Senior Policy Counsel

Fully Remote

• Los Angeles & Washington D.C. (preferred) Remote considered (see locations)
• AdvocacyFounded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is a leading non-profit organization (501(c)3) in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S. regardless of race, gender / gender identity, immigration status, or economic status — should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential.NILC is at an exciting moment in its organizational trajectory, supporting our five-year strategic framework and scaling the organization and its work through influencing systems, policy advocacy at the federal and state levels, engaging in movement and power building, and narrative and culture strategies in addition to continuous improvements to our operational model. We are looking for entrepreneurial, results-driven, relationship builders who are committed to NILC’s mission and values of racial justice & equity, valuing diversity, fostering partnerships & collaboration, encouraging respect & personal well-being, and striving for transparency, integrity, and honesty.About the Role The Senior Policy Counsel at NILC is a subject matter policy expert who will play a lead role in driving NILC’s policy work through innovative and equitable policy analysis, development, and improvement. The Senior Policy Counsel will work via NILC’s cross-functional Programs workgroup structure to execute the organization's policy agenda, including drafting regulatory comments and legislation, conducting research, developing reports and other materials in support of NILC’s policy and advocacy agenda, providing counsel and strategic advice to support immigration advocates’ work, both within NILC and in collaboration with partner organizations and coalitions.Substantively, the Senior Policy Counsel will focus on legal and policy issues involving immigrants’ access to health benefits, safety net programming, and economic justice. In addition to managing a larger portfolio of policy issues, the Senior Policy Counsel serves as a mentor and teacher for less experienced members of the Policy and / or Programs team, working with them to develop their skills as related to NILC’s policy work.This role is a member of the bargaining unit.Specific Position Responsibilities Support Programs leadership in the creation of federal, state, and local policy agendas with priorities designed to expand and defend the rights of low-income immigrants and their loved ones & advocate to enact that agenda.Conduct and lead work in the areas of policy, regulatory, and legislative analysis to promote and protect the rights of low-income immigrants, at the local, state, and federal level, with a focus on health and economic justice access, including drafting, commenting on, and revising proposed legislation.Work closely with and lead other Programs team members to develop policy materials and analysis, respond to administration initiatives and proposed regulations, and provide relevant policy recommendations to key officials, partners, and legislators.Coordinate and facilitate meetings and collaborate with key stakeholders, ally organizations and coalition partners to strategize on areas such as health, education, and economic inequalities.Communicate with partners to address their needs and direct them to resources to assist in their work.Conduct research and draft reports and other materials in support of NILC’s policy and advocacy agenda.Adapt and tailor both oral and written communication for multiple diverse audiences, including policymakers, other advocates, funders, and the general public.Travel to Washington D.C. or other states as needed to work on legislative, policy, or advocacy needs.Provide subject matter expertise to NILC’s Legal team in court cases and assist with research and drafting of amicus briefs and other legal filings.Provide senior-level guidance, mentorship, and teaching to other staff including reviewing work, providing feedback, and overseeing work via workgroups.Serve as a spokesperson with the media, present at national conferences, and engage in public speaking that advances NILC’s mission and policy strategies.May manage and lead projects, teams, and coalitions / networks, with support and guidance from senior staff and managers.Partner with and support the Development and / or Finance Departments as requested.May manage interns and fellows as needed.May manage or supervise outside consultants, third party administrators, and vendors as needed.Shared Organization Responsibilities Champions NILC & IJF’s mission of advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.Attends and actively participates in NILC meetings.Develops relationships and supports NILC and IJF colleagues across all teams.Follows through on commitments acting with a clear sense of ownership.Learns quickly when facing new situations by experimenting to find fresh solutions.Acts with integrity by following through on commitments, being direct and truthful.Commits to centering NILC’s values of racial justice & equity.What We’re Looking for in This Role Commitment to NILC & IJF’s mission of advancing the rights of immigrants with low income.Collaborative, proactive, and action-oriented working style.Demonstrates sound judgment in decision-making, integrity, and utmost respect for confidentiality.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Self-starter with a strong ability to move daily tasks forward.Qualifications Required Juris Doctor degree and active admission to a State Bar Association (Counsel) and / or master’s degree in public policy, law degree, or similar advanced degree.Deep expertise in one or more areas of NILC’s policy work.7-9 years of experience in public policy.Significant experience working with relevant stakeholders on developing legislation.Experience researching and producing legislative advocacy materials.Demonstrated experience working with coalitions and advocacy partners.Proficiency with in-office and virtual environments and software.Preferred Qualifications Policy experience for an advocacy non-profit organization is preferred.Proficiency in non-English languages spoken by various communities preferred.At NILC, we know that talented people may have different backgrounds or experiences, and if your education and experience doesn’t exactly align with the above that’s okay! NILC believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success.Location & Travel : NILC's offices are located in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, California. For this role, up to 25% of overnight interstate travel may be required.Physical Demands : Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.Communicating with others to exchange information.Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone.#J-18808-Ljbffr