Deputy Chief, People & Culture chez Maryland Legal Aid

Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) advocates with and for Marylanders experiencing poverty to achieve equity and social justice through free civil legal services, community collaboration, and systemic change.

Since 1911, Maryland Legal Aid has provided high-quality legal aid to vulnerable, low-income people and communities – helping to remedy their civil legal issues and become empowered to overcome challenges, achieve stability and independence, and reach their goals. MLA also identifies and seeks to remedy systemic barriers. MLA’s core work includes eviction and foreclosure prevention, family law, children’s rights, consumer protection, securing public benefits, and access to healthcare. MLA advocates operate primarily through the courts, via individual representation of indigent clients, but also engage in impact litigation, public communication and outreach, and policy advocacy.

Through this holistic approach, Maryland Legal Aid serves to amplify the voices of tens of thousands of economically disadvantaged and vulnerable Marylanders each year and seeks to be a leader in the legal services field nationwide.

About the Role

The Deputy Chief, People & Culture (DCPC) leads Maryland Legal Aid’s People & Culture initiatives and serves as a key member of the organization’s senior leadership, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This role is responsible for helping to set and oversee the implementation of a strategic vision for fostering a respectful, fair, values-driven organizational culture that aligns with our mission and strategic plan. 

The DCPC oversees the development of culture and the organization’s investment in our staff, including Human Resources, Learning and Professional Development, Internal Communications, Employee Experience, and Wellness Initiatives. The position integrates People & Culture strategies into all aspects of operations, ensuring that the employee experience supports recruitment, retention, engagement, and organizational performance. This position will partner with senior leadership to embed People & Culture principles in decision-making, programs, and policies, advancing a work environment where all staff feel valued, supported, and empowered. 

Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Culture Alignment 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive People & Culture strategy that supports MLA’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. 
• Partner with senior leadership to align workforce planning, organizational culture, and talent strategies with organizational goals. 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to promote an employee-centered workplace culture, enhance employee engagement, and contribute to organizational health. 
• Lead and manage cross-departmental projects that improve the employee experience and promote a healthy positive culture.  

Employee Experience & Engagement 

• Lead initiatives to enhance the employee experience across all stages of the employee lifecycle—from attraction to onboarding to career development, recognition, and transitions. 
• Establish feedback mechanisms and engagement programs that strengthen trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. 
• Oversee internal communications that promote transparency, connection, and alignment across the organization. 

People Operations Oversight 

• Provide strategic leadership to Human Resources operations, ensuring policies and practices reflect MLA’s values and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and agreements, including the Collective Bargaining Agreement. 
• Guide the development of fair and transparent hiring, compensation, advancement, and performance management practices. 
• Partner with managers throughout the organization to strengthen people-management skills and support team development. 

Workforce Insights & Performance Improvement 

• Use workforce analytics and employee feedback to assess and improve People & Culture initiatives. 
• Track and report on metrics related to engagement, retention, professional development, and workforce composition. 
• Apply data-driven insights to inform strategy and drive continuous improvement. 

Workplace Access & Engagement Practices 

• Promote fair access to opportunities, resources, and support for all employees. 
• Ensure policies and programs that reduce barriers to participation and professional growth. 
• Foster awareness of different perspectives and encourage respectful collaboration across teams and offices. 

Wellness & Well-Being 

• Design and promote programs that support employee well-being, resilience, and work-life balance. 
• Foster a workplace environment that prioritizes both productivity and employee care. 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required – or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Human Resources, People & Culture, or related functions, preferably within a nonprofit, legal services, or mission-driven organization. 
• Demonstrated success in leading organization-wide culture and engagement initiatives. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic People & Culture initiatives that achieve measurable impact. 
• Skilled in analyzing workforce data to inform decision-making. 
• Strong understanding and knowledge of HR compliance, equitable employment practices, and organizational development.  
• Experience in a unionized environment, specifically supporting collaborative labor-management relationships, preferred. 
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. 
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a respectful, fair, and collaborative environment aligned with organizational values, and social justice principles. 
• Comfort working across diverse teams and building cross-functional relationships. 

Preferred 

• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, and/or SHRM-SCP certification. 
• Experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, or legal services environment. 

Work Environment

Although the position will be based in the Baltimore City office, the DCPC will work throughout the State and with all 12 offices and more than 300 staff. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of two days per week worked in person. More days may be required to attend in-person leadership and other relevant meetings. Work duties are typically performed at a desk with regular interaction in person, via telephone, videoconference, instant messaging, and email. 

Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000. In addition, MLA offers employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, three weeks of paid time off, paid sick leave, 14 annual paid holidays, and more.  

Application and Additional Requirements 

If you are ready to join in our important mission and ensure dignity, equity and justice for all, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application. 

Note that references will be required at the time of the final interview.  

Maryland Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace, reflective of our core values, for all employees.