Policy Counsel

Company: HIAS Inc
Location: Silver Spring
Posted on: September 13, 2020

Job Description:

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HIAS seeks a Policy Counsel to join HIAS’ Policy and Advocacy team. The Policy Counsel will, together with the team, develop policy recommendations and promote them through advocacy and public education campaigns. Counsel will be responsible for conducting policy analysis on issues related to U.S. asylum law and resettlement policy; and will draft legislative language and policy proposals. They will also engage in direct advocacy; produce advocacy materials, and help to foster relationships with HIAS advocacy partners. The Policy Counsel will conduct research, primarily focused on U.S. asylum policy, to inform HIAS advocacy and policy recommendations. They will represent HIAS before U.S. government officials, coalition partners based in Washington D.C. and various network partners. They will work closely with the Vice President, Policy and Advocacy, the Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy, HIAS legal fellows, and asylum attorneys in our global offices, along with other HIAS staff, to engage in HIAS’ advocacy and policy agenda. They will also engage organizations and individuals around the country in advocacy, with a focus on the American Jewish community.

Essential Functions:

Develops advocacy priorities and strategies to promote fair and humane refugee and immigration policies, with a particular emphasis on U.S. asylum policy.

Conducts policy analysis on HIAS’ advocacy priorities, with a particular emphasis on U.S. asylum law and policies.

Conduct policy-focused research, with a focus on U.S. asylum law and policies.

Pursues policy and advocacy goals that reflect cross-departmental, cross-unit, and network advocacy needs.

Meets and communicates with Congress and the Administration to promote HIAS’ policy priorities.

Monitors policy and political developments, including Congressional hearings, votes, floor sessions, and Administration policy developments.

Builds and cultivates relationships with influencers and allies.

Drafts statements, letters, factsheets, vote recommendations, legislation and other resources related to asylum, refugee and immigration policies for a wide number of audiences including Congressional committees, policy makers, and the public.

Coordinates with the Communications team to develop policy content for HIAS’ external communications.

Represents HIAS Policy and Advocacy Department at meetings and conferences.

Qualifications and Requirements:

A minimum of 3 years’ experience with policymaking and/or policy analysis and an additional 2 or more years of demonstrated experience in U.S. immigration and refugee laws and policies, with a preference for a strong background in U.S. asylum policy.

Outstanding research and writing skills.

Familiarity with the operations of Congress and/or federal agencies, including existing relationships with key stakeholders (including, but not limited to policymakers and other advocates).

Excellent interpersonal and persuasive strategic communication skills and ability to effectively build consensus among multiple stakeholders.

Demonstrated experience with public speaking and ability to and represent HIAS to external audiences.

Excellent organizational, problem-solving and project management skills required; ability to manage several projects simultaneously in a fast paced environment.

Keywords: HIAS Inc, Silver Spring , Policy Counsel, Other , Silver Spring, Maryland