Chinese American Service League
Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy
Chinese American Service League, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Join CASL as the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy and Make a Difference
How would you like to drive policy changes that uplift communities and advocate for equitable solutions? Join CASL as our Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy and be the voice that shapes a brighter future for all!
Your Mission:
The Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy is the senior government relations advisor to the CEO, COO, and senior leadership, reporting to the Vice President of Community Impact. The Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Chinese American Service League (CASL) by leading government relations, shaping public policy, and advocating for equitable and inclusive policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This position serves as the primary representative of CASL to elected officials and key stakeholders, building strong relationships and influencing policy decisions that support CASL's strategic goals. The Director collaborates with internal teams, ensuring CASL's policy priorities align with its mission to create lasting community impact. Additionally, this role ensures the organization's voice is amplified through advocacy efforts and public policy engagement.
About CASL:
The Chinese American Service League is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to empowering and serving the Chinese American population and the broader communities. Established with a rich history spanning several decades, CASL has consistently evolved to address the evolving needs of its constituents while fostering cultural pride, integration, and community development.
For over 45 years, CASL's comprehensive programs have connected families and individuals with the vital support they need: providing an educational and cultural foundation for our children, ensuring our seniors live full and independent lives with dignity, enhancing education and training for tomorrow's workforce, putting immigrants on the pathway to citizenship, securing our community's housing and financial well-being, navigating healthcare systems and wellness resources, and providing equal access to justice. Since our founding, CASL has been rooted in the principles of equity and justice. That legacy continues to shape our efforts today as we strive to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all levels of the organization.
To hear about:
CASL's history, watch here
CASL's future, watch here
Your Impact:
As the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, you will:
Key Responsibilities:Relationship Building and Advocacy : Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with government officials, legislative offices, industry partners, and thought leaders. Establish and monitor clear engagement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of these relationships in influencing public discourse and shaping policies aligned with CASL's mission.Strategic Leadership : Provide leadership and oversight on government relations initiatives, setting measurable goals and performance benchmarks to ensure alignment with CASL's strategic objectives.Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy : Develop, coordinate, implement legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts to advance CASL's interests at the local, state, and federal levels. Establish clear KPIs to measure the effectiveness of these efforts and regularly report on progress to senior leadership. Ensure accountability by implementing feedback mechanisms that drive continuous improvement in advocacy strategies.Monitoring and Reporting : Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative, budgetary, and administrative agency developments that could affect CASL's mission and objectives. Set timelines for regular reporting and ensure that all updates to senior leadership include actionable insights and recommendations.Policy Development and Submission : Support the Director of Policy and Research in drafting and submitting policy comments on behalf of CASL leadership at the city, state, and federal levels. Establish clear deadlines and track submission outcomes to measure the influence of CASL's policy efforts. Ensure accountability by regularly reviewing the impact of these submissions on legislative and regulatory decisions.Advocacy Plan Oversight : Maintain an up-to-date advocacy plan and dashboard tracking relationships with government and civic officials, with specific performance metrics to evaluate the success of these relationships in securing revenue opportunities and achieving organizational goals. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the advocacy plan.Engagement Strategy : Develop tailored engagement strategies for elected representatives and key government officials, with clear performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of these engagements in advancing CASL's policy agenda. Regularly report on the outcomes of these strategies.Government Affairs Initiatives : Lead CASL's government affairs efforts, advocating for policy issues that impact CASL's mission and the communities it serves, with a particular focus on the AANHPI and minority sectors.Monitoring Industry Groups : Oversee and maintain a comprehensive list of industry groups in which CASL participates, ensuring regular evaluation of effectiveness and strategic alignment.Communications : Effectively navigates complex political and policy issues by providing senior leadership with clear, concise, and actionable communication both internally and externally. Set accountability measures to ensure that all communications support CASL's advocacy goals and contribute to a broader understanding of CASL's mission and policy objectives.Content Development : Research, gather, and compile information to prepare briefing summaries, reports, blogs, and articles for newsletters and other materials related to legislative and policy developments affecting CASL and the AANHPI/minority community.Training and Compliance : Complete all required internal and external training, certifications, and ethics courses to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies and best practices in government affairs.Salesforce Utilization : Ensure relevant interactions with government officials, legislative offices, industry partners, and thought leaders are captured and managed in Salesforce, fostering transparency, collaboration, and long-term relationship-building.Constituent Record Management : Actively utilize and consistently update CASL's databases to maintain accurate and comprehensive constituent records, ensuring all outreach efforts are tracked and managed.Core Values : Demonstrate integrity, collaboration, and stewardship in all advocacy and government affairs efforts, reinforcing CASL's commitment to its mission.Must Haves - To thrive in this role, you should have:
Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.Minimum of 5 - 7 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or advocacy, with demonstrated success in leading policy initiatives.Extensive experience in cultivating relationships and effectively engaging with local, state, and federal government officials, driving impactful legislative and policy initiatives.
