Application Guide
How to Apply for Managing Attorney
at Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
๐ข About Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is a nonpartisan coalition of college and university leaders dedicated to advancing policies that support undocumented, international, and displaced students. Working here offers a unique opportunity to shape legal strategies and resources at the intersection of higher education and immigration, directly impacting students' lives.
About This Role
As the Managing Attorney, you will be the organization's legal backbone, translating complex immigration law into practical guidance for institutions and students. You will lead the Legal Pathways That Work initiative, develop legal resources, and support strategic litigationโall while working remotely and collaborating with a mission-driven team.
๐ก A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting an FAQ on a new DOL rule, meeting with LPTW partners to discuss resource gaps, and reviewing a regulatory comment for submission. You might also spend time analyzing a recent court decision to update existing guidance, and collaborating with the VP of Legal Strategy on litigation support.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Is Looking For
- A licensed attorney with deep expertise in immigration law, particularly employment-based pathways (e.g., H-1B, PERM, O-1, EB-1, NIW).
- Experienced in legal writing and analysis, with a proven ability to distill complex legal concepts into accessible FAQs, issue briefs, and regulatory comments.
- Skilled in project management and multi-stakeholder coordination, especially for initiatives like LPTW that involve multiple organizations.
- Passionate about higher education and immigrant rights, with a strategic mindset for litigation support and policy advocacy.
๐ Tips for Applying to Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your employment-based immigration experience, including specific visa categories and regulatory knowledge.
In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with the Presidents' Alliance's mission and recent initiatives, such as the LPTW project.
Provide concrete examples of legal resources you've developed (e.g., practice advisories, webinars) and their impact.
If possible, include writing samples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex legal issues for non-legal audiences.
Apply by the priority deadline (August 31) and ensure your application clearly addresses the three primary areas of responsibility.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your deep knowledge of employment-based immigration law and how it aligns with the needs of higher education institutions.', 'Highlight your experience in developing legal resources and your ability to manage collaborative projects.', 'Express your commitment to the mission of supporting noncitizen students and your understanding of the challenges they face.', 'Mention any prior involvement in litigation support or regulatory advocacy that demonstrates your strategic legal thinking.']
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Visit the Presidents' Alliance website and read about their current campaigns, especially the LPTW initiative and any recent litigation they've supported.
- โ Review their published legal resources and issue briefs to understand the style and depth of content they produce.
- โ Check their recent press releases and news coverage to stay informed on their latest policy positions and activities.
- โ Familiarize yourself with the broader landscape of immigration policy in higher education, including relevant court cases and regulatory changes.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference the Presidents' Alliance or their specific initiatives.
- Avoid focusing only on litigation experienceโthis role is about resource development and project management, not direct representation.
- Don't overlook the priority deadline; late applications may not be considered.
- Don't underestimate the importance of remote collaboration skills; be prepared to discuss how you work effectively in a distributed team.
๐ Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration!