Immigrant Justice Legal Clinic Director

The Resurrection Project • Full-time • Chicago, Illinois, USA • $105k / year • 2h ago

General Job Description:

The Director of the Immigrant Justice Legal Clinic (IJLC) provides leadership, mentorship, legal strategy, and oversight in the implementation of legal services through the clinic. Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Director ensures TRP Immigrant Justice’s vision and values are reflected in the legal services provided to our communities. The Director ensures that all team members are fully prepared to provide quality services to TRP clients.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Staff Development
- Identify, recruit, train, support, develop, and evaluate a talented, high-performing team of managers to implement effective and responsive programming.
- Ensure that the responsibilities, authority, and accountability of all program staff members are defined and understood.?
- Intentionally check-in with staff on development opportunities & performance feedback.
- Lead in the development and implementation of training programs and retreats to expand the capacity of all legal staff in collaboration with IJLC managers.
Program Leadership & Management
- Develop and evaluate the staffing structures needed to achieve program and organizational goals.
- Manage program budgets, ensuring resources are allocatedeffectively and efficiently.
- Identify and support the pursuit of funding opportunities for the department in conjunction with the Chief Programs Officer, Vice President of Programs, and the Institutional Advancement team.
- Oversee the data collection and monitoring of all IJLC data, ensuring that data is accurate, complete, and responsive to funding requirements and ethical rules.
- Support in the development of necessary systems, processes, and tools to ensure consistent, high-quality case management.
- Provide leadership in cross-team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational growth.
Legal Oversight & Strategy
- Lead on program development and strategic planning for the clinic.
- Ensure all volunteer and staff legal work fulfills ethical and professional standards and high-quality legal services are provided to all clients, including adherence to protocols for client interactions and record keeping.
- Train, mentor and supervise legal staff, volunteers, pro bono attorneys, and interns and create an atmosphere of teamwork, collaboration, and high-quality legal service provision.
- Lead team in participating in organizing and advocacy efforts based on expressed community needs under the direction of the Chief Program Officer and in coordination with the Director of Advocacy and Leadership.
- Develop and oversee implementation and monitoring of protocols that enable the organization to strengthen and expand its provision of immigration services in collaboration with IJLC managers.
- Provide legal guidance to TRP’s leadership in policy and procedure development and implementation as needed.
External Relationship Building & Management
- Cultivate, manage, and expand relationships with participants, leaders, TRP member institutions, government officials, elected officials, and other partners to promote and further TRP’s Immigrant Justice Department goals and organizational mission.
- Ensure the organization's programs are visible and impactful in the community. Communicate with various stakeholders within the immigration legal services community to discuss issues, influence decision-making, and secure continued & future funding for programs.
- Identify and develop staff to publicly represent the organization with media and other external stakeholders.
- Represent TRP’s Immigrant Justice Legal Clinic in meetings, press related events, regional/state associations, conferences, and other public forums as needed.
Direct Service Responsibilities
- When necessary, provide expert consultation and representation to clients and potential clients.
- Maintain comprehensive up-to-date notes of client contact, indicating date, subject matter, and resolution in the client file, per TRP’s Immigration Legal Services Program procedures, and notify client of all activity regarding their case in a timely manner.
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of developments in immigration law and provide information, updates, and training to staff and volunteers;
- Maintain required job skills and core professional competencies;?
- Maintain open and ongoing communication;?
- Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings; and?
- Perform other duties as assigned.?

Juris Doctorate degree or DOJ accredited representative with at least seven years of experience in legal clinic management.
Current knowledge of immigration law and practice required, with experience in removal defense strongly preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic, and racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Excellent verbal, analytical, writing, and organizational skills.
Proficient knowledge of MS Office and Internet is required.
Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to work independently and with diverse teams.
Strong enthusiasm for leading a team.
Attention to detail.
Willingness to work flexible hours as needed; some evenings and weekends are required.