State and Local Advocacy Officer

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you

Reporting to the Vice President for Advocacy and Public Policy, the State & Local Advocacy Officer will lead Global Refuge's state and local policy work to advance the rights and dignified treatment of immigrants and refugees and counter negative state-level initiatives. The State & Local Advocacy Officer represents Global Refuge in coalitions and state and community engagements and supports network partners and affiliates in their work on migration-related policies at the state and local levels.

This position can be remote with trips to Washington, D.C., and other Global Refuge sites as needed.

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, and vision available on 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

• Advance Global Refuge's state and local advocacy priorities by providing strategic and technical support to state and local-level immigrant and refugee advocates, Global Refuge affiliates, synods and congregations, other religious communities, and community organizers in their work on immigrant and refugee-related state legislation, local ordinances, and federal/state enforcement partnerships.
• Assess and prioritize the needs of field offices partner agencies and affiliates, identify appropriate responses to those needs, and provide support, including legal and public policy analysis, training, webinars, teleconferences, sharing of best practices, talking points, and research.
• Conducting research, as assigned, on a variety of legal and policy issues that impact the quality of life and successful integration of immigrants and refugees at the state and local levels.
• Organize and work with a diverse coalition of state and local level stakeholders to further generate ongoing support and advocacy infrastructure at the state and local levels.
• Develop public education materials on relevant state immigration issues, including policy briefs for distribution to community social justice advocates, and Global Refuge affiliates, and work with the Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy to further Global Refuge's advocacy priorities and strategies.
• Work with the Global Refuge Mobilization team to help identify Lutheran and other stakeholders to work on state and local policy and legislative policy issues.
• Work directly with the Advocacy and Policy team to integrate state and local legislative policy initiatives into the national level policy and advocacy strategies.
• Help in partnership with the Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy develop a multi-state strategy to help promote positive integration initiatives and counter negative initiatives.
• Contribute materials, including legislative summaries, weekly updates, grassroots alerts, and fact sheets for dissemination to Global Refuge Office affiliates and local partners.
• Represent Global Refuge in state and local hearings, briefings, seminars, coalition meetings, and other events, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the advocacy team to advance the rights of immigrants and refugees.
• Assist and as needed, organize relevant state and local policy events.
• Support advocacy team and leadership efforts on the Global Refuge policy agenda.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values an ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners, and commitment to refugees and immigrants.
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree in communications or law degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of experience in immigration law and policy and at least one year of state/local-level advocacy, community organizing, or campaign management is required. Migration policy experience can include implementing programs that serve immigrants, refugees, and migrants. State and local advocacy experience can include working at a national organization or working on state-specific campaigns.
• Demonstrated prior work experience with state legislatures. Experience can include internships with state legislatures or with organizations working with state legislatures, such as an organization that does state engagement and lobbying.
• Demonstrated familiarity and comfort with multi-media platforms.
• Experience working with faith communities and/or faith-based organizations is required. Prior engagement with state faith advocacy and social concern offices is highly preferred.
• An understanding of the policy issues that affect or can potentially affect immigrant and refugee communities in the United States and an awareness of and sensitivity to differing public sentiment around these issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated time-management skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and complete work independently and work well in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, and meet deadlines using discretion in confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office. Proficient use of Quorum and/or Salesforce preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to travel in the United States on short notice trips as necessary. This position may travel an estimated 10% total of staff time.
• Demonstrated interest in US immigration policy and Global Refuge's mission.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a diverse workforce.

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.