Overview

Immigrant Justice Program Director role at Asian Law Caucus (ALC).

Position details

• Type: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt, Management Position
• Reports to: Chief Strategy Officer
• Location: Hybrid work schedule; San Francisco, CA office
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Compensation: $130,000 to $174,709, depending on years of relevant experience
• Benefits: ALC’s comprehensive benefits package includes generous vacation and paid holidays; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance (ALC pays 100% of premiums for employees and 75% for qualified dependents); a flexible spending account (FSA); and a 401K retirement plan with employer non-elective contribution and match

The Opportunity

At this critical moment when civil and constitutional rights are under unprecedented attack, the Asian Law Caucus seeks an experienced litigator or policy expert to serve as Program Director for the Immigrant Justice Program (IJ Program Director). The IJ Program Director will lead the program to advance ALC’s mission of protecting immigrant communities, particularly API and AMEMSA communities. They will provide vision, leadership, and mentorship to a team of attorneys and community advocates, and collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team and Executive team.

The Immigrant Justice Program works to uphold due process and equal protection for all, regardless of immigration status, and to end detention, discrimination, and systemic harm, while building toward a humane immigration system that keeps families and communities together. In partnership with senior leaders at ALC, this role will guide the team to effect systems change through direct services, coalition building, impact litigation, and strategic advocacy. The Program Director will work with staff and collaborate with ALC’s other programs and strategies.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in immigration policy and legal analysis on sanctuary, denaturalization, visa processing, and other enforcement policies and practices, and is committed to building leadership and power with and for impacted communities. Experience in national security issues is highly desired. The Program Director should demonstrate a leadership style grounded in equity and inclusion and be able to partner with ALC’s leadership and staff to foster connectivity and cohesion across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the implementation of program goals and strategies in collaboration with the Executive Team, including the Chief Strategy Officer, Legal Director, Policy Director, and Communications Director
• Develop community engagement strategies, in collaboration with the Chief Strategy Officer and other Program Directors, and ensure successful execution
• Identify intersecting Immigrant Justice work with other programs and collaborate on strategy and execution
• Work closely with Development staff on grant proposals, reporting, and fundraising events
• Develop and maintain technical expertise on immigration issues impacting clients and communities

• Establish and deepen relationships with grassroots partners, advocacy and legal organizations, and government officials
• Act as an ambassador for the program and the organization, communicating ALC’s breadth of work at conferences, coalitions, and meetings
• With executive and development leadership, engage with funders and identify new opportunities

• Lead, manage, and mentor team members with clear accountability and effective work plans
• Develop and manage Immigrant Justice team budget and resources aligned with program goals
• Recruit, hire, supervise, including staff attorneys and community advocates
• Serve as a leadership/management team member, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making
• Promote a healthy culture of collaboration and accountability within the organization and team
• Perform other duties as needed

All ALC staff are expected to participate in regular check-in meetings with their supervisor, staff meetings, team meetings, and other organization meetings as required, including two annual retreats and optional events in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The statements above provide a general framework of the requirements of the position; incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed here.

Qualifications

• J.D. and California bar membership required
• Minimum of eight (8) years relevant experience in immigration and/or removal defense, and/or constitutional and civil rights, with a legal services, policy advocacy, and/or state/federal court litigation background in a nonprofit setting
• Experience working with external co-counsel or coalitions with multiple organizational partners and ability to resolve conflicts constructively
• Excellent research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills, with ability to tailor messages to the audience
• 3 to 5 years of experience managing and supervising staff
• Familiarity with intersections of immigration with employment, housing, national security, and civil rights is a plus
• Ability to conduct long-term visioning and strategic planning for the program and organization
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently and with other attorneys and community advocates
• Commitment to building power for and with grassroots communities
• Experience working with API and AMEMSA community members affected by immigration and/or criminal legal systems is highly desired
• Problem-solving mindset and team-player attitude
• Non-English language skills in AMEMSA or Asian languages are a plus, but not required