The University of Minnesota Law School's Center for New Americans has announced an opening for the position of Assistant Director for Education and Outreach. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Center's three immigration clinics as well as our law firm and non-profit partners to expand pro bono representation and educational services for non-citizens in Minnesota.
Applicants must have a J.D. degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school with at least 2 years of professional experience dedicated to immigration-related community education and outreach, or a bachelors or higher degree with at least five years of professional experience dedicated to immigration-related community education and outreach. All applicants must have demonstrated understanding of U.S. immigration law and policy. Strong preference will be given to applicants familiar with the operation of law school clinics and those with fluency in a foreign language (such as Spanish or Somali). Excellent academic record and writing ability are also required.
About the Job
To achieve our Education and Outreach goals the Assistant Director for Education and Outreach will work closely with Center faculty and staff, our non-profit and law firm partners, as well as a range of other university and community allies. The Assistant Director’s core areas of responsibility include:
Developing and implementing education and outreach initiatives for the Center’s law clinics. The Assistant Director, in coordination with Center faculty and staff, and in cooperation with our partners, will lead development and organization of new immigration-related initiatives on an ongoing basis. As just one example, the Assistant Director will coordinate the Detainee Rights Clinic’s new legal orientation program, which provides non-citizens incarcerated by the Department of Homeland Security early access to legal advice, screening, and new pro se materials about their rights in immigration court.
Identifying and facilitating immigration field placements for law students. The Assistant Director, through ongoing contact with our non-profit and law-firm partners, will identify opportunities for law student experiential learning opportunities in the area of immigration law and policy, then set up and facilitate placements in consultation with Center faculty.
Organizing education and outreach events. The Assistant Director will organize the Center’s educational and outreach events in collaboration with Center staff and our partner organizations. Events will include but are not limited to (a) educational seminars designed to train pro bono lawyers or volunteer law students, (b) large-scale community workshops designed to educate non-citizens about their rights under immigration laws, (c) community round table forums on topics of immigration policy.
Developing and distributing educational materials. In support of our clinics, our partners, and our education and outreach events, the Assistant Director will develop educational materials for both non-citizens and pro bono lawyers.
Communicating the Center’s work. Through social media, website, and community networking, the Assistant Director will document and publicize the Center’s activities and materials to the public, our partners and allies, and our funders.
About the Department
Established in 2013, the Center for New Americans is a comprehensive immigration law center composed of the three clinics: The Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, The Detainee Rights Clinic, and the Federal Immigration Litigation Clinic. The three clinics are taught by full-time law school faculty who supervise student attorneys in the representation of non-citizens at all levels of their immigration cases. In addition to the clinics, the Center is home to an integrated Education and Outreach Program.
The Center for New Americans is unique among law school immigration clinical programs because it was designed and operates as a formal partnership with the pro bono programs of several of Minnesota's preeminent law firms, as well as our state's three leading immigration non-profits.
The goals of the Center’s Education and Outreach Program are to (1) educate noncitizens about their legal rights, and (2) recruit and train law students and pro bono lawyers for public service to noncitizens.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online.
https://www.myu.umn.edu/psp/psprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=302732&PostingSeq=1
To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there. Please include a resume, cover letter, contact information for three references, and a diversity statement.
This position will remain open until filled.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Background Check Information
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.