Repost- U.S. Litigation Deputy Director

Apply for the Repost- U.S. Litigation Deputy Director role at International Refugee Assistance Project
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$/yr - $/yr

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. With humility and ambition, IRAP collaborates with clients, partners with refugee‑led and community‑based organizations, provides direct legal services, shares legal information, and advocates for systemic change.

IRAP offers cutting‑edge litigation, essential legal services, and policy change initiatives in the U.S. and abroad to protect the rights and dignity of displaced people.

Since 2017, IRAP’s U.S. Litigation Department has challenged the ban on refugee admissions, litigated protections for Special Immigrant Visa applicants, fought for family reunification, secured protections for Iranian religious minorities, and obtained a postponement of the termination of Temporary Protected Status for over 6,000 Syrians. Our work includes Administrative Procedure Act challenges, class actions, mandamus cases, FOIA litigation, and constitutional questions.

As a key member of the Legal Leadership Team, you will help lead IRAP’s systemic change efforts through impact litigation. The Deputy Director will develop, supervise, and manage litigation in a team of highly skilled, energetic, and committed immigrant rights litigators, reporting to and working closely with the U.S. Litigation Senior Director, maintaining a caseload of litigation matters.

• Lead litigation and programmatic work of the U.S. Litigation Department.
• Support the Senior Director in oversight of the department’s programmatic work to ensure strategies are effective, responsive to clients, and aligned with IRAP’s strategic plan.
• Maintain a caseload of litigation matters, including leadership in case development, strategy, and briefing.
• Organize retreats, team meetings, and events to promote team‑building, coordination, and alignment with IRAP’s mission and priorities.
• Supervise Litigation attorneys, fellows, supervising attorneys, and/or non‑attorney staff; provide mentoring and professional development opportunities.
• Lead hiring and annual reviews; respond to staff needs.
• Support a positive daily work experience and create an equitable and inclusive work culture.
• Participate in fundraising and donor cultivation meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with communications, policy, and direct services departments to develop systemic change strategies.
• Coordinate with operations to ensure Litigation staff have necessary resources and support.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Director or leadership.

• Expert in federal court litigation and its intersection with U.S. policy, media, and community advocacy related to immigrant and refugee rights.
• Creative specialist in aligning litigation with other advocacy strategies; sound judgment on ethical issues.
• Enthusiastic civil or human rights champion with at least 7 years of federal litigation experience in refugee/immigration law.
• U.S. attorney licensed in the state where duties are performed.
• Relationship builder with experience partnering with community and NGO partners.
• Advocate for client empowerment; works effectively across diverse teams and with LGBTI clients, people with disabilities, and trauma survivors.
• Compassionate manager who fosters collaboration, mentors attorneys, fellows, and students.
• Strategist who works with leadership to set priorities and pursue impact opportunities.
• DEI advocate with a record of employing an anti‑racist/anti‑oppression lens.
• Skilled project manager; manages complex projects, multitasks, prioritizes, and pays attention to detail.
• Compelling writer and communicator with excellent oral and written English skills.

• Strong preference for New York City;
  Washington D.C. or remote positions possible with proximity to federal courts and EST hours.
• Requires travel to litigation locations (NY, CA, MD, D.C.) and other…