National Immigrant Justice Center DACA Pro Bono Project Cooridinator

About NIJC:

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) provides direct legal services to, and advocates for, immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education. Since its founding more than three decades ago, NIJC has been unique in blending individual client advocacy with broad-based systemic change. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of 100+ attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.

About the Position:

The Pro Bono Project Coordinator will work with diverse Chicago-based law firm and corporate partners to ensure DACA recipients have access to counsel in immigration proceedings. The objectives of the project are to: 1) coordinate effective representation for DACA recipients; 2) increase the broad-based impact of NIJC' legal services program by coordinating monthly pro bono clinics; 3) respond and document the needs of partner organizations; 4) manage NIJC's DACA pro bono outreach; 5) and maintain accurate data entry to ensure grant compliance.

The coordinator will be responsible for serving as the NIJC representative with pro bono attorneys and law firms around the Chicagoland area, NIJC staff and other immigrant and human rights organizations to ensure access to justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.  The coordinator will be expected to lead organizational outreach: identify potential partner organizations, build the capacity for each of these organizations to address the needs of DACA recipients, and develop strong networks among peer organizations. The coordinator will work closely with pro bono staff across NIJC's programs to keep abreast of the most current developments in refugee and immigration law.  Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Manage and respond to emails sent to our DACA specific email account


• Oversee database to track individual cases and outcome


• Assist with grant reporting


• Manage the publication and distribution of NIJC's DACA pro bono training materials


• Maintain current knowledge of immigration policies, procedures, and internal structures


• Serve as conduit of current information for law firms and non-governmental organizations


• Manage monthly clinics at law firms, non-governmental organizations, or government offices


• Assist NIJC's pro bono outreach at local pro bono events


• Collaborate with pro bono paralegal on database and case management


• Conducts intake, as assigned.


• Conducts legal and factual research.


• Assesses cases to determine eligibility.


• Conducts interviews with clients and witnesses.


• Drafts applications, affidavits, letters and/or legal pleadings and prepares supporting documentation.


• Prepares materials for submission to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Court, or other entities as appropriate.


• Reviews, analyzes, and presents cases to supervisor.


• Performs other job-related duties as assigned 

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability . Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree .  Masters' degree preferred.  Minimum of two years of experience in human rights field, legal and/or communications work .  May give credit towards years of experience if attained a degree higher than a bachelor's degree. 

• Language Skills:  Fluency in English and Spanish language is . Ability to communicate articulately with internal and external audiences.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills . 

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by NIJC.

• Other Skills: Knowledge of principles and practices of communications and public information techniques through different mediums, including print, television, and internet; writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences.  Ability to assimilate and convey messages on a variety of issues relating to due process violations and immigration detention in a succinct and compelling way and tailored to different audiences, write effective copy, press releases, design and layout electronic and print newsletters and website pages; work independently with limited supervision; be goal-oriented and multi-task; have a diplomatic presence; develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of peer organizations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• This is a hybrid position.

• This position is based in Chicago.