Immigration Equality and Immigration Equality Action Fund seek a dynamic, passionate person to join our team as a Refugee Coordinator. This position can be based in the United States or Canada.
Founded in 1994, Immigration Equality has a dual focus of direct representation and impact work. We take calls every day from clients who need help right now and we work to change the systems that have a lasting impact on how LGBTQ and HIV-positive people are treated. We work with asylum seekers, detained immigrants, and refugees, answering thousands of hotline calls each year and representing more than 600 individuals at any one time. We also engage in political advocacy and impact litigation to protect the interests of our community. In nearly 70 countries, it is still a crime to be LGBTQ; In many more, it is fundamentally unsafe. As such, we dedicate ourselves to empowering and protecting one of the most vibrant, resilient, and diverse communities in the world.
Immigration Equality is a mission-driven organization full of smart, dedicated people. If you want to work at the cutting edge of the most potent issues of our time, and do it with terrific colleagues in a fast-paced, nimble organization that seeks results, this is the place for you.
Refugee Coordinator Responsibilities
Immigration Equality seeks an experienced, compassionate, highly skilled individual to join our Refugee Assistance Program. This is a new, full-time, grant funded role. The Refugee Coordinator will identify LGBTQ refugees in urgent need of resettlement who lack access to traditional pathways to safety. The Refugee Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Director of Law and Policy and will be responsible in advocating for refugees in matters of resettlement.
This includes:
- identifying individuals eligible for Immigration Equality’s services
- vetting and assessing initial requests for assistance
- screening cases to identify those in greatest need of resettlement
- drafting referral documents to support a refugee claim
- identifying and supporting LGBTQ refugee policy issues
Qualifications
Candidates (1) should have a Master’s Degree in a related field (international law, international human rights, Refugees and Forced Migration, etc.), OR (2) should be a licensed attorney from an accredited law school in any jurisdiction in the United States or Canada, OR (3) have a minimum of four years of experience representing refugees in the resettlement or Refugee Status Determination process.
Additional qualifications include:
- Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines and procedures, especially resettlement criteria
- Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ issues
- For applicants with advanced degrees - ideally at least one year of experience providing direct representation to asylum seekers or refugees; law school graduates with at least one year of clinical legal experience may be considered
- Excellent writing, analytical, and organizational skills
- Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills
- Some travel and occasional after-hours work may be required
- Fluency in Spanish or French desirable but not required
Environment
Immigration Equality is an equal opportunity employer: immigrants, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Immigration Equality is a progressive organization and staff are expected to collaborate within a diverse and inclusive environment.
This position may be remote, based in the United States or Canada; or in-person in our office in Brooklyn, NY, or hybrid. A laptop and printer and a one-time small home office stipend will be provided to support working remotely.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range $62,000-79,000/year, depending on credentials and experience. Immigration Equality offers outstanding benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance. For some health plans, which cover the employee and their children, Immigration Equality pays nearly 100% of premiums.
- Many health plans to choose from so you can find the best fit for you and your family.
- Paid family leave.
- 401(k) employer contribution (whether you contribute or not).
- $20K life insurance plan, and long-term disability fully covered by employer.
- Four weeks vacation and up to 25 days of additional paid time off for holidays, wellness days, floating holiday days, and an action day (to take off work and volunteer for something else you’re passionate about).
- Summer Fridays: end work day early on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
- Monthly cell phone allowance.
- Options for a flex work location/schedule.
To Apply
Only applications submitted with a detailed cover letter explaining why Immigration Equality and this job would be a great fit for you, your salary requirement, your chronological resume, and a writing sample will be considered. Applications are only accepted through TriNet Hire.
No phone calls please.