Immigration Program Manager

Overview

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities.

If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

The Program Manager, Immigration, provides guidance, leadership, and direct support for immigration legal and related civic engagement services. The Program Manager supervises legal services delivered by DOJ-accredited representatives, and staff and intern performance as well as program delivery, implementation, and development. The Program Manager is expected to be accredited by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) through IRC to represent clients in immigration matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Program Development & Leadership
  • Represent IRC at immigration-related meetings and events in the community, with partners and funders, and with government agencies, including by giving presentations.
  • Create and support implementation of outreach strategy. Develop and implement media opportunities in conjunction with the Site Director for publicizing immigration work.
  • Cultivate partnerships and opportunities with key legal service providers, community-based organizations, and other local organizations or institutions, to enhance collaboration and outreach for legal and civic engagement services.
  • Develop a strategic plan for immigration and civics, incorporating client and partner feedback, to increase responsiveness of services, sustainability, and improve service delivery.
  • Serve on Senior Management Team/Leadership Team and work effectively across programs to further IRC’s mission. Contribute to and support the office-wide Strategic Action Plan.
• Direct Client Services
  • Maintain a limited caseload of cases before USCIS, including family reunification, adjustment of status, and naturalization cases.
  • Stay apprised of relevant immigration law and policy, and maintain DOJ accreditation by attending and keeping records of continuing legal education training and credits.
  • Maintain strict client confidentiality and observe all ethical practices/obligations as outlined in IRC’s Immigration Program Policies Manual.
• Program and Staff Supervision
  • Provide daily direct supervision to immigration and civics staff, employing adaptive management techniques; mentor staff, set clear performance expectations and goals, give regular performance feedback, help prioritize workloads, troubleshoot challenges, and maintain professional development plans.
  • Ensure all cases have high-quality legal review and that clients are counseled appropriately on their immigration options and potential risks.
  • Ensure staff adhere to the IRC Immigration Program Policies Manual, including through mentorship, regular observations of client service activities, ongoing legal training, and up-to-date guidance on immigration adjudication trends and policies.
  • Ensure staff, interns, and volunteers understand what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and how boundaries apply in IRC’s legal service model.
  • Collaborate with HQ Legal Services Unit to ensure adequate support and training for DOJ accreditation progress where appropriate.
  • Develop and monitor case acceptance policies and caseload targets.
  • Foster a high-functioning, collaborative team and ensure effective integration of internships and volunteers; coordinate with other IRC programs to ensure client-centered service.
  • Co-facilitate and support grant opening, review, and closing meetings; lead grant cycle activities including monitoring & evaluation plans.
  • Oversee and/or conduct regular internal case file reviews to ensure compliance with IRC policies and donor…