Immigration Policy Manager A successful candidate will be able to lead the national immigration advocacy by conducting policy analysis and working in community with our partners and coalitions to expand our influence. The position's key goals include building policy champions on the national level, advancing SEARAC's legislative and administrative immigration priorities, and providing policy technical assistance for local and state partners. SEARAC's immigration work focuses on the unique needs and rights of Southeast Asian Americans (SEAAs) and other Lawful Permanent Residents who are subject to mandatory detention and deportation because of old criminal convictions, as well as other immigration policies that impact SEAA communities. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to foster engagement among diverse — and even competing — groups, ranging from policy makers to local partners. They will be an exceptionally quick learner, thrive in a collaborative environment, and be able to work both independently and as a team. The ideal candidate will have experience in immigration and/or criminal justice issues affecting SEAA communities and other communities of color and will be able to effectively execute legislative and community awareness campaigns, as well as work productively in coalitions and partnerships. The candidate should also have familiarity with the SEAA community. The individual reports to the Director of National Policy and is a critical member of SEARAC's policy team. Due to the nature of this position, the Immigration Policy Manager must be based in Washington, DC. However, a hybrid schedule can be arranged upon hire as this position is not expected to come into our DC-office every day.
Responsibilities:
Conduct policy analysis and provide recommendations around immigration and immigration-adjacent policies that impact Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, particularly Southeast Asian American (SEAA) communities.
Work with the Director of National Policy to refine SEARAC's immigration policy platform during each Congress and new administration.
Work with the Director of National Policy and Director of Field to plan and execute advocacy campaigns.
Develop immigration policy resources such as fact sheets, policy briefs, webinars, and other policy materials and recommendations.
Work with the Policy Team to create cross cutting analysis and resources on deportation, education, health, and aging.
Request, lead, and plan other engagement strategies meetings with Congressional, administrative, and other decision-making offices to advance advocacy efforts.
Build and maintain relationships with key strategic partners.
Collaborate and lead, as needed, coalition initiatives that advance SEARAC's policy priorities. Coalitions include but are not limited to the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), Immigrant Justice Network (IJN), Detention Watch Network (DWN), the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR).Represent SEARAC at policy roundtables, briefings, conferences, and community events.
In partnership with the Director of Field, lead in coordinating national campaigns to increase community engagement and mobilization to advocate for immigration policies that support SEAA and AAPI communities.
In collaboration with the Director of Field, manage partnerships with local community-based organizations across the country.
Provide education, training, and technical assistance on immigration policy to SEARAC's partners and immigration network.
In collaboration with SEARAC's Policy Team, provide training for SEARAC's programs such as the annual Leadership and Advocacy Training (LAT), as well as trainings and convenings related to SEARAC's immigration work.
Monitor completion of grant-funded activities and outcomes related to immigration.
Administer subgrants with local partners.
Assist with fundraising and reporting for programs as needed.
In coordination with the communications team, draft press releases, community announcements, action alerts, and social media posts on immigration, deportation, mass incarceration, and racial healing policy areas.
Manage volunteers and interns as needed.
Support other duties as specified by the Director of National Policy, National Deputy Director, or Executive Director.
Work with other SEARAC staff and board members in support of SEARAC's overall mission.
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years of experience with nonprofit organizations, congressional or administrative offices, immigration policy, issue campaigns, or other relevant experience.
Legislative advocacy and policy analysis, including familiarity with the federal legislative process, experience communicating with policy makers, and ability to communicate complex policy issues to local communities and community-based organizations.
Experience leading coalitions. Community engagement and mobilization through community-based organizations a plus.
Program planning, management, and implementation experience.
Superior verbal and written communication abilities.
Ability to travel and work weekends as required.
Knowledge of immigration, criminal justice, and/or racial equity policy issues as they pertain to AAPIs, especially SEAAs.
Media and communications experience, including writing press releases or press advisories.
Budgeting and project reporting.
How to Apply:
Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current resume, and a brief writing sample (preferably policy-related, no more than 3 pages). Electronic application packages should be sent in PDF format to application@searac.org. Please include "Immigration Policy Manager" in the subject line of emails.
