Policy Counsel

POSITION: Policy Counsel

JOB TYPE: Full Time

PUBLISHED: 3/24/26

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4/17/26

LOCATION: Washington, DC

About AAI:  The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAI) is a national civil rights organization providing strategic analysis to community members, partners, and policymakers to strengthen our democracy, protect civil rights and liberties, and defend human rights. AAI mobilizes more than four million Arab Americans across the country to ensure an informed, organized, and effective constituency is represented in all aspects of civic life. Through research and analysis, convenings and forums, issue briefs and reports, and direct community and media engagement, AAI maintains a strong presence in policymaking on issues impacting civil rights, civil liberties, the First Amendment, and an inclusive democracy. Our programming equips communities with the tools and data necessary to strategically combat xenophobia, anti-Arab racism, and bigotry in all its forms.

Our Theory of Change: Our democracy is strongest when communities are empowered and engaged. We believe that advancing the democratic ideals of equality, justice, and inclusion requires every community to participate fully in civic life.

Our Team: AAI is committed to principled, impactful work in service of civil and human rights for all. An ideal AAI team member is a self-starter who can manage competing priorities and brings a deep commitment to protecting civil rights, human rights, and civil liberties. We are a dedicated, collaborative team united by a shared mission and a drive to make that mission count.

AAI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Work Environment: AAI’s team is mission-driven, fast-paced, and collaborative. Our office, just blocks from the White House, operates Monday through Friday. We currently work in-office Tuesday through Thursday, with remote work available on Mondays and Fridays, though candidates should be prepared for this policy to shift to fully in-person. Some travel and additional hours may be required.

Compensation and Benefits: The target salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience. AAI also offers a competitive benefits package, including excellent health insurance, a retirement plan, and a generous leave policy.

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POSITION SUMMARY 

The Policy Counsel will lead and advance policy education related mainly to educational equity and academic freedom. The Policy Counsel helps to set priorities, guide strategy, and ensure alignment with the organization’s overall goals. In close coordination with other members of the policy team, the Policy Counsel helps advance AAI’s strategic objectives across areas of focus and monitors emerging legislative, legal, and political developments, elevating urgent or high-impact issues for rapid response and leadership input. This position requires expertise in policy and law, along with strong skills in coalition-building and community engagement.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Policy Counsel must be adaptable to evolving responsibilities and capable of managing both time-sensitive and long-term projects across a range of organizational priorities. Essential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Policy Analysis and Education:

• Monitor, analyze, and interpret local, state, and federal policies related to educational equity, free speech, DEIA, equal protection, and related topics.
• Track legislative proposals, regulatory actions, and emerging policy trends to identify potential impacts on marginalized communities and draft potential responses and recommendations that advance civil rights protections and equitable access.
• Produce policy briefs, fact sheets, issue analyses, and position statements to inform strategies, coalition work, and public education efforts.
• Maintain and periodically update internal and public-facing resources on key policy issues, including developments affecting schools, universities, and other public institutions.
• Provide analysis and guidance on legal developments affecting these policy areas. When needed, identify and elevate opportunities to submit amicus briefs and join impact litigation in cases related to our work.

Coalition Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with national and local civil rights organizations, advocacy groups, and policy partners.
• Participate in coalitions and working groups addressing civil rights issues, sharing policy analysis and contributing to jointly developed strategies.
• Engage with partners across sectors—including educators, community organizations, and policy experts—to ensure that policy responses reflect on-the-ground experiences and community needs.
• Help convene partners or stakeholders when coordination is needed around emerging policy issues.

Community Engagement and Public Education:

• Work with community leaders and organizations to share policy updates and provide accessible information about issues affecting their communities.
• Support public education efforts through briefings, trainings, and presentations for community members, advocates, and stakeholders.
• Help translate complex policy developments into clear guidance that communities can use in local engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

·       J.D. degree and bar membership in good standing.

·       2-5 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative work, or community-based practice, preferably in civil rights, education, or social justice.

·       Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues for broad audiences.

·       Experience in coalition-building and working with community partners and advocacy groups.

·       Cultural competency and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

·       Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

·       Familiarity with Title VI, First Amendment, and other legal frameworks addressing education equity and free speech preferred.

The responsibilities outlined above describe the general nature and level of work expected of this role. They do not constitute an exhaustive list of all duties or requirements. AAI reserves the right to amend responsibilities and requirements as needed to meet organizational needs.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing samples, and three references to Margaret Lowry (opportunities@aaiusa.org). Additional information may be available at www.aaiusa.org/opportunities.   

Due to the volume of applications received, we are only able to respond directly to candidates selected for an interview. Thank you for your interest in AAI.