Skills & Knowledge:In-depth expertise in navigating complex government structures and legislative processes across multiple levels of government, with a track record of advancing policy goals.Proven success in developing and executing high-level advocacy strategies that deliver measurable policy outcomes and drive systemic change.Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, effectively managing multiple high-priority projects while exercising sound judgment in setting priorities and meeting deadlines.Exceptional communication and public speaking abilities, with the capacity to influence high-ranking officials, shape public opinion, and represent CASL in diverse and high-profile forums.Demonstrated ability to establish, foster, and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with key stakeholders, driving collaboration for lasting community impact.Familiarity in utilizing CRM platforms such as Salesforce and project management tools like Asana is preferred.Ensure confidentiality of information is maintained appropriately by following CASL policies/proceduresPhysical Demands:
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.Environment and Scheduling:
Standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), with flexibility to work additional hours, as necessary.Occasional travel is required for local, state, and national engagements.
Why Choose CASL:
Inclusivity:
Join an organization that values mutual respect and acceptance, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
Empowerment:
Support staff empowerment through skill development and growth opportunities.
Collaboration:
Be part of a workplace that thrives on collaboration and teamwork.
Transformation:
Envision and realize transformative changes in people, processes, and policies.
Resiliency:
Work with a dynamic workforce and model resiliency to achieve collective strengths.
Benefits:
Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full-time employee, you'll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage; Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA); Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Disability Insurance; Voluntary Worksite Benefits, Pet Insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additionally, our holiday schedule includes New Year's Day, MLK Day, Chinese New Year, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People's Day, Thanksgiving, the Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Join Us and Make a Difference:
Join us at CASL, where together, we create a brighter future for our community.
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Each resume is reviewed personally by our dedicated team members, not AI. This thorough and thoughtful evaluation process may take a bit of time, so we kindly ask for your patience. Rest assured, we will get back to you as soon as we have an update on your application status. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reviewing your application.
At CASL, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success. If you're excited about the opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to submit your application. Our company culture thrives on the unique talents and experiences that each individual brings to the table. We're looking for the right fit, and that goes beyond a checklist of qualifications. Join us in shaping a dynamic and inclusive team where your skills and contributions truly matter.
CASL is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
How would you like to drive policy changes that uplift communities and advocate for equitable solutions? Join CASL as our Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy and be the voice that shapes a brighter future for all!
Your Mission:
The Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy is the senior government relations advisor to the CEO, COO, and senior leadership, reporting to the Vice President of Community Impact. The Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Chinese American Service League (CASL) by leading government relations, shaping public policy, and advocating for equitable and inclusive policies at the local, state, and federal levels. This position serves as the primary representative of CASL to elected officials and key stakeholders, building strong relationships and influencing policy decisions that support CASL's strategic goals. The Director collaborates with internal teams, ensuring CASL's policy priorities align with its mission to create lasting community impact. Additionally, this role ensures the organization's voice is amplified through advocacy efforts and public policy engagement.
About CASL:
The Chinese American Service League is a dynamic and forward-thinking organization dedicated to empowering and serving the Chinese American population and the broader communities. Established with a rich history spanning several decades, CASL has consistently evolved to address the evolving needs of its constituents while fostering cultural pride, integration, and community development.
For over 45 years, CASL's comprehensive programs have connected families and individuals with the vital support they need: providing an educational and cultural foundation for our children, ensuring our seniors live full and independent lives with dignity, enhancing education and training for tomorrow's workforce, putting immigrants on the pathway to citizenship, securing our community's housing and financial well-being, navigating healthcare systems and wellness resources, and providing equal access to justice. Since our founding, CASL has been rooted in the principles of equity and justice. That legacy continues to shape our efforts today as we strive to champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all levels of the organization.
