Job Information
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Refugee and Protection Policy Advisor in Washington D.C., District Of Columbia
If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!
The Refugee and Protection Policy Advisor will advise and carry out Global Refuge's policy and advocacy efforts in collaboration with the Vice President for Advocacy and Policy and other Global Refuge staff to ensure the organization achieves its overall objectives in refugee resettlement, climate displacement and other protection-based permanent migration pathways recognized by the U.S. government. The Refugee Policy Advisor will work with Global Refuge program and policy staff to help shape and execute advocacy priorities and policy recommendations and will support Global Refuge partners and networks in through direct working relationships, participation in policy development, advocacy planning and events, network communication and coordination.
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,
professional development, tuition reimbursement,
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,
Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!
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
Work with Global Refuge refugee resettlement and Advocacy and Policy staff to address programmatic and policy elements of the refugee resettlement process, from overseas identification and processing to domestic resettlement and integration.
Work with Global Refuge staff and affiliates to address programmatic and policy elements around protection-based permanent migration pathways and climate displacement as appropriate.
Liase with Congressional and Administration stakeholders representing Global Refuge refugee resettlement programmatic and policy positions.
Liase with Congressional and Administration stakeholders along with the Global Refuge Advocacy and Policy team on climate displacement and protection-based permanent migration pathways
Coordinate, lead, and attend advocacy meetings with congressional and executive branch staff to communicate and advance Global Refuge policy positions. Tasks specifically include: track legislation and appropriations deadlines; help draft responses and FAQs to inquiries about refugee resettlement from the media, policymakers, partners, and allies; share and develop advocacy materials related to Global Refuge priority issues in resettlement policy specifically and in climate displacement and protection-based permanent pathways as appropriate; and act as Global Refuge representative to both internal and external colleagues on these issues.
Lead and participate in NGO coalition meetings related to these issues areas representing Global Refuge and engage in dialogue and collaborative thinking about shared advocacy goals.
As appropriate, represent Global Refuge on panels, conferences, webinars, etc. related to refugee resettlement and other portfolio areas including other protection-based permanent pathways.
In collaboration with other Policy and Advocacy staff, draft and copy-edit Global Refuge' e-mail messages, Global Refuge 's on-line Action Center and national blog posts as they relate to these issues.
Draft and develop Global Refuge materials reflecting organizational policy and programmatic goals, programs, and positions.
Lead logistical planning for certain events and coordinate direct outreach to Global Refuge partners and constituents (make requests for specific advocacy actions, plan advocacy events including briefings, webinars, and conference calls, accompany constituents to advocacy meetings as well as provide direction and train/supervise work of interns to assist).
Track advocacy engagement and respond to inquiries to develop new educational materials and advocacy campaigns; on certain issues act as Global Refuge representative to both internal and external colleagues.
Occasionally travel outside of Washington, DC to share information with, meet, and learn from Global Refuge constituents, program partners, and refugees and migrants, as appropriate.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor's degree and an advanced degree that specializes in Law or master's in human rights, international relations, public policy, social work or public administration. (Advanced degree not required if candidate has more extensive demonstrated prior work experience a migration-related field.)
A minimum of four years working in to advance a public policy agenda in a government, international organization or nonprofit environment, including but not limited to: Congressional advocacy, administrative advocacy, and/or public education and engagement.
Demonstrated expertise, educational interest or engagement in at least one area of Global Refuge policy agenda, including, refugee resettlement, unaccompanied children, immigration enforcement, immigration legal or social services, or immigration policy generally.
Skills in synthesizing and communicating complex policy issues for different audiences.
Excellent communication skills, to diverse audiences.
Ability to maintain and nurture collegial relationships with Global Refuge and Congressional staff, executive branch officials, coalition partners, Lutheran partners, and refugees and migrants.
Familiarity with non-profit advocacy work and experience working with coalition partners.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required.
Can-do attitude and willingness to pitch into collective efforts.
Ability to work well with others in small teams.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Effective leadership and meeting facilitation skills.
Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
Experience with and commitment to working in a diverse workforce.
Readiness to respond to legislative events as they happen, including pressing timelines that may occasionally involve nights and weekends.
Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and 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.