Lutherans: “The children are a gift” and we need a second lobbyist in Washington to make sure the gift keeps giving

DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Director for Advocacy carries out the advocacy efforts of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) in collaboration with the Director for Advocacy and other LIRS staff to ensure the organization achieves its overall objectives in key priority areas. The Assistant Director helps shape and execute advocacy priorities and policy recommendations and engages LIRS partners and networks in advocacy through direct working relationships, participation in advocacy planning and events, and coordination.

DUTIES

Coordinate, lead, and attend advocacy meetings with congressional and executive branch staff to communicate and advance LIRS policy positions and ascertain obstacles to our recommendations; track legislation; respond to inquiries about migrants and refugees from the media, policymakers, and partners and allies; share and develop advocacy materials related to LIRS priority issues; often act as primary LIRS representative to both internal and external colleagues.Lead and participate in NGO coalition meetings to represent LIRS and engage in dialogue and collaborative thinking about shared advocacy goals (and carry out related tasks); often act as primary LIRS representative to both internal and external colleagues on panels, conferences, webinars, etc.Draft, coordinate, and provide strategic direction for LIRS’ Stand for Welcome e-mail messages, LIRS’ on-line Action Center and national blog posts, liaise between Advocacy and Grassroots Mobilization teams regarding online advocacy efforts, and direct work of staff and interns on implementation. Draft and develop LIRS materials for Congressional and government audiences as well as LIRS staff, faith leaders, affiliate partners and other constituents (statements, letters, invitations, fact sheets, web content, talking points, proposed legislative language, LIRS formal advocacy priorities, advocacy guides), as well as provide direction and train/supervise work of interns on implementation.Lead logistical planning for events and coordinate direct outreach to LIRS partners and constituents (make requests for specific advocacy actions, plan advocacy events including webinars and conference calls, accompany constituents to advocacy meetings as well as provide direction and train/supervise work of interns to assist), track advocacy engagement and respond to inquiries to develop new educational materials and advocacy campaigns; on certain issues act as primary LIRS representative to both internal and external colleagues.Travel outside of Washington, DC to share information with, meet, and learn from LIRS constituents, program partners, and refugees and migrants.Supervision and recruitment of LIRS Advocacy Interns. Meet weekly with staff to discuss ongoing work product, week’s schedule and events on the horizon, provide ongoing supervision of work, and meet periodically one-on-one to assess progress and receive feedback. Often train new staff on the Stand for Welcome campaign and LIRS Action Center. Support Director for Advocacy leadership in Director’s absence

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required, relevant graduate work or degree preferred.Three to five years of immigration or refugee work experience.Knowledge of immigration and refugee laws and policies.Knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes, including ability to track and interpret legislation.Familiarity with non-profit advocacy work.Experience working with coalition partners.Experience in training and supervising interns or volunteers.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required.Deep commitment to LIRS’s core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.Experience with and commitment to working in a diverse workforce.Appreciation and respect for Lutheran beliefs and values, church member motivations and sensitivities.Strong ability to master substantive subject matter, implement advocacy strategies, produce high-quality written materials, and work independently and under pressure.Skills in synthesizing and communicating complex policy issues for different audiences.Excellent communication skills, especially writing and public speaking.Ability to maintain and nurture collegial relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials, coalition partners, Lutheran partners, and refugees and migrants.Ability to work well with others in small teams.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.Effective meeting facilitation skills. Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.Familiarity with Luminate or other online relationship management software.Experience working with refugees, immigrants or limited English speakers.Proficiency in Spanish.Flexibility and sense of humor.

***The federal refugee resettlement contractors (we may have to start adding grant recipient big dogs Baptist Child and Family Services and Southwest Key Programs to our list):

Our complete archive on ‘unaccompanied minors’ goes back several years, click here for all of those posts.