Advocacy Strategist

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR GENDER & REFUGEE STUDIES

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) defends the human rights of people seeking asylum in the United States. With strategic focus and unparalleled legal expertise, for 25 years CGRS has championed the most challenging cases, fought for due process, and promoted policies that deliver safety and justice for refugees.

With the right to seek asylum under existential threat - and at the center of the national political conversation - it is critical that advocates and communities come together to ensure fair and dignified treatment for newcomers seeking refuge. CGRS’s integrated litigation, policy advocacy, and attorney education and mentorship programs position us as a trusted partner with a track record of empowering advocates. We are poised to lead in this arena, serve as a counterweight to anti-asylum forces, and advance solutions for a just system that protects people seeking asylum and helps our communities thrive.

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Advocacy Strategist will report directly to the CGRS Director of Policy and Advocacy. They will work with the CGRS team and partners to design and implement a robust strategy to engage and mobilize partners, community members, and allies in defense of the right to seek asylum.

This position is a dynamic one that will reflect the vision and flexibility of the organization in the ever-changing landscape of refugee rights.

This is a one-year position with the possibility for renewal dependent on funding. This position may be remote/hybrid, although there is a strong preference for the individual to reside in California.

Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. With CGRS team and partners, develop and implement a strategy to build a base of constituents who can be mobilized to participate in digital and in-person actions, meetings, and community events in support of the right to seek asylum.
2. Develop and strengthen relationships with partner organizations, people seeking asylum, and advocates engaged in pro-asylum and immigrant rights advocacy, in coordination with CGRS staff.
3. Harness the power of CGRS’s built-in network of legal services organizations and other practitioners, empowering advocates to push for systemic change.
4. Strengthen relationships with people directly impacted by asylum policies, creating spaces to share information, identify needs in the community, and ensure that collective advocacy reflects the interests and priorities of those most impacted.
5. Build bridges and cultivate strategic partnerships with natural allies, including progressive organizations, faith groups, and community leaders and elected officials.
6. Convene key stakeholders and collaboratively design and execute advocacy tactics.
7. Organize rapid response and mobilization efforts, enabling partners to engage at key inflection points and increase outreach to and education of policymakers.
8. Track outreach and engagement through CGRS’s unique asylum case database and work with CGRS staff to analyze trends to support advocacy.
9. Represent CGRS in local and national coalitions and working groups.
10. Serve as a spokesperson for CGRS in movement spaces, meetings with elected officials, and in media interviews.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

1. At least five (5) years of progressively responsible organizing and outreach experience.
2. Advanced degree in a relevant field welcome, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and navigate complex policies and relationships; experience with running fast-paced, creative, engaging projects.
2. Experience working within and leading coalitions, bringing together partners with diverse experiences and viewpoints in support of a shared mission.
3. Clear understanding of the relationship between digital engagement and campaigning and advocacy and basic implementation skills.
4. Proven track record of mobilizing people to take action both online and offline.
5. Strong presentation skills, written and oral; comfort speaking to the public and with press and translating complex policy issues for a broad audience.
6. Commitment to CGRS’s mission.
7. Strong preference for candidates with lived experience and/or background in refugee and immigrant rights organizing or advocacy.
8. Willingness to travel domestically.
9. Experience in grassroots organizing a plus.
10. Experience in legislative and/or administrative advocacy a plus.
11. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and other tools for constituent engagement a plus.
12. Fluency in Spanish or Haitian Creole a plus.

The skills listed above are comprehensive, and we understand there are great candidates who possess only a subset of those skills, or who have other important skills. If you match some of these skills, please do not hesitate to apply.

SALARY

$93,500/year

BENEFITS

Health and Welfare Benefits

1. Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance coverage.
2. Flexible Spending Accounts for transportation-related, healthcare, and dependent care expenses.
3. Employee Assistance Program.

For Your Financial Future

1. Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Legal Insurance.
2. University of California Retirement Plan (a defined benefit plan).
3. Deferred Compensation Plans/Pre-tax Retirement Savings Programs.

For Your Work/Life Balance

1. Fifteen paid holidays per year.
2. Generous vacation and sick leave.
3. Commuter Benefits Program.

THE HIRING PROCESS

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume at this link. CGRS will review applications on a rolling basis and encourages individuals to apply by August 9, 2024.

Please note: This position has been designated as “sensitive” and requires a pre-employment background check.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact Human Resources if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Applicants who meet the position requirements will be competitively evaluated to identify the individuals whose breadth and depth of experience and education most closely relate to the stated requirements and the needs of the College. Not all applicants will be contacted for an interview.

The position is open until filled.

UC Law SF is an equal opportunity employer. UC Law SF strives to provide a diverse and inclusive educational environment that fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect. UC Law SF is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching. Qualified women and members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.