Program Coordinator (Locally Funded Initiative – Represent L.A. Program)

The Immigrant Defenders Law Center (“ImmDef”) is a next-generation, social justice law firm that provides high-quality representation and legal services to immigrants in Southern California. Our staff is comprised of advocates and activists from the immigrant rights community who collectively have decades of experience fighting for the rights of immigrants in Southern California and beyond. Our organization was founded with the belief that no immigrant should be forced to face an unjust system alone, and we see our universal representation programs as a first step towards that goal. Learn more about us at www.immdef.org.

ImmDef, along with other partner organizations, will be administrators of a new immigration legal service program, Represent L.A., in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Immigration Affairs and the City of Los Angeles. ImmDef will lead the removal defense services within this coalition and will work with other legal service providers to provide zealous, universal representation to Angelenos, prioritizing those who are in detention.

ImmDef seeks a full-time Program Coordinator to support the service delivery of the Represent L.A. program. As a member of ImmDef’s team, the Program Coordinator will have the opportunity to help develop and advance our universal representation, mission-driven organization. The Program Coordinator will support and assist in the launch, continuity, and expansion of Represent L.A, to increase the program’s reach and impact. They will also work closely with the Represent L.A. program team, which includes local government, legal services providers, and community partners and advocates, to advance universal representation initiatives in Los Angeles County. This position will report to an ImmDef Managing Attorney and will work in coordination with other lead staff at partner organizations.

Responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Subcontractor management

• Work closely with Managing Attorney to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with Represent L.A. subcontractor legal service providers (SLSP), and serve as liaison with local stakeholders (government partners, legal service providers, and advocates) to support the launch, sustainability, and growth of Represent L.A. and other universal representation initiatives.
• Assist in the oversight of program management for SLSPs and conduct site meetings (remote and in-person) with SLSPs across Los Angeles County, draft site visit evaluations and manage resulting action items, and update internal trackers on a rolling basis.
• Assist in the management of subcontractors to ensure compliance of Represent L.A. program parameters.
• Regularly communicate with subcontractors to refer cases, follow up on case acceptance status, and solicit regular data-reporting as requested from ImmDef, CHIRLA, and/or the County of Los Angeles.

2. Technical assistance provision for Represent L.A. subcontractor network

• Assist in identifying needs for technical assistance requested by SLSPs, and support in the development and provision of technical assistance programming, such as delivering webinars and interactive workshops about best practices, immigration law, and trends in removal defense, to Represent L.A. networks. Other forms of technical assistance may include on-site training programs, conference call facilitation, individual consultations, and other means as appropriate
• Support in the development and review of legal orientation materials (in English and Spanish) for SLSPs and pro se respondents in immigration proceedings.
• Identify promising practices among SLSPs and devise ways to disseminate information about such practices to encourage implementation elsewhere in the Represent L.A. network.
• Participate in the development/amendment of the Request For Proposal (RFP) process with the SLSPs for subsequent contract years. Assist the Managing Attorney in the selecting/renewing service contract with SLSPs.

3. Gathering, synthesis, and analysis of Represent L.A. program data

• Review SLSP data and programmatic updates on an ongoing basis to ensure SLSP understanding and compliance with the Represent L.A. program and data reporting requirements.
• Work with Managing Attorney and advocacy staff to develop site-specific reports using program data, analysis, and storytelling.
• Assist in the preparation of Represent L.A. data and metrics reporting to program administrator and government partners.

4. Support long-term reach and impact of Represent L.A. program and universal representation mission.

• Develop and maintain relationships with Represent L.A. program partners and other stakeholders, in order to foster further collaborations.
• Develop a repository for collected data, research, and materials developed by ImmDef and SLSPs in support of the Represent L.A.
• Develop and maintain relationships with program partners, including stakeholders, in order to foster successful collaborations and partnership.

 5. Ad hoc assignment coordination

• Assist on other projects as determined in coordination with ImmDef’s leadership team.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work/life experience;
• At least 3 years in non-profit, legal services or comparable work experience in the administration or management of service delivery programs;
• Spanish language proficiency, or proficiency in an additional language;[MS1] 
• Strong communication and writing skills;
• Experience engaging local governments and broad coalitions to build consensus on policy reform issues is a strong plus;
• Experience working effectively in a large organization with multiple stakeholders;
•  Ability to work collaboratively on a team and in coalitions, while also managing projects independently;
•  Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage work on multiple projects simultaneously, efficiently and effectively;
• Commitment to social justice for all immigrants;
•  DACA recipients and those who have been directly impacted by our immigration system encouraged to apply.

Classification and Work Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The standard work week for this position is 35 hours with the ability to opt into an alternative workweek schedule. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. 

Travel

Occasional travel to partner organization sites will be required. Valid driver’s license required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

• We require COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing to be considered.