Family Justice Project Program Director (40037)

About the Role

The Director will lead the implementation of the Family Justice Project (FJP), a strategic initiative designed to address critical gaps in legal support for individuals and families in prolonged detention. As the primary lead for this cross-functional team, the Director will oversee the project's operational success, ensuring that RAICES provides consistent, high-quality removal defense and habeas representation. This role requires a seasoned attorney capable of balancing high-level program leadership with a rigorous individual caseload.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

• Manage the FJP program, ensuring operational efficiency, adherence to budget, and the achievement of program milestones.
• Ensure program data collection and integrity, working closely with External Affairs on funding proposals, reports, and communications.
• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development to legal and administrative direct reports, ensuring team cohesion, operational readiness, and holistic representation for clients, particularly when cases overlap between removal defense needs and habeas opportunities.
• Work in ongoing coordination with the Asylum Access Services (AAS) team to ensure seamless continuity of advocacy regarding detention conditions and referrals.

Legal Practice

• Maintain a personal, high-complexity caseload of removal defense cases annually.
• Provide expert legal counsel and direct representation for clients, leveraging deep experience in removal defense to protect due process rights for detained populations.
• Review complex case intakes and provide strategic direction on legal arguments and procedural approaches for service recipients in detention.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience practicing as an immigration attorney, with specialization in removal defense.
• Demonstrated experience leading legal teams or complex initiatives, with a strong ability to manage support staff and project workflows.
• Proven track record in immigration law; deep familiarity with detention center procedures.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active bar membership in good standing.

Qualifications

• Behavior aligned with RAICES’ mission, vision, and values: Integrity, Agility, Community, Compassion, and Wellness.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively both internally and externally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, and Cerenade eImmigration software.
• Effective time management and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with the ability to work collaboratively and autonomously in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.
• Sound judgment and sensitivity to highly confidential information.
• Highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Strong interpersonal relations skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and creatively, while inspiring and motivating others to achieve common client-centered goals.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role. Employees are expected to live within the assigned geographic location to commute to and from the office or assigned on-site location(s) as business or client needs require. Applicants must reside in the state of Texas. Relocation assistance may be provided to candidates willing to relocate.