If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!
Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff the Advocacy Manager is responsible for executing Global Refuge's advocacy initiatives, working closely with the President & CEO and other leaders to align the Advocacy department with organizational goals. The position includes supervising advocacy staff, maintaining coordination with the communications team and executive leadership, and ensuring departmental responsibilities are met. Further it requires direct engagement with Congressional and Administration officials to promote humane immigration policies, engaging the Global Refuge affiliate network, representing Global Refuge in coalitions and working groups, and empowering internal staff and external communities-including migrants and refugees-to participate in advocacy. Finally, the role also entails leading campaigns, drafting policy materials, organizing events, and regularly reporting on progress.
Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.
Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:
- medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment
- generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays
- 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave
- company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately
At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
DUTIES
- Execution of advocacy initiates. Collaborate with President & CEO as well as Leadership on department strategy and identify areas in need of support to bring about desired change in policies and practices. With clarity regarding the strategic landscape, pursue priorities and approaches that will have the greatest impact on Global Refuge's strategic initiatives.
- Supervise Advocacy staff. Provide ongoing supervision of work, allocate responsibilities, receive and offer thoughtful feedback, and adjust and reflect upon department priorities to best coordinate on strategic work in the future.
- Maintain constant communication and coordination with the Global Refuge HQ office, specifically ensuring Advocacy priorities and message are consistent with those of the Communications Department, and the President's Office.
- Ensure that internal Global Refuge responsibilities are met by the Advocacy team, including contributions to planning, compliance with established procedures, provision of regular updates, provision of input into relevant decisions, etc.
- Proactively meet and liaise with Congressional and Administration staff and officials. Advocate that they promote and implement fair and humane refugee and immigration laws and policies; Advance Global Refuge advocacy priorities, build Global Refuge credibility on key issue areas, and serve as a resource to policymakers
- Ensure that Global Refuge is represented in nonprofit advocacy coalitions, align with other nonprofits in promotion of Global Refuge advocacy issues, broaden consensus amongst other organizations, build and solidify support for the policies we endorse, prioritize and leverage coalition power to influence decision makers, the media, and the public
- Ensure that Global Refuge is represented in working groups that address issue priority areas and determine where Global Refuge will have most strategic impact; establish appropriate priorities for such participation
- Collaborate with Global Refuge affiliate network partners on relevant state and local issues where possible. Provide training and technical assistance to the network.
- Empower Global Refuge staff members to be advocates, channel their expertise to inform Global Refuge policy positions and improve advocacy recommendations, understand how laws and policies impact refugees, migrants and children, as well as our network partners
- Lead campaigns, educate empower and mobilize a growing number of refugees, migrants and other constituents around protection and integration of migrants and refugees as well as Global Refuge' Climate Migration efforts.
- Draft statements, letters, website content, or resources on refugee and immigration policies or legislation targeted at Congressional committees, policymakers, and the public
- Plan advocacy convenings, webinars, workshops and advocacy meetings to facilitate constituent and partner participation and leadership in advocacy
- Report on department developments, results, and upcoming work on a regular basis to Global Refuge leadership
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in political science, international affairs, or other related field; law or master's degree or equivalent strongly preferred and four to six years of increasingly responsible advocacy work experience including at least one year experience managing advocacy staff; expertise in federal legislative and administrative advocacy
- Broad network of existing relationships with congressional staff members, administration officials, coalition partners, fellow advocates, and constituents • Demonstrated ability to maintain, nurture, and proactively seek collegial relationships
- Expertise in immigration law and policy and knowledge of unaccompanied children, and an interest in and passion for advocacy on behalf of these populations
- Extensive experience summarizing, analyzing, and presenting on legislative and policy developments
- Track record of successfully mobilizing constituents to take action
- Experience in successful nonprofit coalition work
- Excellent communication skills, especially writing and public speaking, and demonstrated ability to adjust communication styles to be clear and persuasive with different audiences
- Ability to work collegially across departments and units
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relationship management software
- Ability to work well with others in small teams; effective meeting facilitation skills
- Travel domestically (up to 10%) to meet and learn from Global Refuge constituents, church leaders, network partners and migrants and refugees
- Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and the ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners
Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.