National Immigration Law Center
Senior Policy Counsel
National Immigration Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
About the Organization
Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is a leading non-profit organization (501(c)3) in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S. regardless of race, gender/gender identity, immigration status, or economic status — should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential.NILC is committed to advancing its mission — which intersects race, immigration status, and class — through racial, economic, and gender justice and equity orientation.
About the Role
The Senior Policy Counsel at NILC is a subject matter policy expert who will play a lead role in driving NILC’s policy work through innovative and equitable policy analysis, development, and improvement. The Senior Policy Counsel will work via NILC’s cross-functional Programs workgroup structure to execute the organization's policy agenda, including drafting regulatory comments and legislation, conducting research, developing reports and other materials in support of NILC’s policy and advocacy agenda, providing counsel and strategic advice to support immigration advocates’ work, both within NILC and in collaboration with partner organizations and coalitions.This role is a member of the bargaining unit.The Senior Policy Counsel will be responsible for providing leadership and driving success in the following key areas:
Specific Position Responsibilities
Strategy and Expertise
Support Programs leadership in the creation of federal, state, and local policy agendas with priorities designed to expand and defend the rights of low-income immigrants and their loved ones & advocate to enact that agenda.Serve as subject matter expert in one or more of NILC’s priority campaigns/issues such as access to status for undocumented immigrants, including DACA, Immigrants’ Health and Economic Supports and economic justice; Workers’ Rights; Access to Education; and/or Enforcement (Asylum/Border/Interior Enforcement).Participate in or lead part of a larger cross-functional project using the MOCHA framework/methodology.Provide subject matter expertise to NILC’s Legal team in court cases and assist with research and drafting of amicus briefs and other legal filings where appropriate.Research, Analysis, and Publications
Conduct and lead work in the areas of policy, regulatory, and legislative analysis to promote and protect the rights of low-income immigrants, at the local, state, and federal level, including drafting, commenting on, and revising proposed legislation; providing expert technical analysis and advice on pending legislation for stakeholders; participating in oversight activities & rapid response efforts; supporting NILC staff and external partners testifying at legislative hearings; and reviewing and drafting comments on federal rule making and executive action.Work closely with colleagues to develop policy materials and analysis, respond to administration initiatives and proposed regulations, and provide relevant policy recommendations to key officials, partners, and legislators.Conduct research and draft reports and other materials, including but not limited to one-pagers, white papers, fact sheets/FAQs in support of NILC’s policy and advocacy agenda.Adapt and tailor both oral and written communication for multiple diverse audiences, including policymakers, other advocates, funders and the general public.Partnerships and Coalitions
In collaboration with the Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy Department, coordinate and facilitate meetings and collaborate with key stakeholders, ally organizations and coalition partners to strategize on areas such as immigration, workers’ rights, health, education, immigration enforcement, and economic justice.Within NILC’s priorities and consistent with the Strategic Framework, communicate with partners to address their needs and direct them to resources to assist in their work.Leadership
Provide senior-level guidance, mentorship and teaching to other staff including reviewing work, providing feedback, overseeing work via workgroups, and other guidance as needed.Serve as a spokesperson with the media, present at national conferences, and engage in other public speaking that advances NILC’s mission and policy strategies.May manage and lead projects, teams, and coalitions/networks, with support and guidance from senior staff and managers.Partner with and support the Development and/or Finance Departments as requested to support NILC subgrants as well as NILC grant applications.Travel as needed to advance work, including testifying at legislative hearings.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May manage interns and fellows as needed.May manage or supervise outside consultants, third party administrators, and vendors as needed.
Shared Organization Responsibilities
Champions NILC & IJF’s mission of advancing the rights of low income immigrants by demonstrating a commitment to human rights, and racial, economic, and social justice.Attends and actively participates in NILC meetings at the organization, department, project, and individual level.Develops relationships and supports NILC and IJF colleagues across all teams.Follows through on commitments acting with a clear sense of ownership individually and collectively.Learns quickly when facing new situations by experimenting to find fresh solutions.Acts with integrity by following through on commitments, being direct and truthful, and showing consistency between words and actions.Commits to centering NILC’s values of racial justice & equity, valuing diversity, fostering partnerships & collaboration, encouraging respect & personal well-being, and striving for transparency, integrity, and honesty in all decisions and actions.In recognition of the fluidity of the work and ecosystem that NILC operates in, other duties may be assigned depending on organizational need.
What We’re Looking for in This Role
Commitment to NILC & IJF’s mission of advancing the rights of immigrants with low income and a demonstrated commitment to human rights, racial, economic and social justice, and equity.Collaborative, proactive, and action-oriented working style with a strong service mentality promoting mutual accountability.Demonstrates sound judgment in decision-making, high integrity, and utmost respect for confidentiality.Excellent verbal and written communication skills: ability to read, analyze, and interpret as well as draft documents such as reports, correspondence, and presentations for various audiences.Self-starter with a strong ability to move daily tasks forward in alignment with NILC’s broader organizational needs and goals.
Qualifications Required
Juris Doctor degree and active admission to a State Bar Association (Counsel) and/or master’s degree or Ph.D in public policy or similar advanced degree (Analyst).Deep expertise in one or more areas of NILC’s policy work.7-9+ years of experience in public policy and experience understanding and communicating complex governmental policies.Significant experience working with relevant stakeholders on developing legislation, regulations, and other policy.Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality policy analysis and content for diverse audiences.Demonstrated experience working with coalitions and advocacy partners.Proficiency with in-office and virtual environments and software such as MS Office, internet research, and virtual collaboration tools.
Preferred Qualifications
Policy experience for an advocacy non-profit organization is preferred.Proficiency in non-English languages spoken by diverse communities preferred.At NILC, we know that talented people may have different backgrounds or experiences, and if your education and experience doesn’t exactly align with the above that’s okay! NILC believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success.
Location & Travel:
NILC's office is located in Washington, D.C. For this role, up to 25% of overnight interstate travel may be required.
Compensation & Benefits:
NILC’s compensation and benefits philosophy is to provide a competitive offering in the nonprofit sector.
The salary range for this role is $111,800 – $139,800.NILC's benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, STD, and LTD insurance, healthcare and dependent care FSA, stipends and/or reimbursements for wellness, phone, and internet, generous paid time off, a robust holiday schedule, and an employee assistance program (EAP).
Physical Demands:
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.Communicating with others to exchange information.Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone.
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Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is a leading non-profit organization (501(c)3) in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. NILC’s mission is grounded in the belief that everyone living in the U.S. regardless of race, gender/gender identity, immigration status, or economic status — should have equal access to justice, resources, and educational and economic opportunities that enable them to achieve their full human potential.NILC is committed to advancing its mission — which intersects race, immigration status, and class — through racial, economic, and gender justice and equity orientation.
About the Role
The Senior Policy Counsel at NILC is a subject matter policy expert who will play a lead role in driving NILC’s policy work through innovative and equitable policy analysis, development, and improvement. The Senior Policy Counsel will work via NILC’s cross-functional Programs workgroup structure to execute the organization's policy agenda, including drafting regulatory comments and legislation, conducting research, developing reports and other materials in support of NILC’s policy and advocacy agenda, providing counsel and strategic advice to support immigration advocates’ work, both within NILC and in collaboration with partner organizations and coalitions.This role is a member of the bargaining unit.The Senior Policy Counsel will be responsible for providing leadership and driving success in the following key areas:
Specific Position Responsibilities
Strategy and Expertise
Support Programs leadership in the creation of federal, state, and local policy agendas with priorities designed to expand and defend the rights of low-income immigrants and their loved ones & advocate to enact that agenda.Serve as subject matter expert in one or more of NILC’s priority campaigns/issues such as access to status for undocumented immigrants, including DACA, Immigrants’ Health and Economic Supports and economic justice; Workers’ Rights; Access to Education; and/or Enforcement (Asylum/Border/Interior Enforcement).Participate in or lead part of a larger cross-functional project using the MOCHA framework/methodology.Provide subject matter expertise to NILC’s Legal team in court cases and assist with research and drafting of amicus briefs and other legal filings where appropriate.Research, Analysis, and Publications
Conduct and lead work in the areas of policy, regulatory, and legislative analysis to promote and protect the rights of low-income immigrants, at the local, state, and federal level, including drafting, commenting on, and revising proposed legislation; providing expert technical analysis and advice on pending legislation for stakeholders; participating in oversight activities & rapid response efforts; supporting NILC staff and external partners testifying at legislative hearings; and reviewing and drafting comments on federal rule making and executive action.Work closely with colleagues to develop policy materials and analysis, respond to administration initiatives and proposed regulations, and provide relevant policy recommendations to key officials, partners, and legislators.Conduct research and draft reports and other materials, including but not limited to one-pagers, white papers, fact sheets/FAQs in support of NILC’s policy and advocacy agenda.Adapt and tailor both oral and written communication for multiple diverse audiences, including policymakers, other advocates, funders and the general public.Partnerships and Coalitions
In collaboration with the Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy Department, coordinate and facilitate meetings and collaborate with key stakeholders, ally organizations and coalition partners to strategize on areas such as immigration, workers’ rights, health, education, immigration enforcement, and economic justice.Within NILC’s priorities and consistent with the Strategic Framework, communicate with partners to address their needs and direct them to resources to assist in their work.Leadership
Provide senior-level guidance, mentorship and teaching to other staff including reviewing work, providing feedback, overseeing work via workgroups, and other guidance as needed.Serve as a spokesperson with the media, present at national conferences, and engage in other public speaking that advances NILC’s mission and policy strategies.May manage and lead projects, teams, and coalitions/networks, with support and guidance from senior staff and managers.Partner with and support the Development and/or Finance Departments as requested to support NILC subgrants as well as NILC grant applications.Travel as needed to advance work, including testifying at legislative hearings.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May manage interns and fellows as needed.May manage or supervise outside consultants, third party administrators, and vendors as needed.
Shared Organization Responsibilities
Champions NILC & IJF’s mission of advancing the rights of low income immigrants by demonstrating a commitment to human rights, and racial, economic, and social justice.Attends and actively participates in NILC meetings at the organization, department, project, and individual level.Develops relationships and supports NILC and IJF colleagues across all teams.Follows through on commitments acting with a clear sense of ownership individually and collectively.Learns quickly when facing new situations by experimenting to find fresh solutions.Acts with integrity by following through on commitments, being direct and truthful, and showing consistency between words and actions.Commits to centering NILC’s values of racial justice & equity, valuing diversity, fostering partnerships & collaboration, encouraging respect & personal well-being, and striving for transparency, integrity, and honesty in all decisions and actions.In recognition of the fluidity of the work and ecosystem that NILC operates in, other duties may be assigned depending on organizational need.
What We’re Looking for in This Role
Commitment to NILC & IJF’s mission of advancing the rights of immigrants with low income and a demonstrated commitment to human rights, racial, economic and social justice, and equity.Collaborative, proactive, and action-oriented working style with a strong service mentality promoting mutual accountability.Demonstrates sound judgment in decision-making, high integrity, and utmost respect for confidentiality.Excellent verbal and written communication skills: ability to read, analyze, and interpret as well as draft documents such as reports, correspondence, and presentations for various audiences.Self-starter with a strong ability to move daily tasks forward in alignment with NILC’s broader organizational needs and goals.
Qualifications Required
Juris Doctor degree and active admission to a State Bar Association (Counsel) and/or master’s degree or Ph.D in public policy or similar advanced degree (Analyst).Deep expertise in one or more areas of NILC’s policy work.7-9+ years of experience in public policy and experience understanding and communicating complex governmental policies.Significant experience working with relevant stakeholders on developing legislation, regulations, and other policy.Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality policy analysis and content for diverse audiences.Demonstrated experience working with coalitions and advocacy partners.Proficiency with in-office and virtual environments and software such as MS Office, internet research, and virtual collaboration tools.
Preferred Qualifications
Policy experience for an advocacy non-profit organization is preferred.Proficiency in non-English languages spoken by diverse communities preferred.At NILC, we know that talented people may have different backgrounds or experiences, and if your education and experience doesn’t exactly align with the above that’s okay! NILC believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success.
Location & Travel:
NILC's office is located in Washington, D.C. For this role, up to 25% of overnight interstate travel may be required.
Compensation & Benefits:
NILC’s compensation and benefits philosophy is to provide a competitive offering in the nonprofit sector.
The salary range for this role is $111,800 – $139,800.NILC's benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, STD, and LTD insurance, healthcare and dependent care FSA, stipends and/or reimbursements for wellness, phone, and internet, generous paid time off, a robust holiday schedule, and an employee assistance program (EAP).
Physical Demands:
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.Communicating with others to exchange information.Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone.
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