Director, Immigration Policy Project

Summary

The Director of the Immigration Policy Project is responsible for driving policy priorities that align with our organizational strategic goals, including executing policy, advocacy, and communications strategy. This position involves leading the organization’s campaigns to defend immigrants and advance pro-immigrant policies at the federal level and in key states. The Director manages the immigration policy team, working in coordination with other issue teams and colleagues across the organization to leverage all UnidosUS assets in advancing immigration priorities. Success in this role requires a strong background in leading immigration campaigns, advising senior management, and effectively representing the organization in coalitions and high-level gatherings with lawmakers, their aides, and the administration. This position is part of the Policy and Advocacy management team and reports to the Senior Director of Legislative Affairs.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC. Depending on the candidate, remote work may be considered, with periodic travel to Washington, DC.

Salary: $133,830-$150,486

Note: Only applicants who submit a cover letter along with a resume will be considered for this opportunity.

Essential Functions

Management and Strategy

• Understand UnidosUS’s overall strategic direction; build and align an immigration portfolio and campaign with Legislative and Political Affairs and the Policy and Advocacy management team.
• Set strategic direction, identify and measure goals, and determine tactics for the Immigration Policy Project.
• Maintain substantive depth in a range of immigration policy issues, including emerging policy issues that affect the Latino community. Oversee and direct policy analysis, recommendations, and solutions.
• Supervise and support a team dedicated to expert policy analysis, research, and advocacy on multiple immigration issues.
• Provide support and guidance on immigration policy documents, including research reports, issue briefs, policy memoranda, regulatory comments, public testimony, and talking points for the UnidosUS President & CEO.
• Collaborate strategically with staff across the organization to advance goals (e.g., program colleagues, state policy staff, Affiliate Engagement Team, Marketing and Communications).
• Keep UnidosUS President and CEO and senior leadership informed of the policy and political landscape, including related threats and opportunities.

External Leadership

• Coordinate, develop, and participate in public policy forums, summits, briefings, and other events where relevant immigration policy matters are discussed.
• Build and sustain diverse partnerships with policy allies across the political spectrum, including immigrant and civil rights organizations, policy think tanks, and thought leaders.
• Serve as a spokesperson on Latino immigration policy priorities, representing UnidosUS in internal and external meetings, and before congressional staff, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Work with the media through our Marketing and Communications team, providing guidance on external communications, rapid response, and as lead spokesperson on immigration, including on camera and in Spanish-language media.

Fundraising and Budgeting

• Manage the Project’s budgets and track expenses within the immigration portfolio and as part of institutional cross-cutting activities.
• Lead and support fundraising efforts to maintain and grow immigration policy activities and the capacity of the immigration team. Manage key funder relationships.
• Responsible for internal and external relationship management related to immigration policy activities with foundations and funders.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree, law degree, or equivalent experience.
• Twelve (12) to sixteen (16) years of relevant experience in policy, legal, issue campaigns, or legislative roles.
• Minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience.
• Experience conducting policy analysis and developing immigration policy solutions.
• Project management experience, including budget management.
• Bilingual Spanish-English fluency required.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the Latino community.

Skills and Abilities

• Steadfast commitment to UnidosUS mission, vision, and values (Excellence, Respect, Accountability).
• Familiarity with and commitment to the Latino community, Latino nonprofit organizations, and the Latino market.
• Experience with and understanding of immigration issues facing Latinos and immigrants.
• Experience communicating policy ideas in public settings such as congressional hearings, major conferences, or written materials such as reports or issue briefs.
• Excellent communication skills—written, oral, editorial, and analytical.
• Effective political strategist with good judgment in complex policy environments, with a keen sense for rapid response.
• Ability to collaborate across teams, take initiative, work under tight deadlines, and coordinate multiple projects.
• Experience supervising and growing a team, fundraising, and managing funders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams), statistical software, and data sources.
• Acute attention to detail.

Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on conflict resolution without blaming, maintains confidentiality, listens attentively, remains open to others’ ideas, and tries new approaches.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively, responds to questions, and demonstrates effective group presentation skills.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly, edits work for accuracy, presents numerical data effectively, and interprets written information.
• Project Management: Develops and coordinates projects, communicates changes, and ensures on-time, on-budget project completion.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities, contributes to team success, and supports group efforts to achieve goals.
• Leadership: Inspires and motivates others, provides feedback, and recognizes contributions.
• Managing People: Involves staff in planning, facilitates process improvement, and fosters a quality-focused environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Able to work independently and remotely.
• Ability to spend time on the Hill and work in a hybrid environment.
• Able to accurately complete detailed forms and reports.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to sit for long periods and use visual acuity to operate equipment and read technical information.

COVID-19 Considerations

• All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About Us

UnidosUS, formerly known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations, UnidosUS addresses social, economic, and political barriers affecting Latinos at both national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities, fostering collaboration and seeking common ground.

For more information, visit UnidosUS.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UnidosUS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in education programs.