About the position
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) is a non-profit organization based in Edison, New Jersey, dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. The organization is currently seeking to fill multiple positions, including Interpreter/Translator, Attorney roles in various specializations, Grants Data Coordinator, and Director of Development. Each role plays a crucial part in supporting LSNJ's mission to advocate for and assist vulnerable populations in New Jersey. The Interpreter/Translator position primarily focuses on providing interpretation and translation services, particularly for Spanish-speaking clients, while the Attorney roles involve representing clients in various legal matters, including foreclosure defense, immigration, and social security disability. The Grants Data Coordinator will manage grant data collection and reporting, ensuring compliance and effective use of resources. The Director of Development will lead fundraising efforts to secure financial support for LSNJ's initiatives. LSNJ promotes a positive workplace culture that values teamwork, work-life balance, and professional development, offering comprehensive benefits to its employees.
Responsibilities
- Provide accurate, complete, and confidential oral and written interpretation and translation from one language to another.
- Accompany legal staff into ICE detention centers and immigration courts for interpretation services.
- Translate legal education materials for the community and documents from Spanish-speaking countries.
- Review grant subrecipients' budgets and reports to ensure adherence to grant stipulations.
- Develop and maintain detailed reports summarizing grant activities and financial statuses.
- Compile extensive statewide reports to facilitate strategic planning and reporting.
- Assist with managing and maintaining records of quarterly expenses submitted by subcontractors.
- Proactively follow up with programs and internal staff regarding grant reporting deadlines and requirements.
- Prepare and distribute grant announcements and manage payment transmittals.
- Assist in creating annual data summary reports and maintaining organized grant files.
- Prepare schedules and relevant documents for the annual audit and assist in submitting the organization's annual audit reports to grantors.
- Identify and cultivate potential major donors, including law firms and corporate gifts.
- Maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities and engage the board of trustees in fundraising activities.
- Prepare and disseminate communications and solicitation materials for fundraising efforts.
- Organize and lead special projects and large annual events.
Requirements
- Excellent English to Spanish translation and interpretation skills.
- Degree in translation or graduate coursework in written Spanish.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
- Minimum of 3 years of civil litigation experience, especially in consumer protection and foreclosure defense.
- Experience with Chapter 13 bankruptcy and fluency in Spanish preferred.
- BA/BS degree with strong data analysis skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Word.
- Experience with grants in a nonprofit environment and knowledge of program budgeting.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in proofreading Spanish texts.
- Familiarity with CAT tools and knowledge of desktop publishing.
- Comprehensive understanding of Spanish legal terminology and familiarity with legal procedures in the U.S. and other Spanish-speaking countries.
- Familiarity with fundraising in New Jersey and experience working with Board of Directors on fundraising activities.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and retirement plans.
- 403(b) tax-deferred compensation plan.
- In-house trainings that offer CLE credit.
- Competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries.
- Generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents.
