Director of Pro Bono Program

The Agency:

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), an award-winning not-for-profit legal services organization founded in 1996 to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants, has a multicultural and a multilingual staff. AI Justice has represented clients from around the world and is recognized as a powerful advocate and national leader for immigrants' rights. AI Justice works closely with traditional civil rights groups as well as grassroots organizations and local, state, and national government officials to affect positive change in immigration policies.

The Pro Bono Program: The Pro Bono Program fills the gaps between the legal needs of immigrants and their ability to obtain representation. Without an attorney, people face separation from their families and return to life-threatening situations. The Pro Bono Program prides itself on its ability to effectively allocate pro bono attorney time and resources to those in need while providing a supportive and collaborative environment where pro bono attorneys feel confident and prepared advocating for their clients.

General Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Senior Advisor, Deputy Director and/or the Executive Director, the Director of the Pro Bono Program manages pro bono attorneys, legal volunteers and interns. The Director of the Pro Bono Program also provides trainings and resources, executes grant deliverables, and engages in stakeholder relations.

Specific Duties: The Director of the Pro Bono Program shall:

• Ensure the provision of high-quality pro bono legal services by determining the appropriateness of cases referred for placement, considering grant requirements and case acceptance priorities, and providing mentorship and technical assistance.
• Manage pro bono attorney, volunteer, and intern inquiries and establish procedures to proactively reach out to stakeholders including law firms, corporate counsel, and law schools.
• Consolidate efforts surrounding intern selection and placement and establish onboarding plans for interns. The Director of the Pro Bono Program will serve as an additional point of contact for interns in conjunction with their direct supervisor.
• Create systems and protocols for seamless referral of cases by AI Justice program directors to the Pro Bono Program for placement consideration.
• Establish and maintain relationships through participation in committees, councils, associations, conferences, events, and roundtables related to pro bono, including the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association (FPBCA), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) National and South Florida Pro Bono Committees, National Association of Pro Bono Professionals (NAPBPro), Equal Justice Conference, Miami Pro Bono Roundtable, and the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono.
• Serve as administrator for API integration between Legal Server and the Pro Bono Matters platform.
• Remain up to date on changes to immigration laws, policies, and procedures and notify pro bono partners and staff accordingly.
• Work closely with the Deputy Director, Senior Advisor, Executive Director, Grant Coordinator, and/or development staff to prepare grant applications, ensure compliance with grant requirements, prepare narratives and other reports, and recognize pro bono partners.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including some evening and weekend events and appearances.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of post-JD experience representing low-income immigrants before USCIS, EOIR, Florida Juvenile Courts, and the BIA, including extensive experience in removal defense.
• Must be an active member in good standing of the Florida Bar.
• Experience managing and mentoring pro bono attorneys.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Comfortable conducting training and presentations, and able to effectively teach information.
• Demonstrated commitment to working alongside people from diverse cultural, educational, professional, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity for all individuals.
• Must be willing to submit to an extensive background check, including FBI, statewide repository, and sex offender registry checks.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience. Salary starts at $83,600 depending on experience plus supervisory bonus.

AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. AIJ also offers annual Health Savings Account benefits. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan. Vacation and health leave increases after two- and five-year anniversaries. Paid sabbatical available at five years.

How To Apply:

AI Justice is an EOE/AA employer, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups. We value strength in diversity and inclusion within our office and are actively working towards providing an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment free from discrimination for all.

Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references to careers@aijustice.org. Please write PRO BONO PROGRAM DIRECTOR in the subject line.

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Schedule: Monday to Friday