Government Relations Coordinator

We Are

Headquartered in downtown, Washington, DC, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an organization comprised of nearly 17,000 individual attorney members who practice and teach immigration law. For our members, we provide continuing legal education, information, advocacy, professional services, and expertise. Founded in 1946, AILA's mission is to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

Department Summary

The Government Relations (GR) team advocates for immigration-related legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms before Congress and the executive branch, consistent with AILA's principles and priorities. The GR team tracks the development of law, policy, and practice and prepares and shares resources and information with nearly 17,000 AILA members.

Position Summary

The Government Relations Coordinator (GR Coordinator) is responsible for facilitating the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced government relations department, including supporting the team with administrative and project management support. The GR Coordinator works in a highly collaborative manner to execute tasks for several members of the GR team.

Essential Job Functions

Administrative Support - 40%

• Organize internal and external engagement meetings and events, set agendas, take notes, and plans logistics
• Assist staff and members with completing financial reimbursements and reports
• Maintain and manage key department systems for calendaring and project management, including major events such as the Annual Conference
• Manage department electronic library and file system

Online Content and Member Support - 20%

• Monitor and respond to AILA member inquiries, providing support and information as needed
• Manage and update member databases, ensuring data accuracy and consistency
• Assist in developing and monitoring member outreach initiatives, including calls for cases, questions, and examples related to advocacy efforts
• Post work products on the website in collaboration with the Content Specialist and the Marketing and Communications Departments

Litigation and Legal Support - 20%

• Support AILA staff, leadership, and committees to identify and monitor emerging legal issues in immigration case law and statutes
• Work with AILA Benefits Policy Litigator to research issues and collect examples for litigation development, track deadlines, and support court filings.
• Support AILA activities related to congressional and administrative advocacy
• Coordinate and support the drafting of policy documents, practice resources, and other public-facing materials

Policy, Practice, and Political Engagement Support - 20%

• Monitor and report regulatory, congressional, and policy developments
• Support the drafting of correspondence to Congress and the Executive Branch, including grassroots advocacy efforts
• Conduct research on political candidates, focusing on their positions and policies regarding immigration to provide strategic planning and advocacy efforts
• Support Grassroots Associate in the implementation of National Day of Action, Citizenship Day, and other member advocacy initiatives.

• A bachelor's degree is required
• Two (2) years of experience in an administrative position with a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of immigration is preferred
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of delivering exceptional customer service and ensure that all interactions with members, stakeholders, and colleagues reflect this commitment
• Strong command of MS Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and PowerPoint) and applies this knowledge efficiently in daily tasks to create, organize, and present information effectively
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all communications
• Demonstrate strong research capabilities, using electronic tools and resources to gather information. Able to analyze data, track trends, and draw meaningful conclusions that inform decision-making
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Manage competing priorities with efficiency and professionalism
• Ability to work under pressure, maintain focus, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Occasional travel may be required for this role, including attendance at meetings, conferences, or events as necessary to support the organization's initiatives and objectives.

Remote – The role is eligible for Remote work.

Our Remote Work Strategy is designed to ensure connection while minimizing costs and inconvenience. Talent residing within 50 miles of our National Office located in Washington, D.C., located in the nation's capital, will be given preference. For roles outside this, we seek candidates within 50 miles of a major airport. This strategy helps us enhance collaboration, optimize travel costs, and strengthen in-person engagement while ensuring we remain cost-effective and mission-driven. Candidates outside these areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis based on role requirements and organizational needs.

This role requires maintaining a professional demeanor in a remote/office work setting. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a desk, frequent use of a PC workstation for prolonged hours, occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms, and the possibility of lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, though this is not likely to be a frequent requirement.

Disclaimer:

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills. The job requirements and contents of this job description are subject to change.

This document does not imply a contract of employment. The American Immigration Lawyers Association is an at-will employer, and may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice.

AAP/EEO Statement:

American Immigration Lawyers Association is an active Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

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