About NIJC

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC’s team of 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director for Children’s Protection is a key member of the NIJC’s management team and   will oversee NIJC’s work on behalf of detained and non-detained immigrant children, including unaccompanied minors in federal custody. The Associate Director will assess and modify existing legal services models to integrate NIJC’s representation of immigrant children across projects and ensure the Children’s Protection Team effectively collaborates with all NIJC teams to best protect the rights and interests of children. Additionally, this position will work closely with directors and associate directors across NIJC to develop and implement NIJC’s strategic plan and support executing NIJC’s mission. Some travel may be necessary. The Associate Director will also help develop legal priorities across various projects and work closely with staff in collaboration with NIJC Directors, including working closely with NIJC’s Litigation and Policy teams to support advocacy efforts on children’s issues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Individual accountability and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives.
• Ensure high-quality legal services are delivered in the most effective and efficient manner to serve many individuals.
• Provide legal representation to individuals in immigration matters.
• Identify emerging issues (both internal and external) and develop appropriate responses.
• Develop a professional development plan for the legal services team at NIJC.
• Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
• Participate in strategic planning and budget development.
• Manage administrative staff and support supervisors in managing projects.
• Interview, hire, and train staff; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; address complaints and resolve issues for staff and program participants; ensure compliance with licensing and agency standards.
• Assist in identifying new funding sources, preparing grant proposals, and providing regular reports.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with grant requirements and collaborate with program staff to meet grant goals promptly.
• Take responsibility for generating statistical data reports and analyses for NIJC projects.
• Collaborate with program staff and the management information system team to ensure that program data input and database functions align with grant writing and reporting needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with legal service providers, immigrant service providers, and advocacy organizations throughout the Midwest, and represent NIJC in these networks.

How to Apply

Please Include:

1. Your resume
2. A compelling cover letter, including the following:
   1. Why you are interested in this specific role and in working for NIJC
   2. How your unique skills and experience will enable you to make a significant impact on our team and help us achieve our mission.
   3. A specific, brief example of a project or accomplishment from your past that best demonstrates your relevant qualifications.

Qualifications:

 To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education and/or Experience: A Juris Doctor and at least three years of immigration law experience, with a minimum of two years in a supervisory role. Experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred.
• Language Skills: Bilingual in Spanish is required.

Competencies

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Legal Skills: Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret immigration law, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to draft legal briefs, memos, reports, correspondence, and procedural manuals. Must be able to present information and respond to questions from groups, funders, managers, clients, and the public.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts like fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and handle various concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Abilities Statement

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.