Job Description

Director of Immigrant Rights Policy

Team: Policy

Reports to: Senior Director of Policy

Employment Status: Full Time/Exempt (40 hours/ week)

Salary: $92,700/ year

Location: Position is based in New York City and will require regular travel to Long Island, Mid-Hudson Valley, Albany, and occasional travel to other parts of New York State and Washington DC.

About The Organization

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly

200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York State that is stronger because all people are

welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive. We represent the collective interests of New York's diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people's lives, and to strengthen our state.

Our organizational values: Inclusive & Representative; Fair & Just; Accountable & Trusted.

Position Overview

The Director of Immigrant Rights Policy will lead the Immigrant Rights portfolio to end state support for detention, deportation and mass incarceration within the organization's

Policy department. The Director will drive work at the municipal, state, and federal levels to counter anti-

immigrant policies within their portfolio, fight against out-of-control immigration enforcement agencies, strengthen immigrants' fundamental rights and access to counsel and expansions of status, and end collusion between federal and local law enforcement.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Provide vision and leadership on issues including ending state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; increasing funding for and access to immigration legal services and wraparound support; reforming detention, enforcement, and detainer policies. 
• Serve as the policy lead in NYIC's state priority campaigns within portfolio to end state support for detention, deportation and mass incarceration and the policy lead for NYIC's federal priorities and agenda in partnership with national organizations and coalitions. This includes co-leading in state-wide coalitions, developing materials for advocacy and education, and developing the campaign's policy asks. 
• Identify systemic problems and define strategies for change, conduct administrative tasks, and support legislative advocacy.
• Lead policy development and analysis focusing on issues related to increasing access to foundational rights for immigrant communities such as: access to justice and right to counsel; ending detention in the state, and guardrailing enforcement; and expanding access to legal pathways.
• Support the Policy VP's federal work and analysis in partnership with the Advocacy department and the Executive Leadership. 
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers on Capitol Hill and national partners and organizations.
• Monitor overall developments and trends in immigration policy and analyze political context to identify needs for rapid response and opportunities to move reform initiatives forward.
• Lead and convene meetings, represent the NYIC in external groups, and support engagement with NYIC member organizations in spaces related to Ending State Support for Detention, Deportation, and Mass Incarceration.
• Make regular presentations and represent the NYIC in the press, at conferences, workshops, meetings, committees, coalition spaces, and advisory bodies.
• Contribute to other organizational events and projects as necessary.
• Support the fundraising efforts of the NYIC's Development team by providing content expertise, and meeting grant requirements.
• Manage program budgets.
• Occasionally carries or moves materials weighing 50 pounds or less.

Qualifications:

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in immigration policy analysis and development as it relates to access to justice and legal representation, U.S. immigration policies, safe and legal pathways, program/training evaluation, and/or access to services and benefits.
• Strong knowledge of New York (state and local) and national political landscapes. Experience on Capitol Hill or within the Administration, working in a legislative position or a government affairs department for a think tank, association, state or local government, or in the for-profit sector.
• Experience working with diverse coalitions and facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with elected officials, staffers, and government agencies at the state, local, and federal level. 
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Fluency in one of the top six languages spoken in New York State strongly preferred. (Spanish, traditional Chinese, Russian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, and Bengali.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, good judgment and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to multi-task and manage competing deadlines.
• G-Suite/Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Asana, and social media skills
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Salary: $92,700/year
In addition to a competitive salary, NYIC offers a full benefit plan, paid sick time, unlimited vacation leave, commuter benefits and a comprehensive retirement plan.

**The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.

To apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, writing sample and a cover letter outlining their interest in the position, relevant experience, and how they can contribute to our organization's mission.

Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we are looking for someone to begin as soon as possible.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability or marital status.

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