Special Legal Projects Coordinator

Make the Road New York (MRNY) builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and justice through organizing, policy innovation, transformative education, and survival services. Make the Road New York operates community centers in Bushwick, Brooklyn; Jackson Heights, Queens; Port Richmond, Staten Island; Brentwood, Long Island and White Plains, Westchester County. With a membership of 27,000, MRNY tackles the critical issues facing our communities, including workplace justice, tenants’ rights, immigrant rights and civil rights, TGNCIQ justice, public education, health care access, and immigration reform. (TGNCIQ = transgender, gender non-conforming, intersex and queer). MRNY is a newly unionized workplace, currently negotiating its first Collective Bargaining Agreement.

MRNY is a multi-service organization. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above -- implement strategies to combat shared problems, and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services: We offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Spanish-language literacy, computer literacy, citizenship preparation, and in-school and after-school youth programs. We have a robust legal program that offers direct representation across a spectrum of practice areas, including employment law, immigration law, housing and benefits, and TGNCIQ civil rights; we also take on impact litigation as a strategy for achieving broad change. Our health program offers facilitated enrollment into health insurance programs and SNAP benefits, a community health worker home visit program, nutrition education and emergency food pantries, health care navigation, and more."

Current Opening:

We are hiring a Special Legal Projects Coordinator who will be responsible for managing Make the Road New York’s clinical programs and other initiatives and recruiting volunteers from law firms, law schools, and other partners. The ideal candidate will have experience in coordinating legal clinics. MRNY staff are currently working under a hybrid model, which requires a minimum of two days per week in their designated home office. This policy is subject to change and/or modification after March 2024. While this position will be primarily remote, the Special Legal Projects Coordinator will be required to be in-person at each clinic, and there will be a home office assigned after hire. Additionally, there may be a need for substantial in-person work, such as but not limited to joining staff meetings, attending workshops, meeting with clients and members in person, or other tasks that are not suitable for remote work. The home office may be any of our community centers: Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester, Staten Island, Long Island (Suffolk).

Key Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Develop and implement a recruitment strategy to attract volunteers from law firms, law schools, and other relevant partners
• Coordinate and schedule clients and volunteers for, among other initiatives, Make the Road New York’s TPS Clinic Program, ensuring appropriate coverage for each clinic
• Collaborate with legal professionals and non-profit organizations to establish partnerships and expand MRNY’s pro bono network
• Provide or coordinate training and orientation for volunteers, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of volunteers, providing feedback and support as needed
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer information, hours contributed, and clinic outcomes
• Stay updated on relevant legal issues and changes in immigration law to provide guidance and support to volunteers
• Assist in the development and implementation of program policies and procedures
• Collaborate with the program team to ensure the smooth operation of the TPS Clinic Program and other legal initiatives
• Assist with other administrative tasks
• Collaborate with attorneys and other legal staff members

Requirements:

• Eligible to work in the US
• Required to be fully vaccinated with an FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine prior first day of employment
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required; advanced degree (such as J.D.) or related field is acceptable but not required.
• Previous experience coordinating legal clinics and working with law firms and non-profit organizations
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Knowledge of immigration law and procedures is preferred
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficient Spanish language skills
• Experience with populations that make up major portions of Make the Road’s membership is a plus – such as documented and undocumented immigrants, individuals facing domestic violence, members of TGNCIQ communities, those who have experienced the criminal legal system, and youth
• Prior experience as an accredited representative is a plus
• Desire to work collaboratively

Job Competencies:

• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Be highly professional and team oriented with a passion for excellence and eagerness to help the department meet our goals.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and complete assignments under strict deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work under pressure required.
• Have a working knowledge of spreadsheets, Microsoft Office suite, and using our case management system, Salesforce, or a similar system.
• Flexible work schedule, some evenings or weekends required
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High level of accountability and initiative; needs to be a self-starter and eager to do team work to support the organization as a whole
• Relevant lived experience, including, but not limited to, having been a member of a low-income, immigrant community

Salary and Benefits:

Starting salary is based on a scale set by a democratically-elected personnel committee and will depend on factors such as experience and education. MRNY offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The salary range for this position is from $58,174 to $77,312

How to Apply:

Please attach cover letter/resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New York career center.

Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.