To hear about:
CASL's history, watch here
CASL's future, watch here
Your Impact:
As the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy, you will:
Key Responsibilities:Relationship Building and Advocacy : Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with government officials, legislative offices, industry partners, and thought leaders. Establish and monitor clear engagement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of these relationships in influencing public discourse and shaping policies aligned with CASL's mission.Strategic Leadership : Provide leadership and oversight on government relations initiatives, setting measurable goals and performance benchmarks to ensure alignment with CASL's strategic objectives.Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy : Develop, coordinate, implement legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts to advance CASL's interests at the local, state, and federal levels. Establish clear KPIs to measure the effectiveness of these efforts and regularly report on progress to senior leadership. Ensure accountability by implementing feedback mechanisms that drive continuous improvement in advocacy strategies.Monitoring and Reporting : Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative, budgetary, and administrative agency developments that could affect CASL's mission and objectives. Set timelines for regular reporting and ensure that all updates to senior leadership include actionable insights and recommendations.Policy Development and Submission : Support the Director of Policy and Research in drafting and submitting policy comments on behalf of CASL leadership at the city, state, and federal levels. Establish clear deadlines and track submission outcomes to measure the influence of CASL's policy efforts. Ensure accountability by regularly reviewing the impact of these submissions on legislative and regulatory decisions.Advocacy Plan Oversight : Maintain an up-to-date advocacy plan and dashboard tracking relationships with government and civic officials, with specific performance metrics to evaluate the success of these relationships in securing revenue opportunities and achieving organizational goals. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the advocacy plan.Engagement Strategy : Develop tailored engagement strategies for elected representatives and key government officials, with clear performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of these engagements in advancing CASL's policy agenda. Regularly report on the outcomes of these strategies.Government Affairs Initiatives : Lead CASL's government affairs efforts, advocating for policy issues that impact CASL's mission and the communities it serves, with a particular focus on the AANHPI and minority sectors.Monitoring Industry Groups : Oversee and maintain a comprehensive list of industry groups in which CASL participates, ensuring regular evaluation of effectiveness and strategic alignment.Communications : Effectively navigates complex political and policy issues by providing senior leadership with clear, concise, and actionable communication both internally and externally. Set accountability measures to ensure that all communications support CASL's advocacy goals and contribute to a broader understanding of CASL's mission and policy objectives.Content Development : Research, gather, and compile information to prepare briefing summaries, reports, blogs, and articles for newsletters and other materials related to legislative and policy developments affecting CASL and the AANHPI/minority community.Training and Compliance : Complete all required internal and external training, certifications, and ethics courses to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies and best practices in government affairs.Salesforce Utilization : Ensure relevant interactions with government officials, legislative offices, industry partners, and thought leaders are captured and managed in Salesforce, fostering transparency, collaboration, and long-term relationship-building.Constituent Record Management : Actively utilize and consistently update CASL's databases to maintain accurate and comprehensive constituent records, ensuring all outreach efforts are tracked and managed.Core Values : Demonstrate integrity, collaboration, and stewardship in all advocacy and government affairs efforts, reinforcing CASL's commitment to its mission.Must Haves - To thrive in this role, you should have:
Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.Minimum of 5 - 7 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or advocacy, with demonstrated success in leading policy initiatives.Extensive experience in cultivating relationships and effectively engaging with local, state, and federal government officials, driving impactful legislative and policy initiatives.
Skills & Knowledge:In-depth expertise in navigating complex government structures and legislative processes across multiple levels of government, with a track record of advancing policy goals.Proven success in developing and executing high-level advocacy strategies that deliver measurable policy outcomes and drive systemic change.Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, effectively managing multiple high-priority projects while exercising sound judgment in setting priorities and meeting deadlines.Exceptional communication and public speaking abilities, with the capacity to influence high-ranking officials, shape public opinion, and represent CASL in diverse and high-profile forums.Demonstrated ability to establish, foster, and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with key stakeholders, driving collaboration for lasting community impact.Familiarity in utilizing CRM platforms such as Salesforce and project management tools like Asana is preferred.Ensure confidentiality of information is maintained appropriately by following CASL policies/proceduresPhysical Demands:
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.Environment and Scheduling:
Standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), with flexibility to work additional hours, as necessary.Occasional travel is required for local, state, and national engagements.
Why Choose CASL:
Inclusivity:
Join an organization that values mutual respect and acceptance, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
Empowerment:
Support staff empowerment through skill development and growth opportunities.
Collaboration:
Be part of a workplace that thrives on collaboration and teamwork.
Transformation:
Envision and realize transformative changes in people, processes, and policies.
Resiliency:
Work with a dynamic workforce and model resiliency to achieve collective strengths.
Benefits:
Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full-time employee, you'll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs: Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage; Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA); Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Disability Insurance; Voluntary Worksite Benefits, Pet Insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Additionally, our holiday schedule includes New Year's Day, MLK Day, Chinese New Year, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People's Day, Thanksgiving, the Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day.
Join Us and Make a Difference:
Join us at CASL, where together, we create a brighter future for our community.
Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Each resume is reviewed personally by our dedicated team members, not AI. This thorough and thoughtful evaluation process may take a bit of time, so we kindly ask for your patience. Rest assured, we will get back to you as soon as we have an update on your application status. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to reviewing your application.
At CASL, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success. If you're excited about the opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to submit your application. Our company culture thrives on the unique talents and experiences that each individual brings to the table. We're looking for the right fit, and that goes beyond a checklist of qualifications. Join us in shaping a dynamic and inclusive team where your skills and contributions truly matter.
CASL is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.