Director - Section of Taxation

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job

Provides overall management and direction to an ABA membership entity, providing strategic direction and procedural guidance to member leaders and staff. Provides leadership for all member entity programmatic activities, including, but not limited to: committee project implementation, CLE program development, governance management, policy creation, legislative efforts, meeting planning, membership recruitment and retention efforts, member diversification, technology delivery systems, marketing efforts, non dues revenue development, publication input, and creation and maintenance of the entity budget. When needed, participates as a leader/member on ABA committees/task forces to provide leadership and guidance, serving as a resource on issues of importance to the association.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

The Director of the Section of Taxation provides principal executive leadership to the Section which serves over 11,000 members, the tax community and the public by providing education about taxes and tax systems, promoting pro bono legal assistance and providing leadership to support the development of an equitable, efficient and workable tax system.

The director is responsible for the success of the Section’s many educational opportunities for its members and tax professionals throughout the world including live programs with registration of up to 3,000 participants, virtual meetings and webinars as well as leadership and governance meetings. In addition to programming, the director oversees a robust publishing program including a scholarly law journal and other periodicals, an online newsletter, and books on cutting edge issues.

As the national representative of the legal profession regarding the tax system. the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service actively seek comments from the Section on regulatory projects and other published guidance. The director works with member leaders and senior staff on policy development including frequent comment letters to the government and white papers. The director ensures the success of the Section as a national leader and innovator in the provision of pro bono legal services and helps oversee the Section’s successful public service fellowship program. The director works with member leaders and staff to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Section including the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in the Section and the tax profession.

The Director holds ultimate responsibility for the Tax Section member experience, financial stability, future growth and programmatic success of the Section. The director manages a staff team of 16 with an annual budget of $5 million.

Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent experience).

10-15 years of relevant managerial experience.

Experience in one or more of the following environments is preferred: association, legal, nonprofit.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous responsibilities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain successful interpersonal relationships with staff and member leaders.

Substantive experience in the respective legal field may be required.

Management experience working with boards of directors and multiple committee and membership structures is a must.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

A Masters is preferred, or equivalent previous association management experience.