Director of Immigrant Rights Policy

Team: Policy and Programs

Reports to: Senior Director of Policy
Employment Status: Full Time/Exempt
Salary: $92,700/year

Location:
Position is based in New York City and will require regular travel to Long Island, Mid-Hudson Valley, Albany, and occasional travel to other parts of New York State.

About the NYIC

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly 200 groups in New York State.

We envision a New York State that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams.

Mission:
To unite immigrants, members, and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive.

Key Focus Areas:

• Represent the collective interests of New York’s diverse immigrant communities and organizations.
• Devise solutions to advance them.
• Advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups.
• Build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, improve people’s lives, and strengthen our state.

Organizational Values:

• Inclusive & Representative
• Fair & Just
• Accountable & Trusted

Position Overview

The Director of Immigrant Rights Policy will lead the Immigrant Rights program within the organization’s Policy department, managing a portfolio to end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration.

The Director will drive work at the municipal, state, and federal levels to counter anti-immigrant policies, fight against overreach by immigration enforcement agencies, strengthen immigrants’ fundamental rights, and end federal-local law enforcement collusion.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership on issues including ending state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration.
• Increase funding for and access to immigration legal services and wraparound support.
• Reform detention, enforcement, and detainer policies.
• Serve as a policy lead in NYIC’s state priority campaigns, co-lead statewide coalitions, develop advocacy and educational materials, and craft campaign policy asks.
• Identify systemic problems, define strategies for change, conduct administrative tasks, and support legislative advocacy.
• Lead policy development and analysis related to:
  • Access to justice and right to counsel.
  • Ending detention in the state.
  • Guardrailing enforcement.
  • Expanding access to legal pathways.
• Support federal work and analysis in collaboration with the Policy and Programs VP and advocacy/executive leadership.
• Monitor immigration policy trends and political contexts to identify rapid-response needs and reform opportunities.
• Represent NYIC in external groups, member organizations, coalitions, and advisory bodies.
• Present at press events, conferences, workshops, and meetings.
• Contribute to organizational events and projects.
• Support fundraising efforts by meeting grant requirements and providing expertise.
• Manage program budgets.
• Occasionally handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in immigration policy analysis, program evaluation, and/or access to services.
• Strong knowledge of New York State and national political landscapes.
• Experience working with diverse coalitions and facilitating meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with elected officials, staffers, and government agencies.
• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Fluency in one of New York State’s top six languages strongly preferred (Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Russian, Haitian-Creole, Korean, or Bengali).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong judgment and the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficiency in G-Suite, Microsoft Office, Asana, and social media.
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: $92,700/year

In addition to a competitive salary, NYIC offers:

• A full benefits plan.
• Paid sick time.
• Unlimited vacation leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• A comprehensive retirement plan.

The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to [email protected] with the subject line: Director of Immigrant Rights Policy.

Deadline to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We are looking for someone to begin as soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability, or marital status.