About KIND:

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child’s rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has provided over 20,000 unaccompanied children with high quality representation in their immigration proceedings, performed trainings of over 50,000 attendees, including attorneys, paralegals, and law students, in pro bono representation of this vulnerable population, and cultivated pro bono partnerships with over 640 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country.

KIND’s social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children – who have often endured trauma – receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services.

To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit.

KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs.

Position Summary:

KIND seeks a Program Associate to assist our Policy and Advocacy’s team in its administration of legislative and agency advocacy initiatives and its collaboration with other organization departments in service of KIND’s mission.  In a fast-paced and fluid setting, the Program Associate will provide nimble administrative support to members of the Policy and Advocacy Team, perform background research and other tasks to advance team programming, and coordinate team activities.  The Program Associate will work with all team members as well as staff across other KIND departments.

Essential Functions:

• Support team members in the development and implementation of advocacy strategy and work plans.
• Provide administrative support to members of the Policy and Advocacy Team including calendar duties; scheduling calls and meetings; travel coordination; compiling meeting agendas; recording and synthesizing meeting minutes; meeting planning; and related office support tasks.
• Conduct internet research to seek information on a range of issues.
• Use KIND’s case management database to create, run, and modify metrics reports and provide time sensitive numerical information to the Policy and Advocacy Team.
• Assist with drafting documents to be used in advocacy efforts and translate into Spanish when appropriate.
• Draft project materials such as flyers and outreach materials for events.
• Assist with overall administrative duties including database management, tech support, data entry, expense reimbursement requests and expense reports, and assist with PowerPoint and other presentation materials.
• Identify and advance opportunities to improve systems used by the Policy and Advocacy Team.
• Track grant and contract deliverables deadlines and compliance with deadlines.
• Travel to participate in meetings on an as needed basis.
• Supervise interns as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Spanish, spoken and written
• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of professional experience
• Demonstrated commitment to improving and/or understanding issues impacting immigrants in the United States or in another region
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Excellent organizational, time management skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently within a high-volume and fast-paced environment
• Experience conducting internet-based research to locate documents and seek information on a broad range of topics
• Strong record of intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity and awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills
• Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, teleconference, Whatsapp, IM, and email with KIND's team and external partners

Application Instructions:

Please be advised that an employment application will need to be submitted along with your resume and cover letter, in order to be considered for the desired role.

KIND has an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply.