Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
The Policy and Advocacy Manager supports a dynamic, forward thinking, mission-centered Advocacy team. This position will develop and lead CWS strategic advocacy efforts concerning federal, state, and local housing policy through measures like technical assistance to local sites; collaboration with CWS staff, greater resettlement agency network, state and national housing and immigrant coalitions; and leading state and local housing initiatives. This position will identify, develop, and maintain state and local coalition partners as well as congressional champions to advance our national and state policy goals highlighting housing protections and reform. This position works closely with Refugee Housing Solutions and CWS Network Housing. Additionally, this position coordinates with the CWS Policy and Advocacy Manager on supervision over the CWS Advocacy team internship program to manage interns dedicated to housing.
Assesses, develops, and supports execution of a strategic plan in support of the CWS Advocacy team’s policy priorities, including supporting inclusive policies at the state level.
Supports national policy campaigns to defend against attacks on the family-based immigration system.
Provides research and analysis relevant to the CWS Advocacy teamwide priorities to help advance a refugee resettlement, asylum, and immigration framework that enables bold U.S. leadership.
Supports grassroots outreach and organizing efforts on state and local policies and in support of family reunification and the family-based immigration system.
Represents CWS Advocacy team across national and state coalitions working on issues impacting refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, and immigrants -- including by leading the policy team’s collaboration with the Value Our Families coalition and the Refugee Advocacy Lab.
Researches and provides analytical input and communications on immigration and refugee policy areas, including state and local policies and family-based immigration.
Identify, develop and maintain relationships with Congressional offices, coalition partners, and community leaders to help create an understanding of CWS's objectives and mission.
Provides analysis and content for communications material including funder reports, website, one-pagers, social media and e-newsletters/alerts.
Assesses and creates policy materials, such as policy statements, public comments, backgrounders, and more to support CWS Advocacy objectives.
Mobilizes grassroots leaders, refugee organizers, and impacted individuals in amplifying their stories and priorities on state, local, and family immigration issues, partnering with the CWS Communications team and the Value Our Families coalition.
Support the Advocacy Team’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts by tracking goals and leading team discussions on lessons learned.
At least 6 years of experience in advocacy, community organizing, or direct service work, preferably involving immigration and refugee issues.
Understanding of the U.S. immigration and refugee policy, including familiarity with family immigration issues and state and local policy challenges.
Understanding of and commitment to social change through building the capacity and power of refugees and community leaders.
Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff and other organizations; demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences; a “quick study” on a dynamic array of issues.
Commitment to advancing refugee and immigrants’ rights with national and state policy makers, especially through building power among impacted communities.
Experience research, analyzing, and interpreting legislative and regulatory language.
Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
Experience with the U.S. political process, current political dynamics, and policy issues that impact the lives of immigrants and refugees.
Commitment to racial justice and understanding of intersection of racial justice and immigrant justice.
Experience or comfort working with U.S. faith communities.
Experience with budgeting and grant reporting.
Experience in database development and/or modification.
Skills:
Ability to work in a multicultural environment required.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
Fluency in a language in addition to English is preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, communicate effectively, and build lasting relationships with refugee leaders, CWS program staff, and CWS Advocacy staff.
Ability to collaboratively support diverse colleagues from a variety of professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
Team-oriented, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to meet goals and manage time in a fast-paced environment.
Highly organized, with proven skills in project management or business operations.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Able to synthesize complex information and write clearly and persuasively.
Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive or confidential matters.
Must possess dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, displaced people and/or other vulnerable populations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Zoom. Familiarity with Fiscalnote, CQ, Politico, Quorum, or Phone2Action is a plus.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, human rights, justice and peacebuilding, or related field required.
Master’s degree in political science, human rights, justice and peacebuilding or related field preferred.
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