Manager of Immigration Advocacy

*** COVID vaccination required. Exemption requests considered on a case-by-case basis. ***

Organizational Profile: Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC ("AAJC") is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. For 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.

Based in Washington, DC, Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation. With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multiracial democracy.

Title:               Manager of Immigration Advocacy

Reports to:     Director of Immigration Advocacy

Term:             Immediately

Status:            Full-time, Exempt Employee, 40 hours/week

Salary:           $70,000–$88,000

This is a unionized organization, and this position is in the collective bargaining unit.

Position Summary: The Manager of Immigration Advocacy will be primarily responsible for assisting the Director of Immigration Advocacy develop and implement AAJC’s immigration policy priorities and advocacy strategies, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations and civil and human rights. 

The Manager of Immigration Advocacy will work in a fast-paced environment and handle a diverse workload that includes working directly with policymakers, community members, and members of the media. The Manager of Immigration Advocacy must be able to translate policy matters in a way that is accessible to senior leaders, community partners, community members, and others. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Act as a thought partner to Director of Immigration Advocacy on immigration policy issues.
• Work closely with the Director to develop and execute strategy and work plans. 
• Work closely with community engagement and communications staff to develop and execute an outreach strategy to engage and mobilize partners on priority immigration areas.
• Serve as a mentor and a bridge-builder for AAJC, ensuring collaboration between departments and strengthening partnerships with affiliates and key external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise on immigration policy issues, including but not limited to, family-based immigrant visas, naturalization and humanitarian visas, appropriations, access to status, DACA, temporary protected status, and detention and enforcement-related issues. 
• Represent AAJC in meetings with congressional staff and policymakers in federal agencies.
• Draft issue briefs, factsheets, letters to Congress and the administration, organizational comments and action alerts on immigration issues.
• Play a major role in the planning and implementation of immigration policy advocacy activities including lobby days, congressional briefings and other key tactics needed to win immigration policies that positively impact Asian immigrants.
• Update AAJC staff, affiliate staff, national and community AAPI partners on federal policies, procedures, and opportunities to engage in federal immigration advocacy.
• Track and manage relationships with congressional staff and coalition partners.
• Plan and participate in webinars, panels, and other public and community-facing forums.
• Provide policy advocacy support to partners in some areas of state immigration policies, including community trust/sanctuary policies.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Engage in Community Education, Relationships, and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with affiliates, and other Asian American, civil, and human rights coalitions.
• Participate in broader immigrants’ rights coalition spaces representing the priorities of AAJC and elevating the voices and experiences of Asian immigrants.
• Identify new community organizations and leaders to connect with and grow our network. 
• Identify opportunities for presentations and speaking engagements for AAJC staff.

Fundraising

• Support the development and communications teams on content/information for donor communications and materials (donor newsletters, action alerts, special reports from the executive director, social media postings, etc.).
• Work with the development team on written proposals or funder reports relating to the policy or program activities within areas of responsibility.
• Support AAJC fundraising activities and events as requested.

General AAJC Roles

• Live and exhibit the Values of AAJC by contributing to an environment that promotes trust, teamwork, and transparency among staff, board, National Advisory Council, affiliates, and community partners.
• Contribute to, establish, and follow policies and procedures, including maintenance of confidentiality, to ensure that the principles of AAJC are implemented.
• Participate in and lead decision-making processes, understand outcomes, and be accountable for decisions made in or affecting their program area.
• Understand the values and principles of AAJC and apply them fully in work responsibilities.
• Participate in other activities and serve on ad hoc committees as requested.
• Attend and contribute to AAJC and Board of Directors’ meetings as requested.
• Be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, with coursework related to immigration, government, or political science, Asian American studies, law or policy preferred.
• At least four years of relevant work experience in a nonprofit organization, or at least two years of associated work experience and a graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of and experience in administrative and legislative advocacy highly desired.
• Experience through employment or as a volunteer in advocacy, community outreach, or organizing around immigration, or other civil or human rights issues required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment, and lead change.
• Strong communicator and writer with willingness to be trained as a spokesperson who can articulate messages to different audiences, including the media.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to manage up and ensure that colleagues are meeting deadlines.
• Strong people skills and ability to conduct outreach to diverse people and establish new relationships for the organization.
• Experience working with various groups and sectors, from grassroots to policy institutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and balance competing assignments is necessary.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter [X], and Instagram.

Application Process

Send resume with references, a short writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and a cover letter to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org. Applications with all four items will be considered. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.