Job Description
About CWS:
The Director plays a lead role in planning and managing our strategic engagement with Congress, the Administration, and relevant state-level political leaders to advance pro-refugee, pro-immigrant policies, support thoughtful and robust US leadership in international relief and development efforts, and neutralize harmful proposals that would undercut our work. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that uplift our policy priorities and – in keeping with the organization’s commitment to collective action - works in close coordination with numerous coalitions and grassroots partner organizations.
The Director oversees and supports the work of several policy-focused Advocacy team members, coordinates regularly with the National Field Director and our community organizing team, and works closely with members of our Communications team. Responsibilities:
Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
Purpose:
The Director of Policy (hereafter, ‘the Director’) leads a dynamic, mission-centered team of advocates seeking to influence U.S. government attitudes and decisions on the organization’s key priorities. As a senior member of the CWS Advocacy Team, the Director reports to the Senior Director of External Relations and works closely with members of the CWS senior leadership team, the National Field Director, and other members of the Advocacy Team to effectively shape and advance our policy and advocacy goals at the national, state, and local levels.
The Director plays a lead role in planning and managing our strategic engagement with Congress, the Administration, and relevant state-level political leaders to advance pro-refugee, pro-immigrant policies, support thoughtful and robust US leadership in international relief and development efforts, and neutralize harmful proposals that would undercut our work. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that uplift our policy priorities and – in keeping with the organization’s commitment to collective action - works in close coordination with numerous coalitions and grassroots partner organizations.
The Director oversees and supports the work of several policy-focused Advocacy team members, coordinates regularly with the National Field Director and our community organizing team, and works closely with members of our Communications team.
- Serve as a visionary leader who can communicate and execute CWS’s overall vision into actionable plans that promote the organization's objectives.
- Engage with Members of Congress and state lawmakers to develop policy strategy, draft legislation and other policy proposals, help create and disseminate CWS policy and programs factsheets, testimony, etc., and provide recommendations for hearings, legislation, briefings, and other public and private actions.
- Engage with the federal Administration and provide recommendations on policy solutions across U.S., and increasingly global, programs, identify and relay challenges and best practices, and advocate for changes that have a positive impact for those we serve.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key political and community leaders to help create an understanding of and support for CWS’s objectives and mission.
- Provide reliable, timely analysis and strategic guidance to CWS leadership on our engagement work at national, state, and local levels.
- Deepen CWS policy portfolios around refugee protection and resettlement, asylum and border issues, immigration, unaccompanied children and children’s rights issues, housing needs, and other domestic human needs issues as needed, including around appropriations, budget, oversight, and legislative initiatives.
- Advise and support advocacy initiatives pertaining to domestic US anti-poverty, food security and equity efforts, international relief and development priorities relevant to CWS, and global issues, including climate change and forced migration, etc.
- Help guide and inform the efforts of CWS offices and affiliates, CWS member communions, community organizers, and other CWS constituents to make their voices heard in public narratives and influence decision makers.
- Supervise and support policy-focused members of the Advocacy team; coordinate closely with the National Field Director and Director of Community Organizing; and collaborate with the Communications team.
- In collaboration with Advocacy Team leadership, ensure the involvement of grassroots leaders and impacted individuals in identifying, crafting and amplifying CWS priorities.
- In collaboration with Advocacy Team leadership, represent the Advocacy Team with private philanthropy and oversee grant management and funder relations in partnership with the Business Development team.
- In collaboration with Advocacy Team leadership, develop and monitor the Advocacy Team budget.
- Develop and share advocacy materials regarding legislative developments to resettlement and immigrants’ rights partners, policy makers, and the media.
- In collaboration with Advocacy Team leadership, oversee the Advocacy Team’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts.
- Bachelor's degree in political science, human rights, or related field required. Law degree or master's degree in humanitarian protection, law, public policy, or related field preferred.
- 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in advocacy, community organizing, or direct service work, preferably involving immigration and refugee issues.
- Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively people both inside and outside the organization; demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum.
- Extensive experience with the U.S. political process, current political dynamics, and policy issues, particularly those impacting the lives of immigrants and refugees.
- A broad understanding of national, state, and local policies that pertain to refugees and immigrants is required; expertise in racial justice and related issues is especially helpful.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a public spokesperson and advocate; ability to analyze and articulate legal concepts and other complex issues and to communicate them to a variety of audiences.
- Experience representing an organization and/or coalition in an advocacy capacity.
- Understanding of and commitment to social change through building the capacity and power of refugees, other people with lived experience of forced migration, and community leaders.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory language.
- The ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience effectively supervising and developing staff.
- Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
- Ability to build relationships with relevant policy partners (government, policy shops, academic institutions, etc.).
- Experience or comfort working with U.S. faith communities.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment required.
- Work Hours: Must be willing to occasionally adjust work hours to include evening and weekend responsibilities, as necessary.
- Travel requirements: Periodic travel will be required as needed in accordance with CDC and safety considerations, and CWS COVID safety protocols.
- Background check required.
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