Managing Attorney of Direct Service Programs

Agency Description:

Americans for Immigrant Justice is an award-winning non-profit law firm that fights for justice for immigrants through a combination of impact litigation, direct representation, advocacy and outreach. Both on a national level and in Florida, AI Justice champions the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children; advocates for survivors of trafficking and domestic violence; serves as a watchdog on immigration detention practices and policies; fights to keep families informed, empowered and together; and pursues redress on behalf of immigrant groups with particular and compelling claims to justice.

Position Summary:

AI Justice seeks a Managing Attorney of Direct Service Programs who will have overall management responsibility for AI Justice’s direct service programs and implementation of new client programs and initiatives. The Managing Attorney supervises the senior program staff, and is a liaison to community partners and funders. The Managing Attorney primary functions and responsibilities include:

1. Provide counsel and assistance to the Executive Director regarding all aspects of the management, administration and funding of AI Justice.
2. Provide leadership and participate in the development and implementation of AI Justice’s strategic plan and programs.
3. Supervision of the Program Directors and general oversight of the delivery of legal services by the direct services staff.
4. Development of grant and funding opportunities, including contract implementation and administration, including supervision of the Grants Coordinator.
5. Provide Counsel and Assistance to the Executive Director
   1. Regularly consult with and advise the Executive Director concerning the management, administration and funding of AI Justice.
   2. Serve as back up to or otherwise assume responsibilities of the Executive Director as requested by the Executive Director.
   3. Attend board and committee meetings as necessary.
   4. Train and mentor management and senior staff.
   5. Participate in management meetings and other AI Justice meetings.
   6. Represent AI Justice at meetings involving AI Justice and its interests.
   7. Assist the Executive Director as otherwise requested.
6. Leadership and Strategic Development
   1. Develop and implement strategies and systems to sustain and expand the organization’s capacity to respond to the ever-changing legal needs of the immigrant community.
   2. In consultation with management and Program Directors, develop service delivery and advocacy plans and propose programs to address identified priority client needs.
   3. Remain abreast about state-of-the-art legal programs, service delivery models and emerging issues in the civil legal services field, and with other members of management replicate at AI Justice as appropriate.
7. Oversee Delivery of Legal Services by Direct Service Staff
   1. Supervise and evaluate the Program Directors.
   2. Develop and implement standard systems of legal service provision that meet ethical standards and ensure high quality representation.
   3. Support other staffs’ supervision of projects and grants. Ensure each program is in compliance with grants and contracts through regular review.
   4. Provide guidance concerning the resolution of professional ethics questions.
   5. Investigate and resolve client complaints.
8. Work closely with the Director of Administration and Human Resources in Support of Legal Staff
   1. Meet regularly with Program Directors to develop, discuss and monitor progress on direct service staff work plans and professional development plans.
   2. Provide guidance to Program Directors concerning the evaluation and discipline of attorneys and substantive paralegals.
   3. Oversee direct service staff hiring and supervision.
   4. In consultation with the Director of Administration/HR and Program Directors, draft direct service staff job descriptions and evaluation forms to ensure clarity of job expectations for employees.
   5. Work with the Director of Administration and Human Resources to develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures to promote AI Justice’s compliance with employment laws.
   6. Ensure legal staff are provided with up-to-date technology, training, and resources.
9. Collaborate in Grant and Fund Development
   1. In collaboration with the Development Department and Grants Coordinator, identify grant and other funding opportunities, review and contribute to all grant proposals, and monitor the selection process.
   2. Coordinate and lead grant and contract negotiations.
   3. Manage and cultivate relationships with existing and potential funders to secure and expand program resources.
   4. Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to enhance funding opportunities.
   5. Promote an awareness of AI Justice’s client services and special programs by participating in the drafting of materials targeted to potential donors, and participation in meetings, community events and presentations.
10. Oversee Contract and Grants Administration
    1. In partnership with the Grants Coordinator and Program Directors, develop systems to meet grant and contract requirements, including the development of systems to collect and report data to funders.
    2. Work with the Chief Financial Officer in the development of grant and contract budgets, and the recording and documentation of grant and contract expenditures.
    3. Coordinate and participate in the drafting and submission of contractually required reports.
    4. Oversee and participate in AI Justice’s response to funders’ monitoring and compliance efforts.
    5. Develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures to promote AI Justice’s compliance with funders’ requirements.
    6. Consult with the Executive Director and staff concerning contract and regulatory compliance and related matters.
    7. Supervise the Grants Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to promoting the mission and vision of Americans for Immigrant Justice.
• Licensed attorney in good standing with any U.S. state bar. Florida licensed attorney preferred.
• Minimum ten years’ experience practicing immigration law. Extensive experience in removal defense and affirmative and defensive humanitarian benefits.
• Minimum three years’ experience managing a legal services program or supervising a team of attorneys and paralegals, including experience working with grants and budget oversight.
• Self-motivated and an ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Excellent writing, research, analytical, training, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of technology and software used to deliver legal services.

Location: Miami, FL – Hybrid remote work available.

Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience.AI Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, vision, and dental, and life insurance coverage; 15 paid days of vacation leave; 13 paid holidays; 10 paid health days; 1 personal day. After one year of employment, staff are entitled to paid parental leave and up to 3% matching employer contribution to 403(b) retirement plan.

To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume, three references, writing sample and application materials to careers@aijustice.org. Please write Managing Attorney of Direct Service Programs in the subject line.

Interviews: Top candidates will be invited to interview.