Advocacy Coordinator

CAIR Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

A civil rights organization seeks an Advocacy Coordinator in Houston to support advocacy efforts by managing casework, engaging with community members, and developing educational materials. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong communication skills are essential. This role focuses on addressing various civil rights issues affecting the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or related field.
• Experience in advocacy or community engagement preferred.
• Fluency in multiple languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage advocacy intakes and casework, including documentation.
• Draft advocacy letters and public statements on behalf of clients.
• Develop and publish educational materials on civil rights issues.
• Support community outreach initiatives and events.
• Supervise interns and volunteers engaged in advocacy work.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Commitment to civil rights and social justice

Ability to manage multiple cases and projects

Experience in advocacy or community engagement

Fluency in Arabic, Urdu, Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent work experience

Job description

Job Title: Advocacy Coordinator
Location: Houston, TX
Reports To: Operations Director (or Staff Attorney)
Part-Time

Position Summary

The Advocacy Coordinator will support CAIR-Houston’s advocacy and civil rights efforts by working directly with community members facing discrimination, coordinating casework, and engaging with public institutions and partner organizations. The role combines case management, advocacy, and community education, requiring excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to justice and equity

Key Responsibilities

• Manage advocacy intakes and casework, including documentation, client communication, and resolution.
• Draft advocacy letters and public statements on behalf of clients and the organization. Communicate with schools, employers, government agencies, and other institutions to resolve civil rights and discrimination cases.
• Assist in developing and publishing public-facing educational materials on civil rights issues.
• Provide support for community outreach initiatives, campaigns, and events in collaboration with the Outreach Coordinator.
• Help prepare press releases, talking points, and occasional social media content related to advocacy.
• Track local and national issues impacting the Muslim community and keep staff and community partners informed.
• Supervise and mentor interns, fellows, and volunteers engaged in advocacy work.
• Work collaboratively with CAIR’s national advocacy and communications teams when needed.

Types of Cases

The Advocacy Coordinator will handle a wide range of cases, including but not limited to:

• School-related discrimination: student discipline, bullying, or denial of religious accommodations.
• Workplace discrimination: denial of prayer breaks, hijab-related issues, or unequal treatment.
• Public accommodation issues: discriminatory treatment in businesses, government offices, or public spaces.
• Religious freedom concerns: zoning issues, hate incidents, or denial of religious expression.
• Civil rights violations involving government agencies (e.g., law enforcement profiling, delays in passport/immigration processing, or harassment at airports).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, social sciences, communications, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to civil rights, social justice, and diversity.
• Experience in advocacy, client services, or community engagement preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously.
• Fluency in Arabic, Urdu, Spanish, or other languages spoken in Houston’s Muslim communities is a plus