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Communications Manager

Communications Manager
Position Description

Location: San Diego, California
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full Time; Exempt
Compensation: $66,560-$83,419/year (DOE)
Benefits Include: Fully paid medical, dental, vision and long-term disability for employee; generous paid time off and paid sick leave; 20 paid holidays; retirement plan; professional development covered; parking reimbursement.

Start Date: November 1, 2024 (negotiable)

Casa Cornelia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for all employees. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds.

The Firm
Casa Cornelia Law Center is a 501(c)(3) public interest law firm providing quality pro bono legal, and immigrant victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes who are services to victims of human and civil rights violations with a primary commitment to the indigent within the immigrant community in Southern California. Our legal services include representation of those in removal proceedings or seeking affirmative immigration relief including asylum seekers, victims of crime, abused and abandoned children eligible under U.S. law. Casa Cornelia provides free legal representation through its staff with the support of volunteers, such as private attorneys, law students, and interpreters/translators under the mentorship of Casa Cornelia attorneys. In addition to legal services, our work also includes connecting clients to needed support services and education regarding the impact of immigration law and policy on society and the public good.

The Communications Role within the Law Firm
Casa Cornelia is seeking a professional passionate about human rights and the mission of Justice with Compassion for the position of Communications Manager. The Communications Manager furthers the mission of Casa Cornelia by overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies with a focus on media relations. The Communications Manager supports the work of the firm by managing external communication channels including social media platform and website; managing media relations; drafting newsletters and annual reports; and maintaining consistency in the firm’s outward communications. The Communications Manager works with the Executive Director and in alignment with and trust of the firm’s Leadership Team regarding roles, responsibilities, and messaging. This is an opportunity to work in the area of communications within a law firm to improve and expand community and institutional awareness of our mission while making a difference in the lives of vulnerable immigrants.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, and in collaboration with the leadership team, this position will raise Casa Cornelia’s profile, improve community awareness, and enhance client and other stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience working collaboratively with individuals at all levels of a matrixed organization, effectively working with the press, outside public relations agencies, and vendors to manage results-driven media relations campaigns.

Appointment and Accountability
The Communications Manager is hired by the Executive Director and is accountable to the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities
The Communication Manager is responsible for organizational and creative tasks to standardize, improve, and expand the communication efforts of Casa Cornelia Law Center as detailed in the following responsibilities:

Collaborate with other teams to identify the public voice of Casa Cornelia;
Manage communication plan, which includes creating style guides and brand voice outlines for all public-facing, non-legal communications;
Consult with leadership team, in particular the Legal Director, Legal Support and Strategy Director, and Philanthropy Director, to develop effective communication procedures and policies for various situations;
Proactively identify, secure, review, and evaluate media opportunities for Casa Cornelia attorneys and leadership;
Maintain ongoing communication with mainstream media covering issues relevant to Casa Cornelia and regularly track the sources quoted in their stories;
Curate the best sources of new social media channels providing information that reaches the most publicly on issues of immigration;
Develop and report on relevant metrics to gauge the efficacy of digital communications (i.e., social, email, google analytics, press hits, etc.);
Conduct media training and develop talking points;
Proactively identify thought leadership content and social media campaign strategies to further elevate the mission and work of Casa Cornelia;
Proactively contribute to broader public relations and communications plans for specific projects, events, and thought leadership initiatives as needed;
Monitor, analyzes, and report on public relations campaigns and their impact;
Draft press releases and speeches following organizational news;
Draft non-legal, public facing communications such as newsletters and annual reports;
Communicate with media outlets and journalists and create press kits;
Manage vendors such as: photography, print, design, video, and PR firms:
Develop materials to educate staff on communication practices;
Perform communications research and monitor the progress of various communications strategies;
Act as a relationship-builder with a passion for telling stories that matter, an avid interest in the fast-moving currents of news, immigration policy, humanitarian affairs, global health, and philanthropy, and a willingness to collaborate and learn;
Work to help communicate Casa Cornelia’s programmatic activities externally, employing a range of mediums, communications platforms and formats, fostering greater understanding and engagement among Casa Cornelia leaders, volunteers, translators, employees and stakeholders;
Create produce, and optimize content for use across all social platforms, engaging and responding to followers in real time, helping grow social media followers and website; and
Other administrative duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
The following are required for appointment as the Communications Manager:

A commitment to social justice and the mission of Casa Cornelia;
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field;
Minimum 3+ years of experience in communications, influencer marketing, public relations, brand management or related roles;
Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy;
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders;
Experience working with traditional journalists in mainstream media and familiarity with newsrooms’ organizational structure at the federal, state, and local level;
Familiarity with legal and immigration trades media that track public policy on issues related to asylum seekers, victims of crime, and children in immigration settings
Expertise with social media platforms;
Familiarity with civic live and public policy governing procedures at the local, state and federal levels;
Ability to conceptualize, think critically, be resourceful, work independently and as part of a team, with the ability to build credibility and develop internal and external relationships;
Ability to manage projects, prioritize, and see projects through to meet deadlines in an environment where priorities change quickly;
Thorough understanding of confidentiality;
Comfortable and willing to represent Casa Cornelia in a variety of formal and informal setting, including fast-moving news environments; and,
Possess a variety of soft skills and industry knowledge to best develop, monitor and revise Casa Cornelia’s communications strategies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

TO APPLY: Email your (1) Cover Letter of Interest, (2) Resume, and (3) Three references to: [email protected].

