ProBAR - Strategic Initiative Administration Manager

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

The Strategic Initiative Administration Manager will manage the administrative operation of the department/ entity on a day-to-day basis. Supports the ProBAR Director and Department Directors in implementing strategic plans and organizational priorities. Leads business planning coordination, including ensuring strategic or project plans are prepared and regularly monitored for successful completion.

The Organization

ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal information, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston regions with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. Founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association, ProBAR’s primary office is located in Harlingen, TX with a field office in Houston, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://abaprobar.org/

Job Summary / General Purpose of Job

Manages the administrative operation of the department/entity on a day-to-day basis. Supports the ProBAR Director and Department Directors in implementing strategic plans and organizational priorities. 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Leads business planning coordination, including ensuring strategic or project plans are prepared and regularly monitored for successful completion. Regularly reports on status of pending plans ensuring consistent progress of benchmarks and recommends corrective measures to maintain attainment of goals. Accountable for the achievement of significant project goals from inception through completion. 

• Manages the regular coordination and communication of ProBAR leadership team and, when necessary, coordination with other American Bar Association departments and professional colleagues including the Commission on Immigration, Human Resources, and other ABA offices and entities. Coordination efforts include weekly reporting requirements, group and individual meetings, and project coordination meetings. 

• Supports clear and consistent internal communication strategies, including but not limited to preparing presentations for quarterly ProBAR all staff meetings, presentations for quarterly meetings with the Commission on Immigration, and drafting and delivering all staff communications through various platforms such as email, Teams, etc. 

• May interact with donors, government employees, and non-governmental organizational partners as well as vendors, regulatory bodies, licensing entities, and/or local, state, and federal entities related to the departments’ activities and area of expertise. 

• Serves as a discrete advisor to the Director and supports efficient management of daily schedules to ensure advancement of strategic goals, including preparation for high visibility meetings and coordination of travel. 

• Maintains organization-wide calendar of activities including quarterly meetings, department meetings, organization events, pro bono trips, and other activities that pertain to all ProBAR staff. Leads communication of calendar activities to all staff, including scheduling, agenda setting, meeting coordination, and other planning efforts. 

• Provides single-point-of-contact expertise to both internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal delivery of service levels, mitigation of duplicative efforts, and enhanced communications. 

• Identifies and implements best and next practices and introduces such initiatives into project management and leadership activities, including coordination of leadership trainings across the organization, in collaboration with other offices such as Human Resources. 

• May provide thought partnership, feedback, coaching, counseling, direction, performance appraisal, etc. to an assigned group of employees. 

• Performs other related duties as required.  

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 

• At least three years’ directly relevant experience. 

• Previous experience utilizing appropriate software to optimize project accountability and tracking. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and proven ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.

• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children. This position will require the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities. In accordance with the federal regulation, background check will be required for this position. 

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Experience in management or delivery of services at an immigration legal services nonprofit or other non-profit organization is preferred. 

• Previous experience managing an executive’s calendar or other time management experience. 

• Fluent in English and Spanish in written and spoken forms. 

• Previous experience providing feedback, coaching, counseling, direction, performance appraisal, etc. to an assigned group of employees.  

Physical Requirements

Typical office setting with frequent visits at immigration detention facilities and immigration court. Continuously operates a computer and other office machinery, such as telephone, copy machine, and computer printer. 

Travel

As a normal course of business, this job will typically require travel of less than 20% of the time. 

The Benefits and Incentives Offered

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• 401 (k)
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• Self-Care time off
• PSLF participant
• Sign on bonus offered*
• Additional bonuses offered for continuous service at 2-year, 3-year, & 4-year service anniversaries. *
• Relocation Stipend offered for in state and out of state relocation*

*Restrictions apply. Availability is subject to grant funding and may periodically change.

The Location

ProBAR’s primary location is in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving region that boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, subtropical climate, and beautiful natural areas to enjoy. Recent growth has brought the RGV unprecedented investments in higher education and scientific research. Three local airports connect RGV residents to destinations around the country while Mexico is only a short drive away. The region’s delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!

Our Houston field office is in the Uptown District, that showcases the vibrant urban lifestyle in the heart of Houston. The Uptown District is home to The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center. In addition to being a pedestrian friendly city, you can get around with ease on the MetroRapid Silver Line.

The Application Process

Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary

The starting hiring range for this position is $62,776.00 - $75,264.00 based on relevant experience and education.