the Florence Project is hiring a
The Organization:
The Florence Project was founded in 1989 to respond to a representation crisis for indigent non-citizens detained at the rural Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Florence, Arizona. Through our programs today, we provide services to thousands of adults, youth, and children detained in Eloy, Florence, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona on any given day. In 2001, the Florence Project implemented our Integrated Social Services Program, one of the first of its kind in this field. The Florence Project provides high quality legal and social services and supports initiatives for national changes in immigration law and policy.
Primary Purpose of the Job:
The Advocacy Managing Attorney will supervise the work of Advocacy Team staff in close coordination with the Legal Director. Direct reports will include, but not be limited to, Advocacy Attorney(s), Legal Assistant(s), and Senior Legal Assistant(s). The Advocacy Managing Attorney will help mentor staff on legal, policy, and advocacy efforts; help move forward strategic federal court litigation efforts and other significant advocacy project aligned with our Advocacy Team strategic goals with input from Advocacy Team members, the Legal Director, and the Leadership Team; participate in media and outreach as needed; and support staff who are directly representing cases before the federal courts or immigration agency. The Advocacy Managing Attorney will also participate in recruitment, hiring, training and professional development initiatives for broader legal and social services staff as well as participate in program development and outreach activities, in conjunction with other managing attorneys, Program Managers, the Legal Director, the Deputy Director(s), and the Executive Director. This position reports to the Legal Director.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Other Duties & Responsibilities:
Minimum Requirements:
J.D. and admission to any state bar, per Arizona Bar Association ethics rules. Eligible for admission to Arizona State Bar and/or District of Arizona District Court.
Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing immigration law, which must include experience both before the Agency (Immigration Court and BIA) as well as Federal Courts.
Experience supervising legal staff and a demonstrated ability to inspire confidence in others and play a supportive role.
Be a proactive and engaged supervisor without micromanaging and be a clear and thoughtful decision maker.
Demonstrate commitment to advocating for indigent immigrant clients in a respectful and empowering way.
Demonstrate a zealous support of the Florence Project’s mission.
Highly organized, an innovative thinker, and a measured and thoughtful decision maker.
Ability to develop and maintain creative and functional systems and structures to support team members’ ability to effectively provide quality services.
Able to work in a high-volume setting with limited resources, able to balance and move forward on various strategic priorities simultaneously.
Must be passionate about due process for all and enjoy working with people with complex and diverse criminal records and social histories.
Strong litigation experience and oral advocacy skills.
Strong legal research.
Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and proven ability to work with diverse populations.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively verbally and in writing.
Excellent problem solving, research and analytical skills.
Effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated to be a hardworking, flexible, respectful team player that can work effectively in a collaborative, innovative, and client centered work environment.
Ability to work independently, be adaptable and reliable in the face of conflict, pressure, crisis or changing priorities.
Exhibit high ethical standards and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must be able to pass federal and state background checks.
Fluency or advanced proficiency in Spanish required.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Proven computer skills. Advanced understanding of basic office applications.
Preferred Requirements:
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
Salary & Benefits:
This is a full-time position. Salary is competitive for our field and geographical area. Salaries will be calculated based on relevant experience and our established comprehensive wage scale: $84,676.80 - $117,581.69 Annually DOE.
We strive to create and uphold a positive, supportive, and inclusive work environment for all staff. We offer excellent benefits, including:
Medical plans including health, dental, vision coverage, subject to plan terms
Short Term Disability
Eligibility for group benefits such as voluntary life insurance, subject to applicable waiting periods
Retirement plan, subject to plan terms
Paid Time Off earned on a biweekly accrual basis- Twenty-five (25) Days of Vacation Time, annually
Five (5) Days of Medical/Sick Time, annually
One (1) Day of Personal Time, monthly
Eight (8) Week Paid Sabbatical, after three years of employment
Bereavement leave.
Fifteen (15) Organization-paid holidays, all observed
Eligible for Parental Leave which includes Twelve (13) paid weeks
Mileage reimbursement for travel between offices and places of work.
Relocation Assistance for out of state new hires available for some positions.
Application Process:
This is an immediate opening. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position will remain open until we receive enough qualified applicants. To apply, please submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the position as well as your resume, three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Florence Project values diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of underrepresented communities.
At FIRRP, we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed in our current job opportunities, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence, which is very much valued at FIRRP. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.
This job announcement is for informational purposes only and is subject to change and modification without notice. This job announcement includes a non-exhaustive list of responsibilities, qualifications and requirements of the position, but does not necessarily include all the job functions of the position.