Posted on July 11, 2012

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Policy Associate

HIAS seeks a full-time Policy Associate who will work on immigration and refugee advocacy and report to the Senior Director for Policy and Advocacy. The job is based in HIAS' Washington, DC office (HIAS DC).

HIAS DC advances the organization's refugee and immigration agenda by educating and influencing Washington policy makers and engaging organizations and individuals around the country, with a focus on the American Jewish community, on refugee and immigration advocacy.

Essential Functions:

National Advocacy
The Policy Associate, in coordination with HIAS DC staff, will promote HIAS' national immigration and refugee priorities by advocating with Congress and the Administration (including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State). The Policy Associate will be responsible for representing HIAS in refugee and immigration advocacy coalitions, leading and supporting advocacy efforts on issues of particular concern to HIAS, representing HIAS at meetings and events, and helping to develop HIAS policy.

Community Outreach & Engagement
The Policy Associate, in coordination with HIAS DC staff, will engage in education, information-sharing, and organizing of HIAS' refugee resettlement affiliates, Jewish organizations and individuals, and interfaith, community, and other partners around the country in order to 1) build and maintain support for HIAS; and 2) advance HIAS' advocacy goals. The Policy associate will assess needs, identify leaders, develop resources and strategies, and organize and lead trainings and service projects. The Policy Associate will maintain familiarity with existing web-based, print, video, and new media resources on immigration advocacy and education, and develop and update resources as needed.

In addition, the Policy Associate, in collaboration with administrative staff, will help coordinate and manage undergraduate and legal intern work projects; the planning of events; and the advocacy portion of the HIAS website and social media content.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Applicants should possess ability to work well both independently and in teams, think creatively, and solve problems. Applicants should be extremely organized, professional, and articulate, and should possess excellent writing skills.

Applicants should possess excellent skills in the Microsoft Office software suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience in the use of Google Groups and Google Docs, including in the creation and use of Google Forms, is also required.

Computer literacy in new media, social media (including Twitter and Facebook), internet research, word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, webinar technology, video editing, and Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Qualifications:

Mandatory bachelor's degree or higher in related field, graduate degree preferred.

At least 2 years of experience, preferably in non-profit organizations. Background in refugee or immigration policy required. Knowledge of organized Jewish community preferred.

Application Instructions

Please send cover letter, résumé, and writing sample to advocacy@hias.org. Applications will be accepted through August 10th, 2012. Responses will be sent only to those individuals selected for interviews. No phone calls, please.