Director of Immigration Legal Services

Journey's End Refugee Services•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, the Director of Immigration Legal Services will manage and further develop the Immigration Legal Services program that offers comprehensive, high quality immigration representation to low-income refugees, asylees and other vulnerable immigrant populations. This position is part of the Journey s End Leadership Team. The Director of Immigration Legal Services must exemplify Journey s End s core values in their work. These values include intercultural responsiveness, integrity, person-centered, empowerment, and exemplary service.

Requirements

The Director of Immigration Legal Services will be thoroughly committed to Journey s End strategy and mission. All candidates should have demonstrated leadership and senior level interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus among groups of diverse internal/external stakeholders, resolve issues, and make decisions.
Admitted to practice law in the United States; state of New York preferred
Minimum 7 years experience in practicing immigration law
At least 5 years experience in senior management of law practice or legal programming
Ability to oversee a dynamic team of talented and dedicated individuals
Strong written and oral communication skills

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in grants management and reporting
Preferred relationships with state and federal agencies who may fund and/or influence the practice of U.S. immigration law

Responsibilities

Mentor, guide and support ILS staff and leadership, fostering a culture of learning and development
Manage and expand the ILS programming based upon client or community need.
Ensure inclusive management of all regional offices and have regular physical presence at each office to ensure employee engagement and representation in each of those local communities
Manage and expand the ILS program budget in conjunction with the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Work in conjunction with executive and senior leadership and ILS senior staff members on policy development and data collection relevant to achieving overall agency goals
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment and collaboration that improves the JERS brand and demonstrated impact in the community
Ensure personnel and operational needs across five legal offices are met
Develop and manage community partnerships, including but not limited to other civil legal service providers, human service agencies, professional groups, courts, government agencies, and institutes of higher education in collaboration with other leadership team members
Participate in state-wide initiatives, coalitions, membership organizations, and endeavors that benefit the ILS program and its clients
Act as a liaison with ILS funders, foundations, and government agencies and keeping the CEO and Chief Strategy and Operations Officer informed
Act as a legal resource for other Journey s End programs and staff (as appropriate)
Represent Journey s End in the community and participate in Journey s End sponsored events
Other duties as assigned
Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to provide a united, visible, and strong leadership presence across the organization.
Actively problem solve and prioritize overall effectiveness of meeting stakeholders needs
Assist in maintaining mission-focused culture of wellness and respect
Help to develop, implement, and record/measure outcomes for strategic plan and goals
Support JERS regional expansion strategy in collaboration with executive and senior leadership team
Identify, analyze, and propose innovative solutions and recommendations on relevant systemic issues
Stay informed of changes in immigration-related legislation and advise leadership on potential implications
Offer expert immigration legal counsel and advisement to executive team on a wide range of complex legal immigration issues
Develop, evaluate and implement immigration legal strategies and policies that align with organizational goals and community need