National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) Pro Bono Manager

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.

Summary:

*Please submit a cover letter and resume when applying for this position*

The Pro Bono Manager at NIJC oversees various pro bono projects related to asylum, counter-trafficking, DACA, and other areas. Responsibilities include coordinating with project leads, managing external partnerships, and facilitating pro bono opportunities such as trainings and outreach events. The Manager will ensure compliance with pro bono protocols, communicate across projects, and provide data on services. Collaboration with NIJC's Communications and Development teams is also key to promoting the work of pro bono teams and partners. Performance goals are set through annual Success Objectives.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support NIJC's pro bono projects by recruiting, training, and assisting pro bono attorneys.


• Coordinate the assignment of NIJC cases to pro bono attorneys.


• Represent NIJC at events and meetings focused on pro bono work.


• Evaluate existing pro bono projects and protocols, suggest improvements, and oversee their implementation.


• Manage the database for all pro bono projects.


• Prepare reports on pro bono projects in collaboration with pro bono coordinators.


• Train paralegals, coordinators, and accredited representatives on database use, pro bono recruitment, and preparation of case lists, newsletters, and thank you emails. Review and provide feedback on written materials for pro bono projects.


• Compile summaries from various pro bono projects for the monthly newsletter and prepare quarterly thank you emails.


• Act as the primary contact for pro bono inquiries and communicate with current and potential pro bono attorneys and coordinators at firms and corporations nationwide.


• Coordinate with NIJC's Associate Leadership Board.


• Keep the volunteer interpreter list up to date.


• Review and suggest updates to NIJC's pro bono training materials.


• Collaborate with teams to incorporate data into training materials that showcase the impact of NIJC's work, especially related to pro bono attorneys.


• Conduct a bi-annual audit of NIJC's pro bono cases.


• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

To succeed in this role, the ideal candidate must effectively handle all essential duties. The following qualifications reflect the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional who works independently, is proactive, and consistently goes above and beyond, especially under tight deadlines and with emerging opportunities. They should be adept at recognizing and anticipating new issues or opportunities, detail-oriented, and skilled at prioritizing tasks. Strong organizational skills, confidentiality, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and openness to change are crucial.

• Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor's degree is . A Master's degree, JD, or DOJ accreditation is preferred. At least three years of experience in human rights, legal, or communications work is needed. Higher degrees may substitute for some experience requirements.


• Language Skills: Fluency in English is , with Spanish fluency preferred. The candidate should be able to communicate clearly with both internal and external audiences, possessing excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills are essential.


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


• Other Skills: The candidate must be able to effectively communicate complex immigration issues in a clear and persuasive manner tailored to various audiences. They should be capable of working independently with minimal supervision, managing multiple tasks, maintaining a diplomatic presence, and fostering strong relationships with diverse legal entities. Effective oral and written communication skills are .

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.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time


• The person in this position occasionally needs to move about inside the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.


• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.