The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) seeks an innovative Director of Legal Services to manage and grow the Legal Services Department. The Director of Legal Services will contribute to the overall strategy for advancing the mission of the organization through service delivery, supervision, grant management, fundraising, outreach and collaboration with coalition and community stakeholders, and advocacy initiatives. The legal director is a member of the management team and reports directly to the Executive Director.
CARECEN was established in 1981 to protect the rights of refugees fleeing conflict in Central America and provide direct legal services that would ease their transition. Over time the organization has evolved and grown with the population into broader areas of community service and economic development, establishing itself as a strong advocate on critical policy issues related to immigration, housing, and civil rights. CARECEN’s programs are available to low and moderate income Latinos in the Washington Metropolitan area. CARECEN serves individuals through direct legal, housing, citizenship and community support services and engages in broader community outreach and education.
Position Overview: CARECEN seeks an attorney with experience in program management and immigration law and procedures to lead the day to day activities of CARECEN’s Legal Department. The Director of Legal Services’ essential duties include the following:
• Provide strategic leadership and coordination for the provision of all CARECEN immigration legal services through direct services, workshops, and pro bono representation.
• Represent a modest caseload and balance the legal docket
• Manage the annual program budget, including grants and contract budgets and timely reporting.
• Lead program fundraising efforts to expand service capacity, including identifying funding sources and drafting grant proposals and letters of intent
• Recruit, train, supervise and mentor legal staff and supporting staff, including attorneys, legal fellows, paralegals, interns, and volunteers.
• Collaborate and communicate with regional, local, and national advocacy groups to advance public policy and maximize CARECEN’s effectiveness in the community.
• Conduct outreach to provide legal education to the immigrant community
• Manage all program-related media, including press releases, media appearances, social media, etc.
Candidate Qualifications:
• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Current bar membership in good standing to practice law in any state or the District of Columbia.
• Three to five years of experience in Immigration Law, and 2+ years of legal supervisory skills and program administration preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Written and verbal fluency in Spanish and English required.
• Two years of direct representation experience.
• Knowledge of and skill in immigration laws and procedures, including trial advocacy and complex legal issues.
• Must have an ability to develop and implement innovative models of service delivery with limited resources.
• Must be able to work in a collaborative manner with diverse groups, including government agencies, foundations, media, as well as other advocacy and community organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and CARECEN’s mission.
• Ability to sensitively relate to and work with low-income immigrant clients, grassroots groups and community-based organizations.
• Ability to work under pressure and to handle multiple and changing priorities and tasks.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends
Applicants with professional, volunteer, and/or personal ties to the low-income immigrant communities in the metropolitan Washington, DC area are encouraged to apply. Those interested should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in PDF format via email to [email protected].