The American Immigration Council is a non-profit organization established to increase public understanding of immigration law and policy, advocate for the just and fair administration of our immigration laws, protect the legal rights of noncitizens, and educate the public about the enduring contributions of America’s immigrants. The Council has significant experience leading advocacy and litigation efforts to challenge unlawful asylum, detention, and deportation policies, including its collaborative work at the Artesia, New Mexico family detention facility, which was closed in late 2014, and its ongoing work at the Dilley family detention center. The Dilley Pro Bono Project provides direct legal services to the hundreds of women and children detained in the country’s largest family detention center in Dilley, Texas. The Dilley Pro Bono Project collaborates closely with the CARA Pro Bono Project, a national advocacy organization committed to advancing the rights of women and children detained in family detention centers around the country.
The Council has an immediate opening for an Advocacy Coordinator for the Dilley Pro Bono Project. The Advocacy Coordinator will play a leading role in our on the ground staff and the management of volunteers assisting mothers and children detained in Dilley, Texas. The Advocacy Coordinator will also assist with the compilation of data to end family detention. A commitment to advocating for the rights of asylum-seekers, in addition to the ability to work long hours, including some weekends, is required.
Responsibilities:
Liaising with national and local NGOs and governmental agencies;
Speaking on behalf of the Dilley Pro Bono Project;
Identifying advocacy concerns, including medical problems, access to counsel concerns, and access to language concerns, and collecting data and declarations to help track these concerns;
Participate in regular advocacy strategy and communications meetings and calls;
Case management assistance (data management and collection);
Orienting, training, and managing volunteers;
Education and/or experience: Some legal experience is preferred; Masters, JD, or college degree with substantial experience;
Language skills: Spanish proficiency is required for this position
Computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel essential
Other skills: Knowledge of immigration law, strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience managing multiple projects a plus, past experience working with asylum-seekers or vulnerable populations preferred
Relocation to Dilley, Texas required
Please email your resume and letter of interest to [email protected] and include “Advocacy Coordinator” in the subject line. Candidates are encouraged to apply on or before November 10, 2016. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.