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Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Job Description: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Organization: CAIR Action
Position Title: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Location: Remote with flexibility to meet in South and West suburbs 30% of time
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Policy and Advocacy
About CAIR Action
CAIR Action is a national 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to building the political power of the Muslim and AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian) communities across the United States. We engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters; train emerging leaders; and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Our mission is to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
Position Summary
The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will play a crucial role in advancing CAIR Action Illinois’ policy agenda at the local, state, and national levels. This position involves monitoring legislative developments, coordinating advocacy efforts, building relationships with policymakers, and mobilizing community members to engage in policy advocacy. The ideal candidate is passionate about civil rights, social justice, and empowering the Muslim community through political engagement. The ideal candidate has a strong relationship with local community leaders and community members.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Monitoring and Analysis
• Provide timely updates and briefings to staff, advisory boards, and stakeholders.
• Develop policy briefs, fact sheets, and position papers to inform advocacy strategies.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies and campaigns to advance policy goals.
• Coordinate lobby days, meetings with elected officials, and testimony at public hearings.
• Represent CAIR Action in coalition meetings and collaborative initiatives.
• Organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions on policy issues and advocacy skills.
Communications and Public Relations
• Craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences and encourage action.
• Assist in preparing talking points and briefing materials for media appearances.
Administrative and Organizational Support
Prepare regular reports on advocacy activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain accurate records of meetings, contacts, and legislative developments.
Contribute to the development of CAIR Action’s strategic plan and policy agenda.
Identify emerging issues and opportunities for advocacy.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related area, preferably within an aligned nonprofit or advocacy organization.
Knowledge and Skills
• Understanding of Legislative Processes: Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative processes and advocacy strategies.
• Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze complex policy issues and communicate them effectively to various audiences.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and coalition partners.
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to Mission: Passionate about CAIR Action’s mission and values, with a strong commitment to civil rights and social justice.
• Cultural Competence: Understanding of issues affecting the Muslim and AMEMSA communities, with sensitivity to cultural and religious diversity.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed and to travel within the state or nationally if required.
Benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following:
• Resume/CV
• List of 3 references
• Cover Letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• Writing Sample (e.g., policy brief, advocacy letter, or related work)
Email applications to: illinois@cairaction.org
Subject Line: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Application – [Your Name]
Application Deadline: Actively seeking, will keep open until filled
Equal Opportunity Employer
CAIR Action is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Join us in making a difference by empowering communities and advocating for justice and mutual understanding. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Organization: CAIR Action
Position Title: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
Location: Remote with flexibility to meet in South and West suburbs 30% of time
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Policy and Advocacy
About CAIR Action
CAIR Action is a national 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to building the political power of the Muslim and AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian) communities across the United States. We engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters; train emerging leaders; and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Our mission is to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
Position Summary
The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will play a crucial role in advancing CAIR Action Illinois’ policy agenda at the local, state, and national levels. This position involves monitoring legislative developments, coordinating advocacy efforts, building relationships with policymakers, and mobilizing community members to engage in policy advocacy. The ideal candidate is passionate about civil rights, social justice, and empowering the Muslim community through political engagement. The ideal candidate has a strong relationship with local community leaders and community members.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Monitoring and Analysis
- Legislative Tracking:
• Provide timely updates and briefings to staff, advisory boards, and stakeholders.
- Policy Research:
• Develop policy briefs, fact sheets, and position papers to inform advocacy strategies.
- Advocacy and Outreach
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies and campaigns to advance policy goals.
• Coordinate lobby days, meetings with elected officials, and testimony at public hearings.
- Coalition Building:
• Represent CAIR Action in coalition meetings and collaborative initiatives.
- Community Mobilization:
• Organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions on policy issues and advocacy skills.
Communications and Public Relations
- Content Creation:
• Craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences and encourage action.
- Media Engagement:
• Assist in preparing talking points and briefing materials for media appearances.
Administrative and Organizational Support
- Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of meetings, contacts, and legislative developments.
- Strategic Planning:
Identify emerging issues and opportunities for advocacy.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related area, preferably within an aligned nonprofit or advocacy organization.
Knowledge and Skills
• Understanding of Legislative Processes: Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative processes and advocacy strategies.
• Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze complex policy issues and communicate them effectively to various audiences.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and coalition partners.
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to Mission: Passionate about CAIR Action’s mission and values, with a strong commitment to civil rights and social justice.
• Cultural Competence: Understanding of issues affecting the Muslim and AMEMSA communities, with sensitivity to cultural and religious diversity.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed and to travel within the state or nationally if required.
Benefits
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following:
• Resume/CV
• List of 3 references
• Cover Letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• Writing Sample (e.g., policy brief, advocacy letter, or related work)
Email applications to: illinois@cairaction.org
Subject Line: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Application – [Your Name]
Application Deadline: Actively seeking, will keep open until filled
Equal Opportunity Employer
CAIR Action is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Join us in making a difference by empowering communities and advocating for justice and mutual understanding. We look forward to reviewing your application.
