Policy and Advocacy Advisor, State and Local

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Director for Advocacy, the Policy and Advocacy Advisor, State and Local (the post-holder) will lead Global Refuge's state and local policy and advocacy efforts to advance the human rights of immigrants and refugees. The post-holder will represent Global Refuge to policymakers in targeted state capitals and other strategic spaces at municipal and county levels, as well as with peers, in coalitions, and in community engagements. The post-holder will support Global Refuge network partners in their work on immigration-related policy and advocacy at the local level and will work across Global Refuge's policy and advocacy, communications, business development, mobilization and faith relations, and programs teams to advance agreed policy priorities.

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, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment. Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 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.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Develop and execute targeted state and local advocacy strategies to advance Global Refuge's policy objectives to protect and advance the human rights of immigrants and refugees.
• Conduct policy research, provide real time policy analysis, and develop tailored policy, advocacy, and campaign resources for different audiences, including, but not limited to, state and local-level immigrant refugee advocates, congregations and other religious communities, coalitions, service providers, and community organizers in their efforts to drive progress on immigrant and refugee-related state legislation, local ordinances, and federal/state enforcement partnerships.
• Draft policy advocacy materials including testimony, letters, and legislative analysis for legislative hearings and engagement with state and local officials.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key state and local officials and participate in meetings with key policymakers; and manage meeting follow-up communications.
• Assess, prioritize, and meet the policy and advocacy needs of Global Refuge field offices and partner agencies, identify appropriate responses to those needs, and provide tailored/appropriate support, including public policy analysis, training, webinars, teleconferences, sharing of best practices, talking points, strategic coordination, and research.
• Represent Global Refuge in hearings, briefings, seminars, coalition meetings, stakeholder engagements, and other events.

Qualifications

• Commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to the rights of refugees and immigrants.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's or J.D. preferred.
• Four years of directly relevant experience is required, including demonstrated immigration and refugee policy and advocacy experience at international, federal, and/or state level.
• At least one year of state and/or local policy and advocacy, community organizing, or campaign management experience strongly preferred.
• A demonstrated understanding of the current state and local policy issues that affect or can potentially affect immigrant and refugee communities in the United States.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills demonstrated time-management skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and complete work independently and work well in a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of
• Ability to analyze and solve problems and demonstrated experience and skills in effectively navigating complex political contexts to achieve set objectives.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office, including SharePoint and Teams. Proficient use of Quorum and Zoom.
• Experience living and working in North Dakota or Texas is a plus.
• Ability to attend weekly meetings in Global Refuge's Washington, D.C., office preferred.
• Some travel required: up to 15%.

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 in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. 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.