International Rescue Committee
Director, State Advocacy
International Rescue Committee, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, 20900
Job Overview/Summary
The Director, State Advocacy will lead development of state and local Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) Policy and Advocacy strategies, managing at least one full‑time staff, and directly engage with RAI program offices, strengthening the Policy and Advocacy team’s capacity to provide direct advocacy support throughout the network and providing tools, resources and learning support to build advocacy capacity among staff throughout the RAI network, advancing policy and programmatic goals in tandem. This role serves as a key external representative of the IRC – engaging with coalition partners, policy makers, and other stakeholders to drive change. The Director facilitates these engagements by playing a direct role with IRC’s network of U.S. offices. The Director will collaborate closely with colleagues in the RAI federal policy and advocacy team and the RAI program delivery team.
Major Responsibilities
Advocacy Strategy : Develop and oversee implementation of a multi‑year advocacy strategy, in close collaboration with global policy leads, policy communications and digital communications, to advance IRC’s key influence priorities and maximize the opportunity for IRC to advance our influence objectives.
Advocacy : Build and manage IRC’s credibility, profile and relationships with key U.S. stakeholders in support of advocacy strategies on IRC’s priority issues. Spot and deliver on external opportunities to advance IRC’s profile, policy and influence objectives; advise on IRC positioning and prioritization vis a vis the U.S. Government and Congress. Direct executive branch and legislative initiatives and represent the IRC at key meetings and fora. Partner and coordinate with the RAI U.S. network on legislator engagement to drive or prevent policy.
Influence Analysis : Lead the strategy for influence and development of power maps for key policy issues to identify influence priorities and targets, and to develop and execute creative influence strategies, including with nontraditional partners. Continuously ideate and identify new approaches and partners that go beyond advocacy as usual.
Legislative and Policy Tracking : Oversee the expansion of IRC’s legislative reach by tracking, understanding and anticipating policy trends, shifting government positions, individuals and organizations engaging on our issues, and the politics around our issues. Build strategic influence plans around legislative processes & profile opportunities/events; this includes hearings, deadlines and processes for engaging in annual bills, and major ad hoc bills moving in our space. Actively pivot and execute on influence strategy based on emerging opportunities.
Policy Generation and Contextualization : Contribute to policy generation and prioritization by providing U.S. specific insights that increase the credibility and efficacy of our solutions through constant collaboration with Policy and Solutions colleagues. Support IRC’s policy team in identifying and developing policy priorities that are impactful and achievable. Draft policy, amendments, and research state regulations to inform recommendations and enhance program implementations.
Communications and Profile Strategy : In close collaboration with the global communications team, identify shared external relations priorities and opportunities. Provide market and audience expertise to communications team to shape communications specific to the U.S. and develop materials for advocacy targets, including digital/social content and take‑actions. Act as sign‑off point on U.S.‑facing external content when relevant. Identify and leverage opportunities to raise influence and profile in the U.S. through strategic events and other activities.
Senior Leadership Engagement : Identify and implement opportunities to leverage IRC's CEO and other senior leaders to amplify IRC's thought leadership on our issue areas through meetings with senior officials, politicians and other NGOs. Provide briefing materials and provide in‑person staffing for meetings as appropriate.
Testing and Innovation : Use network to conduct rapid analysis to test political and policy environment on new and emergent issues.
Board and Advisors : Develop an understanding of IRC’s Board and Advisors, especially their areas of expertise and influence connections in order to engage them on substantive issues and leverage their networks to deliver on advocacy objectives.
Spokesperson : Act as an IRC influence spokesperson in the U.S., communicating with journalists, policymakers, thought leaders and the public to showcase work of IRC's policy solutions and amplify our influence messages strategies.
Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion : Both in the culture of IRC, as well as in the policy solutions we develop and the ways we wield influence.
Team Management : Develop and model new ways of working, manage high‑performing team and positively contribute to IRC leadership team and IRC culture. Create an inclusive environment by establishing a culture of care and encouraging different ideas. Share time and credit with direct reports, showing appreciation and increasing visibility by giving them access to more senior staff and highlighting their accomplishments.
Key Working Relationships Internal
VP Global Policy & Advocacy and team members
VP Program Delivery, RAI Senior Executive Directors, Executive Directors, and program office staff
RAI HQ staff
Communications staff including Marketing
External
National resettlement partners & staff of local resettlement agencies or affiliates
State legislators and their staff
Local or regional media as appropriate
Term
Full Time
Job Requirements Education
Graduate degree or equivalent experience in public policy, law, or related field
Work Experience
8‑10 years working in politics or policy at the state and/or congressional level
Experience developing and implementing successful advocacy and influencing strategies, using campaigning and/or coalition advocacy techniques
Experience in developing the capacities of others (internal & external) in advocacy, including developing resources and conducting formal trainings and on‑the‑job capacity‑building with colleagues with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience with policy advocacy
Experience using strategic communications including digital channels for advocacy would be an asset
Experience working in coalition to build support amongst various stakeholders
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies
Understanding of the U.S. resettlement program and/or knowledge of policy issues related to U.S. immigration and integration is highly desirable
Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into coherent narratives
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders
Strong public speaking, presentation and networking skills
Ability to travel and to work on tight deadlines
Ability to work as a team player with remote supervision and multiple lines of internal communication and accountability
Initiative and ability to work independently on fast‑paced issues
Commitment to the IRC’s vision, missions and values
Working Environment This position has been designated as ‘Remote.’ The employee is expected to work from a private home workspace. A secure, distraction‑free workspace is required to perform job duties effectively. Up to 50% travel required, based on approved budget.
