Habeas Operations Senior Manager
WHO WE ARE
Born out of the legal efforts at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban, Immigrant-ARC (“I-ARC”) has been growing exponentially since spinning out as a stand-alone non-profit over five years ago. During that time, we have been on the frontlines of responding to the Afghan evacuation, the reception of Ukrainian refugees, and welcoming recently arrived immigrants to New York City and New York State, all while strengthening and growing the immigration legal services field to increase immigrant New Yorker’s access to counsel and access to justice.
Our community includes over 100 legal service providers in New York State. We come together in solidarity with all New Yorkers who believe in fair and just immigration policies and who share our collective outrage at the injustices confronting immigrant communities. We use our knowledge of immigration law and practice to empower each other and the communities we serve to collectively fight systemic oppression and seek respect and dignity for all. We recognize that access to justice for immigrant communities is inextricably linked to the broader fight for racial justice. We commit to working alongside all others who are fighting to achieve a vision of a more just and equitable world.
I-ARC’s New York Habeas Program is a pro bono project that matches immigration attorneys with volunteer federal litigators and expert mentors to fully litigate habeas petitions on behalf of New Yorkers arrested and detained by ICE and to provide limited representation for immigration court bond hearings ordered by the habeas court.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Habeas Operations Senior Manager is the architect and primary steward of the NY Habeas Program’s operational infrastructure. This role ensures the program’s "engine"—from initial intake to the rapid deployment of legal teams—operates at peak efficiency and scalability. By optimizing data systems, forecasting recruitment needs, and steering pro bono partnerships, this position ensures the program can respond to urgent legal crises with speed and precision.
NOTE: This a grant-funded position with a one-year term (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) Position is subject to the availability of grant funding and organizational need.
Specifically, the Habeas Operations Senior Manager will:
Oversee Program Operations and Infrastructure: Manage and update systems for case intake and referral and for recruiting, assigning, and deploying legal teams to ensure a seamless experience from volunteer onboarding to case assignment and to ensure that habeas petitions are filed in a timely manner.
Develop Operational Resources and SOPs: Create, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures, workflows, templates, and other operational resources to ensure consistency, efficiency, and institutional knowledge across the program.
Build and Manage Volunteer Operations: Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, deployment, and offboarding of intake and operations volunteers, working with the NY Habeas Program Director to address jurisdictional, capacity, and skill-based needs. Oversee the work of contractors assisting with volunteer and case operations.
Lead Data and Reporting Systems and Ensure Data Integrity: Manage and maintain program data systems and develop processes for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on program activity, volunteer engagement, case deployment, expenses incurred by volunteers, and other key metrics for internal decision-making and external stakeholders. Ensure that the program’s data and record-keeping preserves confidentiality and complies with any state/city requirements. Assist with program grant and contract reporting.
Develop and Deliver Training: Design and deliver live and recorded trainings on operational processes, systems, and workflows for volunteers, partners, and other program stakeholders.
Strengthen Pro Bono Partnerships: Partner with the NY Habeas Program Director to cultivate and expand relationships with pro bono law firms and legal partners, helping to maintain a robust and flexible volunteer network.
Drive Continuous Improvement: Facilitate volunteer debriefs and other feedback mechanisms to identify operational challenges, improve processes, strengthen volunteer retention, and inform the ongoing development of the program.
WHO YOU ARE
A Mission-Driven Operations Leader: You are experienced in building, strengthening, and scaling complex systems in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
A Systems Thinker: You can translate complex program needs into clear workflows, processes, and tools that improve efficiency and support rapid response. You are comfortable working with data and technology and can use tools such as Airtable, Jotform, and CRM or case management systems to identify trends, generate insights, and inform programmatic decisions.
A Collaborative Partner: You excel at building relationships and working across teams and organizations. You have experience collaborating with pro bono law firms, legal service providers, and other stakeholders to advance shared goals and expand access to high-quality legal representation.
An Adaptable Problem Solver: You thrive in fast-paced environments. You are highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, moving parts, and time-sensitive deadlines without losing sight of the bigger picture. You exercise sound judgment, work independently when needed, and remain calm under pressure when handling emergency or time-sensitive legal matters.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
At I-ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.
I-ARC aims to be as transparent and equitable as possible when discussing salaries. Ranges are determined and offers are made based on an existing compensation plan that is regularly updated after market research is performed and funding prospects are assessed. Our compensation philosophy, key performance metrics required at each position level, and organizational budget with salary lines are made available to all staff.
Employment Type & Hours: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried
This is a grant-funded position with a term of July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027. Renewal is contingent upon continued funding and organizational need.
Wage: $74,000-$87,000
Experience: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of four (4) years of experience in operations management with at least two years of leadership experience, program management, volunteer management, or legal services administration, along with demonstrated experience designing or optimizing intake processes or managing large-scale volunteer programs. Experience in the nonprofit or legal sector is preferred, particularly within immigration or social justice. The candidate should have a proven track record of managing data and reporting for both internal and external stakeholders, as well as proficiency with collaboration and operations tools such as Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Airtable, Jotform, and CRM or case management software.
Benefits: Flexible schedule, medical and dental (fully covered for employee, 50% for dependents), flexible PTO policy, sick days, retirement matching up to 3% after 90 days, professional development opportunities, wellness perks, other benefits as applicable.
Location: Remote.
*As this position is grant funded, starting salaries are set in advance according to the terms of the contract and are non-negotiable. I-ARC is committed to transparency and equity in compensation. Salary ranges are determined based on a structured compensation plan that is regularly reviewed and updated based on market research and available funding. We share our compensation philosophy, key performance expectations, and organizational budget details related to salary lines openly with all staff.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will be performed in a hybrid environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
I-ARC is an equal-opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. At I-ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.
