Position: Deportation Defense Fellowship

Type: Contract through December 2021, with possibility of extension

Based in: Statewide

Deadline: July 26, 2021

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About ACIJ:

The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ) is an immigrant-led organization working for the rights and dignity of all people by cultivating just policies, encouraging grassroots leadership and participation, building alliances, and amplifying the voices and contributions of immigrants in Alabama.

 

Position summary:

ACIJ is offering a fellowship for the design and implementation of ACIJ’s deportation defense grassroots model.  The fellow will collect and organize deportation defense materials specific to Alabama immigrants; build a training curriculum for deportation defense networks; and work with our team of organizers and community leaders statewide to offer workshops and build deportation defense networks.  The ideal candidate will have some experience with law and Know-Your-Rights workshops. We seek applicants who can proactively identify and engage with working class immigrants one-on-one and on the neighborhood level and can comfortably work with allies in African American, LGBTQ+, and faith communities on intersectional issues. The Fellow will work closely with existing community leaders and staff and report to the Executive Director.  

 

Responsibilities include:

• Work with the other regional ACIJ Organizers, Leadership Council and Executive Director to design, develop and implement the Deportation Defense strategy

• Design and implement a comprehensive Train the Trainer curriculum for grassroots defense networks

• Build a network of community defenders and volunteers across the state

• Develop regional rapid response plans and train community leaders and allies 

• Create a community guide with immigration resources

• Create a Deportation Defense training booklet that outlines what to do in case of ICE detention

• Outreach and development of youth leadership, particularly supporting DACA and TPS holders

• Maintain frequent communication with staff to inform of organizing work and progress

• Submit weekly organizing work reports to Executive Director, along with schedule of upcoming events

• Other responsibilities as determined by the Executive Director

 

Ideal qualifications and qualities:

• Understanding of the issues and policies that affect immigrants, especially in Alabama 

• Background in providing legal services, DOJ accreditation or paralegal

• Knowledgeable in workshop design and facilitation 

• Experience building strong relationships with affected immigrant communities and leaders

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills

• Ability to prioritize and be accountable to work plans with limited supervision

• Willingness to travel to our central office in Birmingham for meetings and events; full-time access to reliable transportation with a minimum of liability insurance coverage

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including frequent evenings and weekends (with comp time)

• Experience using GSuite, Zoom, and other virtual platforms

• Written and verbal bilingual (English-Spanish) communication skills required

 

Please send a cover letter and resume to: allison@acij.net with “Deportation Defense” in the subject. This fellowship will run through December 2021, but there is a possibility of extension into 2022.

 

Applications will be accepted through July 26, 2021 at 5:00 pm CST. ACIJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage immigrants, people of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals to apply.