Compensation (Pay Range) Pay Range:
$120,000 - $153,000. Posted pay ranges apply to U.S.-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
US Benefits We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the U.S., these include: 10 sick days, 10 U.S. holidays, 20‑25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Major Responsibilities
Advocacy Strategy : Develop and oversee implementation of a multi‑year advocacy strategy, in close collaboration with global policy leads, policy communications and digital communications, to advance IRC’s key influence priorities and maximize the opportunity for IRC to advance our influence objectives.
Advocacy : Build and manage IRC’s credibility, profile and relationships with key U.S. stakeholders in support of advocacy strategies on IRC’s priority issues. Spot and deliver on external opportunities to advance IRC’s profile, policy and influence objectives; advise on IRC positioning and prioritization vis a vis the U.S. Government and Congress. Direct executive branch and legislative initiatives and represent the IRC at key meetings and fora. Partner and coordinate with the RAI U.S. network on legislator engagement to drive or prevent policy.
Influence Analysis : Lead the strategy for influence and development of power maps for key policy issues to identify influence priorities and targets, and to develop and execute creative influence strategies, including with nontraditional partners. Continuously ideate and identify new approaches and partners that go beyond advocacy as usual.
Legislative and Policy Tracking : Oversee the expansion of IRC’s legislative reach by tracking, understanding and anticipating policy trends, shifting government positions, individuals and organizations engaging on our issues, and the politics around our issues. Build strategic influence plans around legislative processes & profile opportunities/events; this includes hearings, deadlines and processes for engaging in annual bills, and major ad hoc bills moving in our space. Actively pivot and execute on influence strategy based on emerging opportunities.
Policy Generation and Contextualization : Contribute to policy generation and prioritization by providing U.S. specific insights that increase the credibility and efficacy of our solutions through constant collaboration with Policy and Solutions colleagues. Support IRC’s policy team in identifying and developing policy priorities that are impactful and achievable. Draft policy, amendments, and research state regulations to inform recommendations and enhance program implementations.
Communications and Profile Strategy : In close collaboration with the global communications team, identify shared external relations priorities and opportunities. Provide market and audience expertise to communications team to shape communications specific to the U.S. and develop materials for advocacy targets, including digital/social content and take‑actions. Act as sign‑off point on U.S.‑facing external content when relevant. Identify and leverage opportunities to raise influence and profile in the U.S. through strategic events and other activities.
Senior Leadership Engagement : Identify and implement opportunities to leverage IRC's CEO and other senior leaders to amplify IRC's thought leadership on our issue areas through meetings with senior officials, politicians and other NGOs. Provide briefing materials and provide in‑person staffing for meetings as appropriate.
Testing and Innovation : Use network to conduct rapid analysis to test political and policy environment on new and emergent issues.
Board and Advisors : Develop an understanding of IRC’s Board and Advisors, especially their areas of expertise and influence connections in order to engage them on substantive issues and leverage their networks to deliver on advocacy objectives.
Spokesperson : Act as an IRC influence spokesperson in the U.S., communicating with journalists, policymakers, thought leaders and the public to showcase work of IRC's policy solutions and amplify our influence messages strategies.
Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion : Both in the culture of IRC, as well as in the policy solutions we develop and the ways we wield influence.
Team Management : Develop and model new ways of working, manage high‑performing team and positively contribute to IRC leadership team and IRC culture. Create an inclusive environment by establishing a culture of care and encouraging different ideas. Share time and credit with direct reports, showing appreciation and increasing visibility by giving them access to more senior staff and highlighting their accomplishments.
Key Working Relationships Internal
VP Global Policy & Advocacy and team members
VP Program Delivery, RAI Senior Executive Directors, Executive Directors, and program office staff
RAI HQ staff
Communications staff including Marketing
External
National resettlement partners & staff of local resettlement agencies or affiliates
State legislators and their staff
Local or regional media as appropriate
Term
Full Time
Job Requirements Education
Graduate degree or equivalent experience in public policy, law, or related field
Work Experience
8‑10 years working in politics or policy at the state and/or congressional level
Experience developing and implementing successful advocacy and influencing strategies, using campaigning and/or coalition advocacy techniques
Experience in developing the capacities of others (internal & external) in advocacy, including developing resources and conducting formal trainings and on‑the‑job capacity‑building with colleagues with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience with policy advocacy
Experience using strategic communications including digital channels for advocacy would be an asset
Experience working in coalition to build support amongst various stakeholders
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies
Understanding of the U.S. resettlement program and/or knowledge of policy issues related to U.S. immigration and integration is highly desirable
Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into coherent narratives
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders
Strong public speaking, presentation and networking skills
Ability to travel and to work on tight deadlines
Ability to work as a team player with remote supervision and multiple lines of internal communication and accountability
Initiative and ability to work independently on fast‑paced issues
Commitment to the IRC’s vision, missions and values
Working Environment This position has been designated as ‘Remote.’ The employee is expected to work from a private home workspace. A secure, distraction‑free workspace is required to perform job duties effectively. Up to 50% travel required, based on approved budget.
Compensation (Pay Range) Pay Range:
$120,000 - $153,000. Posted pay ranges apply to U.S.-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
US Benefits We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the U.S., these include: 10 sick days, 10 U.S. holidays, 20‑25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
Equal Opportunity Employer IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr