The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is looking for a Director, State Advocacy. As a force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions. In this role, you will lead the development of state and local Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) Policy and Advocacy strategies, manage staff, engage with RAI program offices, and act as a key external representative to drive policy change.
What You'll Do
- Develop and oversee implementation of a multi-year advocacy strategy to advance IRC's key influence priorities.
- Build and manage IRC's credibility, profile, and relationships with key US stakeholders to advance advocacy strategies.
- Lead the strategy for influence and development of power maps for key policy issues to identify targets and develop creative influence strategies.
- Oversee legislative and policy tracking, anticipate trends, and build strategic influence plans around legislative processes.
- Contribute to policy generation and prioritization by providing US-specific insights and drafting policy and amendments.
- Identify shared external relations priorities and opportunities with the global communications team and develop materials for advocacy targets.
- Identify and implement opportunities to leverage IRC's CEO and other senior leaders to amplify thought leadership.
- Use network to conduct rapid analysis to test political and policy environment on new and emergent issues.
- Develop an understanding of IRC's Board and Advisors to leverage their networks for advocacy objectives.
- Act as an IRC influence spokesperson in the US, communicating with journalists, policymakers, and the public.
- Steward Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in IRC's culture and policy solutions.
- Manage a high-performing team, create an inclusive environment, and share credit with direct reports.
What We're Looking For
- Graduate degree or equivalent experience in public policy, law, or a related field.
- 8-10 years working in politics or policy at the state and/or congressional level.
- Experience developing and implementing successful advocacy and influencing strategies, using campaigning and/or coalition advocacy techniques.
- Experience in developing the capacities of others (internal & external) in advocacy, including developing resources and conducting trainings.
- Understanding of the U.S. resettlement program and/or knowledge of policy issues related to U.S. immigration and integration is highly desirable.
- Excellent writing skills and the ability to translate complex material and data into coherent narratives.
- Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong public speaking, presentation and networking skills.
- Ability to travel and to work on tight deadlines.
- Ability to work as a team player with remote supervision and multiple lines of internal communication and accountability.
- Initiative and ability to work independently on fast-paced issues.
- Commitment to the IRC's vision, missions and values.
Nice to Have
- Experience in using strategic communications including digital channels for advocacy would be an asset.
- Experience working in coalition to build support amongst various stakeholders.
Team & Environment
You will manage at least one full-time staff member. This role is part of the Global Advocacy & Influence Department, collaborating closely with the RAI federal policy and advocacy team and the RAI program delivery team. You will report to the VP of Global Policy & Advocacy.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation: $120,000 - $153,000
Work Mode
This is a remote position open to candidates located within the United States.
The IRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment. We adhere to the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct: Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability.
