Legislative & Government Affairs Director

Term:

Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required

Position Status:

Exempt

Salary:

$98,000 – $120,000 per year, commensurate with skills and experience

Reports to:

CAIR-CA Chief Executive Officer

Requirements:

Access to reliable transportation to travel throughout California.

Generous Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents
• 3% employer-matched retirement plan
• 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays
• Hybrid work schedule temporarily in place: three days in-office, two days remote

About Us:

Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines of protecting the rights of free speech, religious freedom, equal employment opportunities, and the ability to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA), is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy nonprofit. Our employees are passionate, talented, and our most valuable resource. With a vision of being a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to uphold these values.

About the Role:

CAIR-CA is seeking a passionate and talented individual to fill the Legislative & Government Affairs Director position. This role will work closely with CAIR-CA Executive Directors, policy and advocacy staff, and communications teams across the state. The Director will establish and maintain strategic relationships to influence local, state, and federal legislative bodies and government agencies, representing and protecting the interests of the American Muslim community.

Duties & Responsibilities

Relationship Building (45%)

• Establish and maintain high-level relationships with elected officials, including members of Congress, to advocate for civil and human rights legislation.
• Support offices in forming relationships and partnerships with policymakers, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and funders to foster coalition building and joint advocacy efforts.
• Develop key relationships to leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
• Secure relevant funding and build relationships with foundations.

Legislative & Policy Process (15%)

• Develop and manage CAIR-CA’s legislative agenda, including planning, monitoring, evaluating, and implementing legislative initiatives.
• Advocate and testify before government committees regarding issues relevant to CAIR’s policy agenda. Train volunteers and other CAIR staff to provide testimony as needed.
• Participate in workshops and hearings on relevant policy matters and provide assessments of positions to management.
• Track legislation using CAIR-CA’s tracking system and monitor committee meetings and legislative actions. Manage the action alert system.

Management & Vision (15%)

• Provide strategic direction for advancing policy changes at the local, state, and national levels to protect the civil rights of American Muslims and promote inclusive and equitable policies.
• Lead and participate in coalitions, draft campaign letters and action alerts, and mobilize the community.
• Oversee CAIR-CA’s statewide Policy & Advocacy Committee to ensure relevant programs and projects are delivered.

Programs and Events (10%)

• Oversee statewide government relations programs and events such as Muslim Day at the Capitol, Muslim Youth Leadership Program, and the Capitol Ramadan Reception.
• Collaborate on federal advocacy efforts, such as USCMO’s Annual National Muslim Advocacy Day.

Voter Education (10%)

• Organize forums and town hall meetings to connect the American Muslim community with their elected officials and relevant political issues.
• Promote civic engagement, including voter registration, education, and turnout initiatives.
• Develop scorecards and voter guides on local and statewide issues.
• Identify opportunities for grassroots engagement on state issues, including coordinating office visits and other advocacy activities.

Other (5%)

• All CAIR-CA staff assist with general duties such as answering phones, outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public relations, or a related field (or equivalent work experience). A postgraduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum six years of full-time experience in public policy and government affairs.
• Minimum five years of experience managing teams, staff, and/or volunteers.
• Extensive experience developing policy, advocating before elected representatives, and building coalitions.
• Experience working with a political action committee and/or grassroots program.
• Public speaking experience in small and large settings, both in-person and virtually.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in policy and advocacy materials.
• Proven ability to develop key relationships and identify collaborative opportunities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and lead teams effectively.
• Self-motivated, creative, and strategic thinker.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR’s mission.
• Experience working in a nonprofit advocacy organization, trade association, legislature, government agency, or corporate government affairs office.
• Experience working with the American Muslim community.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references at CAIR-CA Job Application Portal.