National Immigrant Justice Center Associate Director of Legal Services – National Immigrant Justice Center

Title of the Job: National Immigrant Justice Center Associate Director of Legal Services

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Description: About NIJCThe 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 is a key member of NIJC’s management team and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all legal services programs. The Associate Director will oversee the daily tasks associated with providing both programmatic and administrative support. This role includes maintaining a caseload and supervising the legal services team. The Associate Director will identify innovative and effective ways to address internal and external needs in the delivery of legal services, including exploring the use of new technologies. Additionally, the position will be involved in strategic planning, identifying new funding opportunities, reviewing grant proposals, tracking and reporting on current grants, and providing programmatic and budgetary support for projects. Frequent communication with legal team members, funders, government officials, immigrant advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders will be required. 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. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be defined through annual Success Objectives within the framework outlined below.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality legal services in the most effective and efficient manner to serve a large number of 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 in a timely manner.
• 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.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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: 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. Bilingual in Spanish is required.

• 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.

Competencies:To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Interpersonal Skills: Focus on resolving conflicts, maintaining confidentiality, listening to others’ ideas, and initiating new solutions.

• Oral Communication: Speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen actively and seek clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings.

• Written Communication: Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; vary writing style to meet different needs; present numerical data effectively; read and interpret written information.

• Managing People: Include staff in planning and decision-making; take responsibility for subordinates’ activities; apply feedback from staff and collaborating agencies; foster a quality focus; continuously improve supervisory skills.

• Quality Management: Look for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness.

• Ethics: Treat people with respect; keep commitments; inspire the trust of others; act with integrity and ethically; uphold organizational values.

• Organizational Support: Follow policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time; support the organization’s goals and values; contribute to affirmative action and respect for diversity.

• Planning/Organizing: Set priorities and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; set realistic goals; organize or schedule others to ensure coverage.

• Professionalism: Approach others tactfully; react well under pressure; treat colleagues and participants with respect, regardless of status or position; accept responsibility for actions; follow through on commitments.

• Adaptability: Adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; modify approaches as necessary; handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events effectively.

Physical Abilities Statement for Office Worker Job Description * Extended Sitting: Ability to sit at a desk or workstation for extended periods of time, typically 4-8 hours per day, with the ability to stand, stretch, or move as needed to prevent discomfort.

• Typing and Data Entry: Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating a computer mouse. Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as keying and clicking with dexterity.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, filing cabinets, and other tools with a reasonable level of coordination and precision.
• Vision: Clear vision, either naturally or with the aid of corrective devices, to read documents, emails, and digital screens. Ability to discern details and identify errors or discrepancies in written material.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry lightweight office supplies or materials (up to 10 pounds), such as documents and files.
• Reaching and Bending: Ability to reach for items on shelves or cabinets and bend to retrieve or file documents in filing cabinets.
• Mobility: Ability to move around the office environment to attend meetings, interact with colleagues, or perform various tasks within the office space.
• Communication: Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with colleagues and clients both in person and over the phone, with good hearing and speaking abilities.

These physical requirements are essential for performing the duties of the office worker role efficiently and comfortably. Adjustments may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.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.By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

Company Name: National Immigrant Justice Center

Salary: $94600 – 111200 per year

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