POSITION
Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) has an opening for a full-time Project Manager to work out of its Traverse City, Michigan office. Remote work from within Michigan is an option. This is a two-year, grant-funded position (started October 1, 2023). The position will support the implementation of MILS’s pro bono program by working with the MILS staff and an Advisory Committee to develop and implement a statewide pro bono program to provide self-help and educational materials.
Specific Duties
- Help to recruit and support pro bono volunteers across the state
- Develop materials for the recruitment of volunteers
- Communicate as needed with clients and attorneys regarding the status of referrals and cases
- Coordinate with pro bono volunteers and tribal communities to help plan legal education presentations
- Assist with tracking case outcomes for pro bono cases
- Maintain database of pro bono attorneys
- Perform other pro bono-related duties as assigned
- Develop toolkit for replication
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM
The mission of Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) is to improve the lives of Native American peoples, families, and communities through legal assistance and advocacy at no charge for those who are income-eligible for services. MILS is a specialized law office that serves the unique legal needs of the members of the native communities in Michigan to: protect families and cultural practices, secure fundamental rights and access to basic needs, and challenge policies and practices that are harmful to our clients and client communities.
The Project Goal is to develop a system for using pro bono attorneys (experts in their fields) to develop self-help and educational materials that address the unique legal needs of the members of the native communities in Michigan (focus on ICWA) to bridge the justice gap for low-income Native Americans and facilitate replication of the project’s effective aspects.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferred
- Experience that provides an understanding of the legal needs and challenges arising out of poverty
- Experience working in Native American communities, preferred
- Experience with volunteers or volunteering
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work productively in a fast-paced environment with multiple timelines
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple activities and tasks
- Knowledge and proficiency in utilizing computer software such as MS Excel, MS Word, computer-based research, internet-based project management programs, etc.
- Ability to use technologies to communicate with colleagues and volunteers
- Ability to work cooperatively and collegially as a team member
- Self-motivated and dependable
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work as a team to manage projects
- Ability to travel, occasionally overnight
- A commitment to providing high quality legal assistance to low-income Native Americans
- Willingness to learn and further develop technology skills and abilities
- Ability to interface well with the public
BENEFITS
This is a full-time position with a salary from $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience. MILS offers a generous health benefit and vacation/sick leave package.
MILS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to apply.
The preferred start date for this position is January 1, 2024.
Please send resume, cover letter, and references to:
Cameron Fraser
Executive Director
Michigan Indian Legal Services
cfraser@mils3.org
814 S. Garfield Ave., Suite A
Traverse City, MI 49686