POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Policy Counsel to join HIAS’ U.S. Policy & Advocacy team. The Policy Counsel will, together with the team, develop policy recommendations and promote them through advocacy and public education campaigns. They will be responsible for using their knowledge of U.S. refugee, immigration and asylum law to lead HIAS’ policy analysis on these issues, with a primary focus on U.S. asylum and border policies. They will engage in direct advocacy, produce advocacy materials and help to foster relationships with HIAS’ advocacy partners. The Policy Counsel will represent HIAS before U.S. government officials and coalition partners . They will work closely with the Vice President, U.S. Policy & Advocacy and HIAS’ Communications, Community Engagement and Legal teams to engage in HIAS’ advocacy and policy agenda. They will also engage organizations and individuals around the country in advocacy, with a focus on the American Jewish community. The Policy Counsel will be an important public representative for HIAS and will be expected to frequently participate in speaking engagements and speak with media outlets.

Note, the salary range for this position is $87,750.00-97,000.00.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops advocacy priorities and strategies to promote fair and humane refugee and immigration policies, with a primary focus on U.S. asylum and border policies.
• Meets and communicates with Congress and the Administration to promote HIAS’ U.S. policy priorities, with a focus on asylum and border policies.
• Monitors asylum and border policies and political developments, including Congressional hearings, votes, floor sessions and Administration policy developments.
• Drafts HIAS policy and advocacy outreach materials, with a focus on asylum and border policies, including statements, letters, factsheets, web content, vote recommendations, legislation and other resources for a wide number of audiences, including Congressional committees, policy makers and the public.
• Represents HIAS’ U.S. Policy & Advocacy department at meetings and conferences, and speaks to the media as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• JD or extensive legal/policy knowledge required.
• At least 4 years of demonstrated experience in U.S. asylum policy or other refugee/immigration policy/law.
• Knowledge of US refugee resettlement is a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills; able to convey complex information in a simple and culturally appropriate manner to diverse external and internal audiences; must have public speaking experience, as well as experience with speaking with media outlets.
• Excellent interpersonal and persuasive strategic communication skills, and ability to effectively build consensus among multiple stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the operations of Congress and/or federal agencies, including existing relationships with key stakeholders (including, but not limited to, policymakers and other advocates).
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and project management skills required; ability to flexibly manage several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Travel, to include travel to insecure operating environments, may be required.

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION:

All employees are expected to represent the organization in alignment with HIAS’ mission, vision and values. Some employees of HIAS are expected to speak externally on behalf of the organization with clients, donors, affiliates, partners, etc. as part of their work-related responsibilities. Applicants for these roles acknowledge and accept the inherent risk associated with external representation of HIAS.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or HireRight.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply even if you do not meet all required qualifications but have other qualifications relevant to the role that would make you a great fit for this role with HIAS!

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.