Policy and Practice Associate/Counsel

Overview

A national nonprofit bar association founded in 1946, this organization represents over 18,000 attorneys and law professors specializing in immigration law. It provides continuing legal education, policy resources, and advocacy leadership through a network of chapters and committees.

The Government Relations team leads advocacy efforts before Congress and the executive branch on immigration legislation, regulation, and policy. This team monitors legal and policy developments, shapes official positions, and produces resources and advocacy tools for members.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and track priority legislative and policy issues, focusing on removal, enforcement, and selected humanitarian immigration matters.
• Draft legal, policy, and advocacy materials related to legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Recommend policy positions, priorities, and strategies in coordination with staff and expert leadership.
• Represent the organization before Congress and government agencies; develop and maintain relationships with congressional and administrative staff.
• Manage institutional engagements with government agencies and organize advocacy initiatives targeting Congress and agencies.
• Support and review the work of subject matter expert and national committees.
• Serve as a resource on policy and legislative matters for members.
• Assist with grassroots and membership engagement efforts.
• Design legislative, advocacy, and policy materials to maximize impact.
• Collaborate with communications and content staff to produce policy and advocacy materials.
• Educate through conferences, webinars, public events, media interviews, and social media.
• Represent the organization in national or regional coalitions and campaigns.
• Cultivate relationships and alliances with organizations sharing common advocacy goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; J.D. or master's in public policy or related field preferred.
• Bar admission preferred for the Counsel track.
• Three to five years of experience in immigration policy and/or immigration law practice, emphasizing removal and/or humanitarian immigration.
• Experience drafting legal, policy, or advocacy materials.
• Experience working with administrative agencies, Congress, or state legislatures.
• Experience collaborating with coalitions or partner organizations on advocacy goals.
• Prior experience in an association, member-service, or customer-service environment is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant knowledge of immigration law, policy, and procedure.
• Strong understanding of strategy and the political process.
• Experience developing and implementing major policy advocacy campaigns directed at Congress and government agencies.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong research, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively with teams and volunteer leadership.

Location and Travel

• This is a fully remote position; no regularly scheduled in-office days are required.
• Preference for candidates located in the Washington, DC area or near major airports to support organizational connection and collaboration.
• Regular engagement with external stakeholders, including coalition partners, Congress, and federal agencies, is expected.
• Candidates should be able to support occasional in-person meetings and events in Washington, DC.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or organizational events, generally with advance notice.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range is based on market-competitive pay for similar nonprofit organizations and depends on education, qualifications, experience, certifications, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
• Typically, hires start near the beginning of the salary range.
• Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a comprehensive benefits program including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months
  • Generous paid time off and paid parental leave
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits

Additional Information

• Candidates may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship and will need to provide documentation verifying eligibility.
• The organization participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.
• The hiring process includes submission of a resume and cover letter, and may involve virtual interviews requiring on-camera presence.
• Accommodations for disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs during the interview process are available upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic is prohibited. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.