Director of Children's Legal Services

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, the Director of Children's Legal Services has primary responsibility for designing, implementing, and leading the Global Refuge immigrant children's legal services program, which serves children seeking protection in the United States. The Director oversees program outreach, capacity development, and administration, and supervises staff and legal case management to ensure professional standards are met. The role will also work closely with the Pro Bono Coordinator to develop and implement a pro bono network across multiple states and manage a small caseload of clients.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Lead and supervise attorneys and legal assistants as well as pro bono attorneys.
• Lead the annual budget development process for the Children's Legal Services Program and monitor financial and program performance.
• Work closely with partner organizations providing leadership and oversight to a national network of legal services providers.
• In partnership with the Global Refuge Development team, identify and develop funding proposals for submission to government and private foundations.
• Create a unified vision of core standards for the provision of immigration legal assistance and case liaison according to professional standards and provides professional supervision to program staff.
• Build capacity within the organization and partners to provide accessible, culturally competent, and trauma informed immigration legal services though the Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation program.
• Provide direct legal representation for a small caseload of children seeking safety in the United States.
• Lead the development and delivery of training sessions and technical assistance on individual case escalation, case liaison assistance, and assist with case collections on potential processing issues.
• Supervise the maintenance and timely submission of accurate data, record-keeping, and impact statements for grant-funded legal immigration services projects.
• Develop systems for invoicing and oversee the billing process.
• Represent Global Refuge in coalition meetings and working groups; network and build relationships within professional associations to garner support for pro bono projects.
• Build and develop relationships with federal agencies such as DOJ and DHS, private foundations, and other entities that focus on immigration legal affairs.
• Research, design, and develop training and resource materials on immigration law and policy, program management and legal services delivery models, and ethical practice of law for various audiences.
• Lead community outreach and education, and group presentations and workshops; and represents the agency to a variety of organizations and at community and professional functions and meetings, as requested.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an ASA-accredited law school, required, and admission to practice law in any state.
• At least eight years of experience representing immigrants before DHS, Immigration Courts, and BIA.
• A minimum of three years' progressive experience in professional staff management.
• A minimum of three years representing children seeking protection in the U.S, including those seeking T visas, U visas, asylum, SIJS, etc.
• Strong substantive understanding of U.S. immigration law and legal practice, case escalation and resolution strategies, and experience in identifying system case processing issues and presenting recommendations to US agencies for change.
• Experience working with child survivors of trauma from a variety of backgrounds.
• Excellent legal analysis, written and oral advocacy, and presentation skills.
• Experience designing training sessions and presenting to legal and non-legal audiences.
• Meticulous organizational habits with an ability to manage a complex caseload, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills; experience working with clients, staff, and interns of diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of legal practice and pro bono culture required.
• Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

 

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.