Description:

Position Summary:
A Trauma-Informed/trauma-Healing Organization seeks a Legal Program Director to lead and manage our Deportation Defense program. The Director will supervise members of our legal team and oversee the day-to-day operations of our program, including grant management, liaison with external partners and funders, and work with our organization's Senior Leadership Team to carry out our organization's mission.

Responsibilities include:

Manage program contracts, including meeting reporting requirements, invoicing, liaising with contract partners, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, and managing grant applications and renewals.
Participate in the agency's Strategic Leadership Team and other agency committees.
Work with Finance staff to develop and monitor program budget.
Supervise legal team members.
Oversee all aspects of legal services, including removal defense, affirmative representation, and limited legal services.
Oversee communications on behalf of program, including media, social media, and program materials.
Carry a partial caseload of cases pending at the immigration court and USCIS.
Lead appellate and impact-oriented litigation efforts.
Conduct intake with potential clients, screening for claims for relief and providing legal counsel and advice.
Participate in collaborative meetings and leadership meetings with partner organizations.
Engage in outreach, education, and advocacy in the area of immigrant rights on the local and state level.
Lead, maintain and establish relationships with community partners/collaboratives, immigration service providers, pro bono attorneys, funders, and government stakeholders.

Other Organizational Duties

Conduct business in accordance with the Mission Action Employee Handbook, exercising sound judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and the community.
Work within the framework of the agency's mission, vision, values, theory of change; and organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, restorative justice, trauma-informed work, and language justice.
Participate in agency meetings, community activities, and trainings.
Work with Mission Action's other program leadership in furtherance of the agency's mission.
Commit yourself to treating each community member with respect and dignity.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Juris Doctor or equivalent and active bar admission.
Minimum of three years management and programmatic development experience required.
Minimum of five years of removal defense experience required.
Ability to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish-speakers (i.e., advanced Spanish skills).
Ability to work effectively and compassionately with survivors of trauma and clients with mental illness.
Strong commitment to service low-income and underserved communities, with an ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of clients and colleagues.
Demonstrated commitment to immigrant rights and community empowerment.
Familiarity and demonstrated commitment to Mission Action mission, values, and organizational work.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work as part of a team and independently to manage priorities and prioritize workflow.
Strong computer knowledge, ability to use Windows and Microsoft Office.
Commitment to providing culturally competent services.