Position:   Executive Director

Type:         Full Time

Based in:  Irondale, AL (Birmingham area)

Reports to: ACIJ Board of Directors

Deadline:  Jan 31th, 2024

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About Us:

The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ACIJ) stands as a unified network comprising individuals and organizations committed to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals. Our mission revolves around fostering equitable policies, nurturing grassroots leadership and engagement, forging partnerships, and amplifying the voices and contributions of immigrants across Alabama. Our coalition partners include esteemed organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center, Alabama ACLU, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Alabama Appleseed, Alabama State NAACP, Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, and 14 grassroots organizations led by immigrants themselves.

 

In 2011, Alabama faced a wave of terror and discrimination following the enactment of the nation's most severe anti-immigrant law, HB56. This legislation, even harsher than Arizona’s SB 1070, was designed by Tea Party conservatives to expel immigrant families by rendering their daily lives unbearable.

 

From this challenging landscape, we've cultivated a unified front of immigrant leadership in Alabama. Previously isolated communities have now found a voice, led by undocumented mothers, fathers, and children joined by African-American civil rights advocates, Southern LGBTQ communities, faith-based groups, students, legal professionals, and elected officials. Together, this diverse coalition represents a wide spectrum of Alabama, working collaboratively for immigrant justice, family dignity, and human rights. ACIJ's efforts not only overturned the nation's most extreme anti-immigrant law but also halted the spread of similarly threatening laws that loomed over the entire nation just three years ago.

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Position Overview:

ACIJ is in search of an empathetic, visionary, and collaborative Executive Director. The ideal candidate will spearhead grassroots leadership development while embodying the essence of a servant leader. They will take charge of steering our strategic course, amplifying immigrant voices, and nurturing partnerships to propel our mission forward. We're seeking an Executive Director brimming with energy, unwavering commitment, and a forward-looking vision to fortify ACIJ as a passionate advocate for justice at the core of the Deep South.

 

This role offers an opportunity to foster the growth of a dynamic grassroots immigrant leadership, celebrated both regionally and nationally for its unwavering dedication and leadership in local and national campaigns. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in bolstering and expanding our infrastructure, staff, and membership capacity—an essential step in safeguarding immigrant communities against adversities and propelling proactive strategies across policy, culture, legality, communications, and organization, paving the way for transformative change.

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Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: (15%)

• Develop and execute a strategic vision that aligns with ACIJ's mission, focusing on empowering immigrant communities through grassroots initiatives.

• Work with the board, staff, and membership to establish specific goals, strategies, programs and workplans in order to move forward the ACIJ’s mission and strategic vision.

 

Team Development and Oversight (30%)

• Nurture a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture, supporting staff development, and promoting a cohesive team environment.

• Oversee the recruitment, supervision, training and evaluation of employees

• Provide supervision and oversight for all of ACIJ’s programs and initiatives

 

Resource Mobilization (30%)

• Oversee fundraising activities, cultivate donor relationships, and diversify funding streams to ensure the sustainability of ACIJ's programs and initiatives.

• Direct and oversee the organization’s fundraising programs, leading efforts to grow the annual budget and diversity the resource base to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Identify new sources of funding and cultivate relationships with new potential and existing funders, write and report on grants, run dues paying membership/individual and major donor campaigns.

 

Community Engagement (10%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with immigrant communities, grassroots organizations, and key stakeholders to amplify community voices and address their needs effectively.

• Serve as the main spokesperson to represent the organization to the media, public officials, partners, and the general public

 

Finance and Governance (15%)

• Responsible for developing and managing the organizational budget

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, human resources, and general operations

• Develop and maintain effective Board relationships, leveraging Board skills and resources to support fundraising and program activities. Support the board in the recruitment and orientation of new board members and support Board committees.

• Ensure the organization maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations & create/maintain systems to sustain compliance

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Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to ACIJ’s goals and mission

• Commitment to democratic process and ACIJ’s membership model which lifts up the voice of directly affected people from the grassroots

• A minimum of five years of leadership experience in a non-profit environment and demonstrated commitment to immigrant and social justice.

• A successful track record of raising revenue from individuals and foundations.

• An ability to connect with, inspire others and build momentum across diverse groups toward shared goals

• Community organizing and/or political campaign experience with low-income and/or immigrant communities.

• Understanding of the issues impacting immigrant communities at the local, state and national level, especially in the South.

• Servant Leadership: Exemplary servant leadership qualities, including empathy, humility, and a collaborative approach to decision-making.

• Strategic Vision: Ability to envision and implement strategic plans that drive organizational growth and impact.

• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and advocacy skills to effectively engage with diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, community members, and the media

• Team Management: Strong leadership and management skills to motivate, mentor, and empower a dedicated team.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, group process/facilitation; conflict resolution experience.

• Experience with project coordination in an interdisciplinary/team environment.

• Oral/written fluency in English and Spanish is strongly desired.

 

We encourage women, people of color, those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds people with lived experience as immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, differently-abled people, formerly incarcerated people, and people of any and all historically marginalized identities to apply. We have become aware that people with marginalized identities at times do not apply for positions unless they have every quality listed in the job description. If this position resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you do not have every single qualification..

 

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about advocating for immigrant rights, fostering grassroots leadership, and creating positive change, we encourage you to apply! Please submit a resume to board@acij.net by January 31, 2024.

 

SalaryRange (65k-75k) will be based on experience and qualifications.
 Health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick time will be provided.

 

ACIJ is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

 

Application Deadline: Jan 31, 2024

 

Join ACIJ in leading the charge for justice and empowerment within Alabama's immigrant communities!