Director Of Programs

WHO WE ARE

Born out of the legal efforts at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban, Immigrant ARC has been growing exponentially since spinning out as a stand alone non-profit three years ago. During that time, we have helped coordinate responses to multiple immigration needs and helped strengthen and grow the immigration legal services field in order to increase immigrant New Yorker’s access to counsel and access to justice.

Our community includes over 80 legal service providers in New York State. We come together in solidarity with all New Yorkers who believe in fair and just immigration policies and who share our collective outrage at the injustices confronting immigrant communities. We use our knowledge of immigration law and practice to empower each other and the communities we serve to collectively fight systemic oppression and seek respect and dignity for all. We recognize that access to justice for immigrant communities is inextricably linked to the broader fight for racial justice. We commit to working alongside all others who are fighting to achieve a vision of a more just and equitable world.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Director of Programs plays a key role in the organization’s leadership structure and strategic thinking, setting the tone and direction for all of I-ARC’s programmatic efforts. Supervising three Senior Managers and with oversight over all programmatic staff, they will be tasked with ensuring our overall programing is cohesive and responsive to changing moments in immigration law and policy. Working closely with our member organizations and steering committee, they will ensure I-ARC supports and advocates on behalf of immigration legal service providers, develops models that are responsive to the needs of the communities served by members, determines innovative solutions to address the crisis of representation in our State and our country, and help with the overall leadership and direction of the organization, including taking the place of the Chief Executive Officer when appropriate to represent I-ARC publicly and to external stakeholders.

Specifically the Director of Programs will:

• Develop and implement a strategy and vision for I-ARC’s programmatic initiatives. Working with I-ARC’s steering committee, member organizations, and staff, the Director of Programs will set and move forward collaborative priorities, including both developing and overseeing I-ARC’s regular programming as well as its rapid response efforts with the goal of strengthening collaboration and building community among I-ARC’s members and partners;
• Develop and inform I-ARC’s response to changes in immigration law, policy, and procedure, including providing analysis and recommendations in public and media statements, working with staff and members to create tools and resources in response to specific issues, and coordinating rapid response efforts when necessary, and identifying and growing partnerships with external institutions to magnify the impact of I-ARC’s work;
• Strengthen I-ARC’s training curriculum, working with the Training Committee and I-ARC staff, the Director of Programs will be charged in the first year with instituting a robust regular training program on advanced topics in immigration law as well as overseeing the organization of a regular conference for I-ARC members and partners;
• Lead technological efforts to create new systems that will allow for better coordination and information and resource sharing among I-ARC members and partners, as well as robust data collecting and synthesizing;
• Act as a liaison between legal service providers and local offices of Federal agencies;
• Represent I-ARC to external stakeholders, including members, partner organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, and funders, and develop and maintain key collaborations to ensure I-ARC’s effectiveness at increasing access to counsel and access to justice for immigrant New Yorkers.
• Supervise I-ARC program staff to ensure successful implementation of I-ARC’s strategic priorities, to devise a cohesive approach to I-ARC’s mission, and to allow for cross-sector collaborations and information sharing, particularly between the service coordination and advocacy efforts. Positions supervised by the Director of Programs include the Senior Manager of Legal Access Programs, Senior Manager of Membership and Capacity Building, Senior Fellow and Federal Immigration Advocacy Consultant.
• Play a key role in I-ARC’s overall leadership and organizational growth, including participating in strategic decision making for the organization, working to create a positive and rewarding workplace culture, helping set and forecast budget needs for the Program team, developing strategies to ensure compliance with government contracts and funder requirements, participating in development efforts and outreach to funders and donors, and in building the organization’s public image.

WHO YOU ARE

A passionate advocate committed to Immigrant ARC’s mission and values. You are inspired to work for increasing access to justice by supporting legal services organizations and building community and collaboration among them. Also, an outside-the-box thinker who can identify the most pressing needs and communicate them back to the team while also making new and innovative suggestions on how to meet them moving forward.

• An experienced immigration legal advocate with at least seven to ten years of experience practicing immigration law and a deep understanding of both laws and policies as well as the ins-and-outs of immigration law practice.
• A self-motivated, independent thinker who can thrive in a remote work environment by staying organized and on-task, and a strong communicator who can regularly share information and engage with colleagues and partners over virtual means (Slack, Asana, email, video conferencing, e.g.) and who can inspire and energize volunteers.
• A proven and effective team leader who can manage workflows, deadlines, grant deliverables and competing priorities while also providing support and supervision of multiple staff members.
• A public speaker who can regularly engage in presentations to various stakeholders, media, funders, government officials, and members of the general public;
• A connector who can bring together individuals from different backgrounds and experiences to work together towards common goals.
• A strategic thinker who can effectively move forward your areas of responsibility while holding the big picture in mind as well, and who can connect what you need to be successful with what the organization as a whole needs to be successful.
• A team player who can adapt and be resourceful in a startup rapid response nonprofit environment. You can pivot quickly as urgent needs emerge, and are ready to jump in and help teammates respond to unforeseen challenges.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

At Immigrant ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.

I-ARC aims to be as transparent and equitable as possible when discussing salaries. Ranges are determined and offers are made based on an existing compensation plan that is regularly updated after market research is performed and funding prospects are assessed. Our compensation philosophy, key performance metrics required at each position level, and organizational budget with salary lines are made available to all staff.

Employment Type & Hours: full-time, 40 hours per week (salaried)

Wage: $95,000 - $115,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience. Note - I-ARC is committed to pay equity and has salary bands developed according to market comparisons and competency levels. Salary offered will be based on this pay structure.

Experience: J.D required, minimum of 5-7 years in immigration legal services with experience supervising staff for at least 3 of those years.

Benefits: Flexible schedule, medical and dental (fully covered for employee, 50% for dependents), unlimited sick and vacation days, retirement matching up to 3% after 90 days, professional development opportunities, other benefits as applicable.

Location: Fully remote but must reside in New York State as some in-person programming as well as travel throughout the State will be required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will be performed in a remote office environment - requiring travel throughout New York State. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.