Policy & Advocacy Associate

The National Immigration Forum (the Forum) advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to the nation.

Founded in 1982, the Forum plays a leading role in the national debate about immigration, knitting together innovative alliances across diverse faith, labor, law enforcement, veterans, and business constituencies in communities across the country. Coming together under the Forum’s leadership, these alliances develop and execute legislative and administrative policy positions and advocacy strategies.

Leveraging our policy, advocacy and communications expertise, the Forum works for broad immigration reform, sound border security policies, balanced enforcement of immigration laws, and ensuring that new Americans have the opportunities, skills, and status to reach their full potential.

Visit our website at www.immigrationforum.org for detailed information about the Forum.

Location: Hybrid (40% in-person), Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

Reports to: Vice President of Policy & Advocacy

Primary Responsibilities:

The National Immigration Forum Policy & Advocacy Associate plays a critical role in supporting the development and execution of the Forum’s policy priorities. As a critical member of the Forum’s Policy & Advocacy Team and working closely with Forum staff and other organizations and partners, the Policy & Advocacy Associate will:

• Help lead aspects of the Forum’s immigration reform work focusing on undocumented populations, interior enforcement, law enforcement, immigration courts, and/or detention issues.
• Support the Forum’s legislative advocacy by developing and maintaining relationships with Congressional offices and setting up and attending meetings on Capitol Hill.
• Represent the Forum at meetings with Executive Branch staff.
• Help develop the Forum’s immigration policy priorities and help develop and implement strategies and events to achieve these policy priorities, including immigration reform, achieving sound border security policies, balanced enforcement of immigration laws, and ensuring new Americans have the opportunities, skills, and status to reach their fullest potential.
• Maintain and build the Forum’s relationships with national and local organizations, coalitions, and individuals working towards shared policy goals.
• Draft materials, including online content, to advance the policy priorities of the Forum for distribution to different audiences, including the media, the public, government offices, and Congress.
• Facilitate coordination, implementation and internal communication of legislative/lobbying work within the Policy & Advocacy Team and among other teams.
• Work with Forum staff to involve business, faith, law enforcement and immigrant leaders in policy advocacy campaigns at the federal and state level.
• With the Forum’s Communications Team, help plan and execute the Forum’s media strategy related to the Forum’s policy priorities and advocacy strategy.
• Perform additional duties as needed and assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• One to three years relevant professional experience or a bachelor’s degree or similar professional accreditation.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and familiarity with immigration laws.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and complete work independently.
• Conducted directed and independent research.
• Attention to detail, the ability to self-start, excellent judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to work in a team and in a coalition with people with a wide range of viewpoints.
• Ability to communicate an inspired vision or sense of core purpose.
• A thorough understanding of and commitment to the mission and goals of the National Immigration Forum.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years’ experience in immigration or related policy work or an advanced degree or similar professional accreditation.
• A Juris Doctorate degree, graduate degree, or similar credentials.