Policy and Practice Associate/Counsel

Job Type

Full-time

Description

We Are

Headquartered in downtown Washington, DC, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an organization comprised of nearly 17,000 individual attorney members who practice and teach immigration law.

For our members, we provide continuing legal education, information, advocacy, professional services, and expertise. Founded in 1946, AILA’s mission is to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

Department Summary

The Government Relations (GR) team advocates for immigration-related legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms before Congress and the executive branch, consistent with AILA’s principles and priorities. The GR team tracks the development of law, policy, and practice and prepares resources and information for nearly 17,000 AILA members.

Position Summary

The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel (reserved for candidates with a J.D.) will advance AILA’s administrative, congressional, and overall advocacy goals. This role involves tracking trends and developments in substantive immigration law and policy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting and editing policy documents, practice pointers, bill text, legislative analysis, analysis of regulations, blogs, web updates, and member communications.
• Representing AILA before Congress and with the Administration, with a focus on removal, enforcement, and humanitarian issues.
• Managing AILA’s national committees comprised of subject matter experts and monitoring key issues impacting practitioners.

Due to the nature of the role, candidates may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Essential Job Functions

Policy and Legal Analysis – 30%

• Monitor, evaluate, draft, and develop written analysis and advocacy materials on proposed legislation, regulations, and policies, with a focus on removal, enforcement, and humanitarian issues.
• Work with staff and AILA committees to identify emerging issues and trends in policy and practices.
• Shape AILA’s policy positions and make recommendations on priorities.

Information Sharing and Education – 20%

• Develop and design resources to maximize AILA’s impact, including legislative and policy analysis, practice materials, and other products.
• Collaborate with AILA teams to produce relevant materials.
• Educate through conferences, webinars, public events, media interviews, and social media.

Congressional and Administrative Advocacy – 20%

• Represent AILA in advocacy with Congress and government agencies.
• Participate in the development of AILA agendas for agency meetings and manage/attend those meetings.

Staff Resource to AILA Committees and Membership – 20%

• Support, track, and guide the work of AILA’s subject matter expert committees.
• Serve as a resource on policy and legislative matters for AILA members.
• Support grassroots and membership engagement efforts.

Coalition and Partnerships – 10%

• Represent AILA in national or regional coalitions and campaign efforts.
• Cultivate relationships with organizations that share common advocacy and policy goals.

Remote Work

This role is eligible for remote work.

Preferred candidates:

• Reside within 50 miles of AILA’s National Office in Washington, D.C.
• Reside within 50 miles of a major airport for ease of travel.

Candidates outside these areas may be considered based on role requirements.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Professional demeanor in a hybrid/office work setting.
• Extended periods sitting at a desk, using a PC workstation.
• Occasional verbal communication via virtual platforms.
• Possible lifting/moving of items up to 25 pounds (though infrequent).

Requirements

Education & Experience

• J.D. or Master’s in Public Policy or related field
• 3 – 5 years of immigration policy and/or general immigration law experience, with an emphasis on enforcement, removal, and/or humanitarian immigration
• Experience working with administrative agencies, Congress, state legislatures, or coalition organizations preferred
• Prior experience in an association, member-service, or customer-service environment is helpful

Other Qualifications

• J.D. and bar admission preferred
• Fluency in Spanish is helpful for media/press relations
• Strong knowledge of immigration law, policy, and procedure
• Experience in major policy advocacy campaigns
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong public relations and messaging experience
• Ability to track data and identify trends
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Availability for occasional travel, including conferences, team meetings, or external meetings (with 60 days’ notice when possible)

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Policy & Practice Associate: $60K – $70K
• Policy & Practice Counsel: $70K – $90K

Compensation decisions consider:

• Education, qualifications, and years of experience
• Certifications, professional licenses, and relevant skills
• Internal equity and business needs

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching (after 3 months)
• Generous paid time off and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits

Application Process

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter through our application portal.

Interview Accommodations

We are committed to inclusive and accessible interviews. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief, please notify us in advance, and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Eligibility to Work

AILA participates in E-Verify and complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Employment requires:

• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• No need for employer sponsorship

For more information on E-Verify, visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to:

• Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.