Please see our website located at www.CasaCornelia.org to learn more about CCLC’s work.

Casa Cornelia Law Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a mandatory legal exception applies.

Operations Associate

Operations Associate
Position Description

Position Classification: Full Time (35 hrs/wk), Non-Exempt
Reports to: Finance and Administration Director
Salary: $23.43/hr-$32.70/hr (DOE)
Benefits: Fully paid medical, dental, vision and long-term disability for employee; generous paid time off and paid sick leave; 20 paid holidays; retirement plan; professional development covered; parking reimbursement.

Start date: November 1, 2024 (negotiable)

The Firm:
Casa Cornelia Law Center (CCLC) is a public interest law firm providing quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations with a primary commitment to the indigent within the immigrant community in Southern California. Our legal services include representation to those in removal proceedings or seeking affirmative immigration relief including asylum seekers, abused and abandoned children, and immigrant victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes who are eligible under U.S. law. CCLC provides pro bono representation through its staff and the support of volunteers, such as private attorneys, law students, and interpreters/translators under the mentorship of CCLC attorneys.

The Department:
The Finance and Administration Department provides general operational support for the entire firm. This encompasses the firm’s financial processes, payroll and employee benefits, physical plant and infrastructure, information technology and equipment management, physical and cyber security, and related functions.

The Position:
Casa Cornelia is seeking a professional and passionate individual for the position of Operations Associate. The Operations Associate will provide support to the Finance and Administration Department by strategically expanding Casa Cornelia’s operational capacity to carry out its mission. This is an opportunity to work in the area of nonprofit organizational operations while making a difference in the lives of vulnerable immigrants.

Appointment and Accountability:
The Operations Associate is hired by the Executive Director and is accountable to the Finance and Administration Director.

Primary responsibilities:
The Operations Associate will discharge the responsibilities of the position by completing various tasks to support efficient and effective operations including, but not limited to:

ensuring that all stakeholders are treated with dignity respect;
liaising with external stakeholders including facilities and parking management, security officers, vendors;
reporting and tracking maintenance needs and security concerns to building management;
troubleshooting staff IT requests, contacting IT contractor when necessary, and documenting support received;
maintaining logs of hardware, software, equipment, and furnishings;
maintaining inventory lists and ordering supplies;
processing incoming donations;
preparing bank deposits;
preparing, recording, and filing paperwork related to employee onboarding and offboarding;
collecting and reviewing for accuracy and recording employee timesheets and reimbursement requests;
collecting and organizing documentation for bank reconciliations;
reconciling vendor invoices and preparing check requests;
filing and maintaining documents in accordance with firm document retention policy;
preparing conference rooms for meetings, including needed tech set up;
supporting reception function and mail processing; and,
assuming responsibility for other tasks as assigned by the Finance and Administration Director and the Executive Director.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
The Operations Associate does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications:
The following are required for appointment as the Operations Associate:

A commitment to social justice and the mission of CCLC;
A bachelor’s degree;
Minimum two years’ experience in corporate or nonprofit operations, administration, finance, accounting, or human resources;
Proficient in Microsoft Office;
Good writing and inter-personal communications skills;
Familiarity with the use of office equipment;
Basic understanding of IT systems;
Demonstrated ability to safeguard confidential information;
Attention to detail and strong analytical skills;
Willingness to take direction and ability to perform precise tasks efficiently;
Willingness to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and detail-oriented environment; and,
A demonstrated commitment to serving indigent populations through public interest law.

Candidates for the position of Operations Associate with the following additional qualifications will be given priority:

A degree or certificate in a relevant field of study or professional practice;
Prior experience in a non-profit organization; and,
Fluency in additional languages frequently spoken by CCLC clients.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To Apply: Email your (1) Cover Letter of Interest, (2) Resume, and (3) Three References to: [email protected]. Please see our website located at www.CasaCornelia.org to learn more about CCLC’s work.

This is a full-time, in-person position.

All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a mandatory legal exception applies.

Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program

Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program
Position Description

Position Classification: Full Time, Program Assistant, Member of Legal Support Programs Team
Reports to: Managing Attorney, Pro Bono Program
Compensation: $21.37-29.61 Per Hour (DOE) (non-exempt)
Benefits: Fully paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability for employee; generous paid time off and paid sick leave; 20+ paid holidays; retirement plan; parking reimbursement; professional development opportunities covered.

Start date: On or before November 1, 2024 (negotiable)

Casa Cornelia is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment for all employees. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds.

The Firm:
Casa Cornelia Law Center (CCLC) is a public interest law firm providing quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations with a primary commitment to the indigent within the immigrant community in Southern California. Our legal services include representation of those in removal proceedings or seeking affirmative immigration relief including asylum seekers, abused and abandoned children, and immigrant victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other serious crimes who are eligible under U.S. law. CCLC provides pro bono representation through its staff with the support of volunteers, such as private attorneys, law students, and interpreters/translators under the mentorship of CCLC attorneys.

The Program:
The Pro Bono Program furthers the mission of CCLC by recruiting, training, and coordinating the work of licensed attorneys and law students who provide volunteer service within CCLC’s core legal programs. Volunteer attorneys recruited and trained by the Pro Bono Program serve in all of CCLC’s core legal programs and function as counsel of record on the cases assigned to them. The Pro Bono Program ensures that these attorneys are appropriate for service within the relevant program, assigns cases, and matches the attorneys with CCLC staff mentors. The Pro Bono Program is also CCLC’s primary point of contact with law firms, in-house counsel offices, law schools, and similar organizations. The Pro Bono Program is also responsible for interviewing and selecting law student interns and assigning these students to work with appropriate CCLC staff. The Pro Bono Program also serves a crucial role in representing CCLC in the community including with potential supporters.

The Position:
The Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program, is a non-attorney professional serving within the Pro Bono Program that provides general administrative support to the program staff and volunteer attorneys in furtherance of CCLC’s mission.

Appointment and Accountability:
The Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program, is hired by the Executive Director and is accountable to the Managing Attorney, Pro Bono Program and Legal Support and Strategy Director.

Primary responsibilities:
The Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program, will discharge the responsibilities of the position by:

ensuring that individual clients are treated with dignity;
recognizing the vulnerability of the immigrant population, especially those in proceedings or detention, and accommodating for cultural diversity;
providing general administrative support to the Pro Bono Program staff and volunteers;
implementing firm processes to assure the optimal functioning of the program;
tracking cases for placement with volunteer attorneys;
preparing case summaries;
communicating with volunteers and potential volunteers as requested;
assisting Managing Attorney with initial screening and set up of interviews of law student interns;
assisting in case file and database maintenance;
assisting in the collection of program data;
participating in legal and community outreach to further positive collaboration and good will towards Casa Cornelia;
learning and utilizing our case management system’s key functionalities to meet Pro Bono Program, administrative, client and volunteer-related needs;
assisting with events for volunteers and other Pro Bono Program stakeholders, including virtual events;
assisting with collection of surveys administered by the Managing Attorney to measure the impact of the volunteer attorneys’ experiences using key metrics;
data collection (input of hours for completed language support tasks);
assignment of language volunteers to volunteer attorneys;
follow-up with language volunteers at conclusion of language task;
willingness to jump in and support the needs of other CCLC programs, as appropriate; and
assuming responsibility for other tasks as assigned by the Managing Attorney, Pro Bono Program, and the Legal Support and Strategy Director.

Qualifications:
The following are required for appointment as the Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program:

A commitment to social justice and the mission of CCLC;
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or an associate’s degree and two years of relevant professional experience;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
Proficient in MS Office;
Proficient in use of copiers and other standard office equipment;
Data entry experience;
Willingness to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, and detail-oriented environment;
Comfortable and willing to represent Casa Cornelia in a variety of formal and informal settings;
Willingness and enthusiasm to learn and ability to take direction;
Possesses a strong commitment to providing knowledgeable and courteous service under all circumstances;
Ability to communicate comfortably and clearly with staff, volunteers, or other stakeholders by telephone, in-person, and in written communications;
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information and data;
Ability to show initiative and problem-solve with minimal guidance;
Availability to work evenings and weekends for special events, as appropriate and necessary; and
A demonstrated commitment to serving indigent populations.

Candidates for the position of Program Assistant, Pro Bono Program, with the following additional qualifications will be given priority:

Prior experience working in a law firm;
Prior experience in the immigration law field;
Prior experience working with volunteers;
Prior experience working with an online case management system;
Fluency in language(s) frequently spoken by CCLC clients; and
Experience working in a not-for-profit.

All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a mandatory legal exception applies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

TO APPLY: Email your (1) Cover Letter of Interest, (2) Resume, and (3) Three references to:
[email protected].

Please see our website located at www.CasaCornelia.org to learn more about Casa Cornelia’s work.