Deputy Director of Federal Policy

About the Presidents’ Alliance

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities and nation. Launched in late 2017, we equip higher education leaders, build sustainable partnerships, support undocumented, international and refugee students, and advocate for just, forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal level, in our states, and across our college campuses. We are the only national organization exclusively focused on the intersection of higher education and immigration. The Alliance comprises over 570 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 42 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The work of the organization is conducted primarily remotely and provides staff with a great deal of flexibility. For this position, we do expect our policy focused staff to be located in the Washington, D.C. or DMV area in order to participate in meetings and policy advocacy.

Overview

The Deputy Director of Federal Policy will work closely with the Director of Policy and Strategy on the overall development and execution of the Alliance’s legislative and administrative policy agenda, and lead the policy agenda on issues pertaining to international and refugee students, scholars, and alumni. Working closely with the Director of Policy and Strategy, the Deputy Director will collaborate on strategies related to the organization’s broader federal-level priorities, ensuring alignment across all advocacy efforts. This position involves strategic outreach to Congressional offices and Administration officials, the production of policy materials, providing strategic advice on emerging issues, and engaging with member institutions and other key stakeholders to advance the Alliance’s mission.

KEY POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Federal Advocacy Strategy (50% time)

• Lead the development and implementation of the legislative and administrative policy recommendations related to international and refugee students, scholars, and alumni;
• Track and analyze federal policy changes affecting international and displaced students, scholars, and alumni, proactively identifying opportunities and challenges, and developing strategies to address them;
• Initiate and participate in policy education meetings with Congressional offices, federal agencies, and the White House to advance the Alliance’s policy priorities;
• Produce legislative analyses, recommendations, reports, briefs, talking points, and other policy-related materials;
• Lead the creation of briefings and webinars addressing federal developments and their impact on refugees, international students, and immigrant communities on campuses;
• Work closely with the Director of the Higher Ed Immigration Portal and relevant staff members to update and maintain issue briefs, policy updates, and other resources for the Portal, ensuring timely and accurate information;
• Participate in the Federal Policy Advisory Table (FPAT) and Legal Advisory Council (LAC); collaborating on projects and contributing to group efforts; and
• Review and develop metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of policy education and advocacy efforts and adjust strategies as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement, Coalition Building, and Communications (35%)

• Develop and implement strategies to engage and cultivate relationships with higher education leaders, campuses, policymakers, partner organizations, and advocacy groups in efforts that drive policy changes at the institutional, state, and federal levels;
• Serve as the lead liaison with other higher education associations, organizations, and coalitions, including the US for Success coalition, to strategize and coordinate advocacy efforts;
• Facilitate opportunities for college and university leaders to participate in policy education and advocacy initiatives, such as policy briefings, legislative meetings, and public statements;
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Alliance in meetings, public forums, and policy discussions, advocating for international, refugee, and other immigrant student issues; and
• Collaborate on communication strategies related to international and refugee student advocacy, including crafting messaging, coordinating outreach efforts, and managing public relations initiatives.

Management and Development (15%)

• Serve as a key thought partner to the Executive Director and Director of Policy and Strategy, contributing to the development of strategic plans, roadmaps, and the overall direction of the Presidents’ Alliance;
• Engage in the Steering Committee and other high-level meetings to inform decision-making and organizational priorities;
• Assist with the preparation of grant proposals, reports, and other efforts to secure funding for policy initiatives;
• Supervise and mentor policy team members, providing professional development, guidance, and performance feedback;
• Hire, supervise, and support fellows or interns working on relevant policy areas during the summer or academic year; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements, Skills, and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree welcomed;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in federal policy advocacy, government relations, or related fields, with a focus on immigration, refugee, or international education issues;
• In-depth understanding of U.S. immigration policies, refugee issues, and the international student landscape;
• Familiarity with legislative processes and regulatory frameworks at the federal level.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft compelling materials for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to engage and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, advocacy organizations, and higher education leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex political environments.

Preferred competencies include:

• Ability to work independently, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively with member institutions, partners, and Presidents’ Alliance team members;
• Experience partnering with executive-level stakeholders;
• Ability to coordinate multiple partners and projects simultaneously to keep initiatives on track and deliver high quality, accurate work;
• Ability to work independently, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively;
• Ability to create strategic communications and media or narrative campaigns
• Ability to receive and retain a high volume of information and quickly incorporate learning into strategies
• Uses excellent judgment to guide decisions, including recognizing when to gather additional perspectives or resources to move a project forward
• Possesses the confidence, presence, and composure to be successful with building credibility with colleagues and partners
• Ability to engage with and present to varied levels of stakeholders, including college and university presidents and other senior level principals as well as students, staff, faculty, organizational partners, and policy-makers.
• Familiarity and ease with software/tech (e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, Wordpress, Constant Contact)