Summary

The Policy Advocate will guide CLINIC’s campaign and coalition-oriented work in multiple CLINIC priority issue areas using CLINIC’s Model of Advocacy.

At the federal level, CLINIC’s systemic advocacy work focuses on administrative advocacy. Our work is guided by our Catholic identity, counseled by our team of in-house experts, and informed by our network of over 450 network agencies. As a thought leader and top strategist in administrative advocacy, CLINIC is a first responder to immigration law and policy changes, whether fighting to hold back attacks on immigrant rights or working side-by-side with the government to build the structures that offer welcome, safety, security, and family unity to those seeking to make the United States home.

Tools of administrative advocacy involve direct government engagement, formally responding to regulatory proposals through the federal rulemaking process, providing technical expertise to members of Congress and investigatory bodies, working strategically with the media, leading campaigns and coalitions, supporting litigation efforts, building strategic partnerships, and more. CLINIC’s advocacy work follows a progression designed for maximum impact – always beginning with direct government engagement and layering strategies as that advocacy becomes exhausted or additional tactics are needed.

Most importantly, while strategies may differ depending on the issue at hand, our theory of change is unwavering: CLINIC’s work upholds the dignity and responds to the goals of directly impacted communities. CLINIC particularly focuses on advocating for the rights and dignity of Black immigrants.

Primary Responsibilities

• Play a leadership role in CLINIC-led advocacy campaigns and coalitions, including assisting with developing and executing overarching strategy, creating campaign materials, planning government engagements, and more.
• Build advocacy issue portfolios in line with CLINIC’s priorities and in partnership with CLINIC in-house subject matter experts.
• Represent CLINIC in other coalition spaces and manage related projects.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with CLINIC affiliates, partners, and government contacts as assigned.
• Conduct policy research, draft policy papers, recommendation letters to the administration, reports, model public comments, and more.
• Develop and manage action alerts including sign-on letters, public comment campaigns, and more.
• Develop talking points, op-eds, articles, press releases, and other materials and prep CLINIC staff, affiliates, clients for interviews.
• Conduct other targeted projects that further CLINIC’s administrative advocacy priorities.
• Complete administrative tasks and other projects as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required

• Accredited Representative or attorney in good standing with the bar of the highest court in any state or the District of Columbia.
• 1-2 years background in immigration law and policy with knowledge of DHS and USCIS structure and operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to immigrants’ rights and anti-racist, intersectional advocacy.
• Excellent research, writing, and communications skills.

Preferred

• 2-3 years of professional experience in policy and advocacy work in the non-profit sector.
• Experience with advocacy and policy writing, including drafting policy papers, petitions, and action alerts.
• Experience with strategic communications including drafting talking points, press releases, and social media.
• Ability to integrate Catholic social teaching into advocacy work and materials.

Other

• Demonstrate knowledge of and support agency mission, vision, value statements, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Willing to understand, respect and contribute to CLINIC’s vision, values, and beliefs.
• Fulfill CLINIC’s expectations that all staff:
  • Serve with integrity
  • Develop innovative solutions
  • Promote learning – for themselves, for their colleagues, and for our network
  • Cultivate constructive relationships 
  • Model stewardship
  • Maintain a positive attitude
  • Exhibit leadership skills and initiative
  • Communicate effectively
  • Own your work
  • Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues
  • Resolve conflict effectively and make effective decisions

Salary

• $80,000 - 85,000 annually

Work Environment

• CLINIC’s national office is based in Silver Spring, MD. However, this position will be made remote due to COVID-19 until further notice.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key components and primary responsibilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Commitment

CLINIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, religion, age, disability, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. CLINIC also provides “reasonable accommodations” to qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. All interested individuals, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@cliniclegal.org