Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied and separated children who are forcibly displaced from their countries of origin. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. Building on its extensive programming and successful model in the United States, KIND is expanding in the Americas and Europe to bring its experience to bear in working with unaccompanied and separated children. Our work focuses on addressing the legal and mental health needs of this population; building strong partnerships and engaging in training and capacity strengthening with governments, NGOs, and the private sector; and advocating for systemic and pragmatic reforms to advance the rights of unaccompanied and separated children.
Position Summary
KIND seeks a Regional Director, Legal Services to supervise the Managing Directors for KIND’s field offices, ensuring excellent and consistent Legal Services operations nationwide and playing a critical role in KIND’s mission of ensuring that unaccompanied children have high-quality legal representation in their immigration proceedings.
This is a remote position based from any location in the U.S. West Coast.
Relocation bonus available for this position.
Essential Functions
- Works closely with leadership to develop and implement priorities, guidelines, and procedures in support of KIND’s legal services program nationwide including pro bono facilitation and direct legal services.
- Assists in the specific performance management of KIND’s field offices in KIND regions in collaboration with the Senior Director for Legal Services and the Director for Planning and Performance including tracking and meeting metrics and collaborate to enhance and maintain the overall effectiveness of the legal services program nationwide and ensuring consistency in the implementation of policies and practices across KIND’s field offices.
- Provides robust supervision and exceptional mentoring to the Managing Directors for KIND’s field offices through creative and thoughtful leadership; and effectively monitor the performance and professional development of direct reports, including individual performance management and communications, and ensure effective alignment with KIND management’s goals and priorities.
- Provides specific programmatic support in KIND’s work funded through the Vera Institute of Justice, Immigrant Justice Corps, and other diversely funded programs.
- Ensures all Legal Programs staff in the field offices are provided with robust supervision and mentoring to equip them to work effectively in providing direct representation or mentoring and training of pro bono attorneys.
- Supports KIND’s efforts to maintain and increase funding sources including participating in proposal and reporting processes.
- Assists in the opening of any new field offices.
- Plays leadership role in working collaboratively and effectively intra-component within Legal Services, and inter-component with other components, including Human Resources, Technology Strategies, Office Operations, Communications, and Policy.
- Serves as a key partner to KIND’s leadership in helping to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for the diverse contributions of others within the organization and for the institution and the mission; model informed and constructive communication; effective and honest partnership wherein the feedback is valued and constructively and regularly given and received; and actively contributes to a safe environment where ideas, innovation, and dissent are respected and consistently shared and where productive conflict is valued as an opportunity for strengthening collaboration and advancing the mission.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Licensed U.S. attorney in good standing.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the immigration field, preferably including representation of immigrant children.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising and managing legal staff, preferably in diffuse locations.
- Experience in program management, overseeing performance and deliverables.
- Facility with Legal Server database systems, running reports, and case data analytics.
- Experience working with a law firm and corporate counsel preferred.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Passion for the plight of unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children, and the enthusiasm and skills to communicate that passion to potential partners and other organizations.
- Ability to travel substantially throughout the year and as assigned.
- Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via phone, video conference, and email.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites (such as Teams, Excel, etc.).
- Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task in our KIND environment, managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
- Excellent organizational skills with ability to work on multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate as appropriate.
- Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
- Committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as embracing transparency and authenticity in daily work life.
- Be disciplined and nimble to ensure delivery on our core mission of access to justice and protection of children’s wellbeing and rights.
- Showing the ability to multi-task and work with a sense of urgency in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
- Committed to practicing and supporting wellbeing and a work-home life balance.
- Experience working and communicating in a remote environment.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this role, please submit an employment application at supportkind.org/join-the-team, along with your resume and cover letter. KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Disclaimer: KIND is committed to an ethical recruitment and hiring process and maintains a firm “no fees” recruitment policy. We will never charge a fee or ask for money as part of the application process. KIND also conducts all interviews via telephone or video conference, and at no time will KIND engage in a text or mobile app-based application or interview process. For more information, please visit the following website: https://supportkind.org/join-the-team/kind-employment-practices/.
United States
