves planning and executing events, including virtual and in-person meetings and conferences, managing vendor contracts, and providing administrative support. The SM will coordinate marketing and communication plans, track project timelines, expenses, and revenue, and manage Section budgets and financial reports. The position requires strong organizational, strategic, and analytical skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders to ensure Section goals align with CLA's mission.
Introduction
The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the Bar association for all California attorneys. We are a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. CLA houses eighteen Sections including the New Lawyers Section (NLS) that share an area of interest in law and each offers top-tier programs, award winning conferences, events, and provides access to outstanding legal resources. We continuously seek new ways to expand our offerings. Through premier educational and networking opportunities, our members can maintain expertise in their fields, build contacts, and uphold the legal profession and system. CLA also has several initiatives that support its mission of promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.
Summary
The Section Manager (SM) works independently to manage the business of and provide support to the California Lawyers Association (CLA) Sections. Duties include facilitating Executive Committee Meetings and sub-committee meetings, coordinating publications, planning educational programs, special projects, networking events and other duties as assigned. The Section Manager provides Section leaders with strategic guidance consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of CLA. This position requires periodic overnight travel, usually within California.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Plans and coordinates all aspects of Section(s) events, including but not limited to, in-person and virtual Executive Committee Meetings, conferences and education programs, from development through to execution.
- Negotiates and manages contracts with outside vendors including but not limited to hotels, caterers, printers and technology specialists.
- Provides administrative support, including but not limited to, communicating with Section leaders and members, scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders, preparing and distributing meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and project status reports.
- Coordinates and collaborates with CLA staff to develop marketing, communication and website implementation plans for Section related activities, meetings and programs.
- Ensures all projects are implemented and completed within project timelines, tracking both expenses and revenue throughout the lifecycle of all assigned events/activities.
- Continuously monitors Section(s) webpage and ensures content is accurate, current and to the satisfaction of the Section leaders and in accordance with CLA policies and procedures.
- Examines and monitors Section(s) annual budget, provides financial and budget reports, and prepares the Section’s year-end financial report
- Demonstrates professional, courteous demeanor, positive attitude, strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate in a constructive manner with others in a dynamic working environment.
- Displays outstanding organizational skills, experience in coordinating time-sensitive projects and proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Maintains an open and transparent relationship between the Section(s) leaders and CLA stakeholders, ensuring relevant information is fully, accurately and timely communicated between CLA Executive Team members, staff and the Section(s) leaders.
- Performs other similar or related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A four-year bachelors’ degree preferred or equivalent experience in substantive area
- Three (3) to five (5) years of experience organizing and managing projects, programs and teams
- Experience with budget preparation and management
- Experience with meeting and event planning
- Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and personal skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, customer relation management systems and learning management systems
- Communicate clearly and effectively in person and in writing