Program Director II-Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

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Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., is a non-profit law firm which provides community education and legal representation to immigrant adults, families, unaccompanied minors, individuals with mental health issues, and in cases involving crimmigration. Esperanza has proudly provided legal services to immigrants and their families in Southern California for over 15 years. The immigration court system does not provide court-appointed counsel to individuals facing deportation who cannot afford an attorney, so this vulnerable population relies on our community education programs to obtain critical information about the process, understand their legal options and access assistance. Esperanza’s community education programs were established to more effectively meet this need and to guide pro se immigrants through the increasingly complicated and strained immigration system. Core services of the programs include legal orientations regarding removal proceedings and legal relief; intake and follow-up services; self-help workshops; and referrals for pro bono assistance or social services. More information can be found about Esperanza at www.esperanza-la.org

The person directs Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project programs and staff. Oversees all aspects of the EIRP operations including program development, revenue generation, financial management, contracts, resource development, strategic planning, quality improvement, service delivery, personnel development and stakeholder relationships. Directs, supervises and collaborates with assigned directors, program managers and other EIRP staff. Responsible for the implementation of fiscal, operational and human resources policies. Maintains liaison with key governmental, agency and community leaders. Maintains liaison with key operations departments including accounting, HR, IT and development, and the Director of Intra-Agency Programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Plans, organizes, and conducts approved programs in accordance with official directives and applicable contract provisions and government regulations.
• Oversees the preparation of program proposals, budgets, and directives.
• Establishes, maintains and cultivates relationships with donors, foundations, public agencies and other stakeholders. 
• Reviews fiscal performance of all program contracts and services, adheres to agency fiscal requirements and makes changes required to ensure program budgets do not end a fiscal year with a deficit. 
• Provides training to program managers in their areas of responsibility.
• Negotiates with responsible officials regarding contracts, budgets, and other matters relating to the operation of the programs.
• Provides routine supervision to program staff responsible for implementation of programs and maintenance of program records in accordance with approved standards and practices.
• Advises in recruitment, selection, retention, and training of program staff. Evaluates operational staff.
• Advises and consults with the Director of Intra-Agency Programs on the status of EIRP programs and matters affecting policy.
• Provides leadership to the organization focused on EIRP’s future success.
• Consults with stakeholders regarding strategic initiative, development, finances, program services, quality standards and related policies. 
• Develops program procedures to ensure contractual and legal compliance as well as establishing program performance standards.
• Promotes continuous quality improvement and service delivery aligned with Agency policy and contract requirements.
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Legal or related educational background, (preferably a Juris Doctor degree and member in good standing with a state bar and/or master’s degree in public or business administration, or a related field. 
• A minimum of seven years of experience in immigration legal services with five years’ experience in management with a strong fiscal and program management background.
• Willingness to learn and adhere to Catholic Charities policies, procedures and regulations.
• Demonstrated interest in serving the low-income immigrant and refugee community and experience working with persons of diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Experience leading a large legal services team.
• Demonstrate integrity, passion and strength in all aspects of work.
• Experience developing alignment and efficiency across diverse legal service programs.
• Experience achieving financial, operational, and programmatic results in a dynamic, evolving environment where external forces are uncertain.
• Non-Profit experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of administrative/program management principles and best practices.
• Excellent organizational and management skills, including public speaking and oral/written communication skills. 
• Ability to effectively work, communicate and build rapport with diverse groups of individuals, including representatives of government, foundations, English/Spanish media, and other grassroots organizations.
• Able to maintain composure and perseverance under pressure and display sensitivity, tact and responsiveness in various situations and needs.
• Current knowledge of local resources, government agencies, applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Able to demonstrate success in fundraising as well as responding to government/private funding opportunities. 
• Experienced in budget preparation, tracking and fiscal management. 
• Able to lead the organization in strategic planning efforts and implementation of short- and long-term plans.
• Experienced in conducting staff development/training and performance evaluation.
• Able to use independent judgment and initiative. 
• Maintain high level of confidentiality.

Catholic Charities offers a wide range of employee benefits to support the total wellness of its employees. Our competitive package provides the flexibility to select the benefits that best meets the employee’s needs. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical, Dental & Vision
  
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan to include 401a/employer contribution only and 403(b)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Care Spending Account Reimbursement accounts (HAS)
• Vacation days – 15 days per year
• Sick time – 10 days per year
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 13 holidays per year for regular f/t & p/t employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Cell Phones for those working in Shelters or with Clients outside of the office 
• Employee Recognition - Annual Staff Appreciation Day Event
• Free Parking