Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

 

The CWS local Offices work with refugees and immigrants to provide services to communities in need. We are a highly motivated, mission-driven team eager to create a welcoming place for all neighbors. CWS is a fun and supportive organization, with competitive salary and benefits.

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. 

The Associate Director of Legal Services is a senior member of the National Legal Department, working in close partnership with the Director of Asylum and Legal Services to strengthen the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of immigration legal services across CWS’s national network. This role provides both substantive and operational technical assistance to local legal offices, leads the development of centralized tools, policies, and practice standards, and advances department‑wide initiatives that support high‑quality and ethically sound legal service delivery.

The Associate Director oversees a team of Technical Assistance Staff Attorneys and a Program Officer, ensuring cohesive support across compliance, training, program development, and operations. The Technical Assistance team overseen by the Associate Director is responsible for day‑to‑day legal technical assistance and trainings for local offices on case practice and program administration. The Associate Director also integrates rapid‑response, policy‑driven guidance developed by the Staff Attorney for Immigration Legal Policy into national standards and practice tools to ensure timely and consistent field implementation. The role also leads the creation and implementation of systems and resources that support the administration of legal teams, including national protocols, compliance mechanisms, and coordinated strategies for service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team consisting of Technical Assistance Staff Attorneys and a Program Officer, ensuring high performance, professional development, and alignment with departmental priorities.
• Oversee the development and delivery of centralized technical assistance related to legal program administration, including case management practices, supervision models, and operational systems. Ensure the TA team provides consistent TA to field offices on foundational case practice, supervision models, and operational systems.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of training curricula, resource libraries, and professional development opportunities for legal staff nationwide.
• Review and refine tools and guidance documents used by legal staff, ensuring quality, clarity, and alignment with evolving law and policy.
• Integrate rapid‑response guidance and tools developed by the Staff Attorney into national protocols and training plans; align emerging‑issue advisories with established standards to avoid duplication or conflict.
• Partner with the Director of Asylum and Legal Services to develop strategic goals, annual plans, and long‑term initiatives for the Legal Department.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of national standards, policies, and protocols for legal services across the CWS network. Ensure national consistency in the application of best practices and protocols.
• Work closely and collaboratively with local legal teams to support change management activities as they relate to new policy and protocols.
• Oversee compliance monitoring efforts, including systems managed by the Program Officer, to ensure adherence to internal policies, funder requirements, ethical obligations, and regulatory frameworks.
• Coordinate with leadership to respond to audits, evaluations, and quality assurance reviews, ensuring timely follow‑up and systems improvements.
• Develop and manage team budget with support from the Director.
• Support national legal initiatives that require coordinated operational and logistical planning, including rapid‑response deployments, workshops, and clinics.
• Develop and monitor fee‑for‑service strategies and other innovative program models
• Supervise planning and execution of the annual Legal Department conference and other cross‑departmental events.
• Represent the Legal Department in internal and external working groups, partnerships, and national coalitions as delegated by department leadership.
• Support communications, data reporting, and grant‑related needs that require legal expertise or alignment with department standards.

 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years serving as a DOJ Accredited Representative required; Juris Doctor (JD) degree with specialization in immigration law with admission to any state bar preferred.

 

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years previous work experience providing legal services for refugees, asylees, and immigrant entrants.
• Minimum of 2 years previous experience in a direct supervisory role managing others.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality and accurate documents, data reports, and other work product.
• Strong organizational and systems thinking skills, with demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, and able to timely manage multiple projects at one time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a high degree of autonomy and independence.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills, including the ability to engage professionally with a range of partners.
• Must be willing to travel domestically for monitoring visits, site visits, and program meetings.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Ability to work with several different teams remotely.
• Ability to work on several different programs at the same time, as well as flexibility to manage competing priorities.

 

Skills:

Ability to speak a second language is ideal.

Special Requirements:

• Program requires background check

Benefit Package
CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  
- 14 Official Holidays  
- 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      
- Life Insurance and AD&D                                             
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 
- Health Savings Account                                               
- Flexible Spending Accounts      
- Commuter Benefits