Director ProBAR

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job 

Responsible for leadership and administration of ABA’s South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR). Accountable for the development and attainment of both short- and long-term strategic objectives for the ABA’s ProBAR operations. This position reports to the ABA Commission on Immigration and will require regular engagement with ABA senior management and various ABA administrative departments including Financial Services, General Counsel’s Office, and Human Resources. The position will require regular engagement with ProBAR’s management team, staff members, and outside partners to direct and communicate ProBAR’s goals, mission, and programmatic work both within the ABA and outside the organization with relevant stakeholders. 
 
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent) 

 

• Represents ABA ProBAR before multiple and diverse funders and potential funders. Obtains and seeks funding to continue and expand ProBAR’s operations and mission of providing high quality legal services to detained immigrant and asylum-seeking children and adults in South Texas. Attends funder events, meetings, and other functions on behalf of ProBAR to identify and assess potential opportunities, foster collaboration, and engage in business development. Responsible for procuring, managing, executing, and completing reporting requirements for a growing number of grants and contracts. 
• By and through the work of subordinates, ensures that ProBAR’s grant and contract deliverables, including legal information services and direct representation in immigration court as well as other forms of legal advocacy, are carried out effectively, according to legal and ethical requirements, and in accordance with the requirements of our funders and applicable laws and regulations. Responsible for the integrity and quality of ProBAR’s work. Responsible for maintaining costs within standards without degradation of quality or service delivery. Establishes and executes protocols and policies applicable to service delivery, detention visits and shelter facility interaction, release support, social work services, grant compliance, immigration court representation, and the development of complementary services. 
• Accountable for ensuring ProBAR’s staff members have the resources and infrastructure necessary to complete all work and deliver on ProBAR’s mission. Establishes short-term and long-term strategic goals, and addresses challenges that may impede ProBAR’s ability to achieve these goals effectively. Evaluates and adjusts ProBAR’s organizational structure as needed in consultation with ABA Human Resources Department and Senior Management to accommodate organizational and programmatic growth and a changing practice environment. 
• In coordination with the ABA’s Commission on Immigration and Media Department, accountable for ProBAR’s community outreach and public communication to media, stakeholders, and the public. Participates in the conversation about immigration detention work on a national, state, and local level. Reports regularly to the ABA Commission on Immigration regarding ongoing conditions at the border. 
• Builds and maintains relationships with diverse stakeholders and other legal and social service providers both locally and nationally to facilitate ProBAR’s work and mission.  Maintains and further develops relationships with the local immigration bar as well as local, state, and national bar associations and immigration practitioners.  
• Provides leadership, as well as staff coaching, mentoring, counseling, performance appraisal and, when appropriate, discipline to a large staff of diverse professionals.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• At least seven years of experience practicing immigration law and experience managing attorneys and/or director-level staff. 
• At least five years management experience to include involvement with strategic planning, funds development, and budgeting and grant operations. 
• Committed to and adept at working with a diverse staff and client population. 
• Intermediate proficiency with Adobe and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, OneDrive, Teams) 
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations. 
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children.  In accordance with the federal regulation, a background check will be required for this position. 

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience 

• Proficiency in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms. 
• Previous experience representing children or adults involved in immigration court proceedings.
• Previous experience with facility operations and/or space management. 

Physical Requirements  Typical office work environment. 
  Extent of Travel Required in the Job  As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 20% of the time. 
Benefits and Incentives Offered · Medical and prescription insurance      · Dental insurance  · Vision insurance                                     · Flexible Spending Account (FSA)  · Voluntary life insurance                                 · Short and long term disability insurance  · Employee Assistance Program (EAP)         · Prepaid Legal Plan  · 401(k)                                                           · Paid company holidays  · Personal time off                                          · Vacation time off  · PSLF Participant · Sign on bonus offered* · Additional bonuses offered for continuous service at 2 year, 3 year, & 4 year service anniversaries.* · Relocation Stipend offered for in-state and out-of-state relocation*    *Restrictions apply
The Location ProBAR is located in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving region that boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, subtropical climate, and beautiful natural areas to enjoy. Recent growth has brought the RGV unprecedented investments in higher education and scientific research. Three local airports connect RGV residents to destinations around the country while Mexico is only a short drive away. The region's delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!     COVID-19 Response ProBAR leadership has responded proactively to support the health and wellbeing of our staff and the individuals we serve. We are currently providing the majority of our legal services remotely while telecommuting. During this period of remote work, we continue to accept applications and interview for open positions.