Director for Advocacy

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Director for Advocacy will provide strategic leadership for Global Refuge’s advocacy efforts, developing and implementing a comprehensive departmental strategy to advance the organization’s mission at all levels of government. Collaborate closely with the President & CEO and Senior Leadership Team to align on strategic priorities and coordinate tactical engagement.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, care for unaccompanied children, and economic empowerment and employment.

Our work also extends to Guatemala and Mexico, where we help young people with skills training and community reintegration. To date, we have served over 800,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Benefits

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth, and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage available the first day of employment

Generous paid time off, including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 paid holidays

12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave

Company 403(b) contribution of 3%, with an additional 7% match which vests immediately

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn’t just our duty—it’s an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values, serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Duties

Supervise and support Advocacy staff, assigning responsibilities, overseeing diverse portfolios, and fostering excellence through regular engagement and application of policy expertise.

Actively maintain interdepartmental communication and coordination with the Global Refuge leadership, specifically ensuring Advocacy priorities and messaging are consistent with those of Communications and the President’s Office.

Ensure the Advocacy team fulfills its internal responsibilities within Global Refuge, including timely and accurate responsiveness to senior leadership and the Board of Directors. Provide consistent input into organizational planning, deliver regular updates, and actively contribute to strategic decision-making.

Proactively cultivate and sustain relationships with elected officials and their staff at all levels of government. Direct advocacy staff in building a strategic network to influence legislation and policy in support of Global Refuge’s clients and mission. Strategically position and deploy the President & CEO for high-level, principal meetings.

Position Global Refuge as a recognized thought leader and trusted resource for policymakers in key areas, including but not limited to refugee resettlement, unaccompanied children, humanitarian parole, climate migration, and family reunification.

Ensure Global Refuge’s active leadership and representation in nonprofit advocacy coalitions, collaborating with partner organizations to advance shared priorities. Promote Global Refuge’s advocacy issues within these networks and leverage coalition influence to shape decision-maker perspectives, engage the media, and inform public sentiment.

Lead campaigns to educate and mobilize key constituent groups—including Lutherans, refugees, and migrants—to become informed, empowered, and effective advocates for Global Refuge’s strategic priorities.

Collaborate with the Communications team on statements, letters, and website content. Guide the development of resources on refugee and immigration policy for Congressional committees, policymakers, and the broader public.

Provide regular reports to Global Refuge senior leadership on departmental developments, outcomes, and upcoming initiatives to ensure informed decision-making and coordination.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in political science, international affairs, or a related field; law or master’s degree or equivalent strongly preferred

10–15 years of relevant experience and/or sufficient combination of training and experience in Advocacy

Prior staff management experience of five years or more

Broad network of existing relationships with congressional staff members, administration officials, coalition partners, fellow advocates, and constituents

Proven ability to cultivate and expand networks of influential decision-makers, maintaining strong relationships while proactively identifying new strategic connections

Expertise in immigration law and policy, with a passion for advocacy on behalf of refugees and migrants

Extensive experience summarizing, analyzing, and presenting on legislative and policy developments

Experience in successful nonprofit coalition work

Excellent communication skills, especially writing and public speaking, with demonstrated ability to adjust communication styles for different audiences

Ability to work collegially across departments and units

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and relationship management software

Effective team collaboration and meeting facilitation skills

Domestic travel (up to 10%) to meet and learn from Global Refuge constituents, church leaders, network partners, and migrants and refugees

Deep commitment to Global Refuge’s core values and the ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.

Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org

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