Policy Director

**Applications submitted through Linkedin will not be considered. Please follow submission process described below.**

New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children 

The New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children (NJCIC) is seeking a Policy Director to lead NJCIC’s policy program - a team at NJCIC that works to advance the rights of immigrant children and youth in New Jersey in a variety of areas, including education, healthcare, and access to justice. Our work centers the voices of impacted youth and utilizes education, capacity building, organizing, narrative strategy, leadership development, and lobbying, among other strategies, to implement change. 

About NJCIC 

NJCIC is a state-wide legal services and policy advocacy organization dedicated to empowering young immigrants. We provide holistic, youth-centered legal representation, drive systemic change to advance immigrant rights, and build community through collaboration and education. We envision a just and equitable NJ where young immigrants can flourish and lead full, fearless lives. The Policy Director will spearhead the NJCIC’s policy efforts and chart a long-term course that builds power and resources for immigrant youth and immigrant communities in NJ.

NJCIC’s Policy Team is a team of three and consists of the Policy Director, a Senior Policy Analyst, and a Program Associate. The Policy Director will collaborate closely with NJCIC’s Executive Director, our Policy Team, Consortium members, youth leaders, coalition members, and other stakeholders to develop and implement the Consortium’s policy, research and advocacy agenda. The Policy Director will have the following core responsibilities:

• Carry forward and expand the work the Consortium is currently doing to advocate for legal services, healthcare, and education reform that services NJ’s immigrant children and youth; 
• Spearhead and oversee the development of the Consortium’s advocacy related to federal, state and local level policies that impact NJ’s immigrant children; 
• Work with stakeholders to define long-term campaign priorities in these and other areas, strategize how to achieve them, and implement these strategies using media, social media, research, and other advocacy tools;
• Work with our youth leaders and other community members to develop an understanding of immigrant community needs and preferred policy solutions, and consistently seek out and implement ways to incorporate youth and community participation in the policy development process;
• Build and manage relationships with coalition members, immigrant communities, partner organizations, and state government partners, as well as national and local government decision-makers;
• Monitor pending and new legislation in the state and federal legislatures and other developments in the state and local policy environment;
• Lead NJCIC’s Policy Team and supervise Senior Policy Analyst and Program Associate; 
• Participate in advocacy and grant-writing to enable the Consortium’s policy work to grow;
• Other responsibilities as determined in consultation with the Executive Director.

Required qualifications: 

• Deep, demonstrated commitment to immigrant justice and the human rights of immigrant youth;
• Deep, demonstrated commitment to elevating youth, immigrant communities, and communities of color, participation in making public policy, and the understanding of tools that can help achieve this;
• Solid understanding of immigration policy and the immigration system, with experience or a strong interest in advancing the rights of immigrant children and youth. 
• JD, MPP, or MPA degree, or equivalent skills and knowledge gained while working in a state legislature, the U.S. Congress, an organizing role, or other advocacy setting;
• Extensive knowledge of legislative and administrative processes, and experience analyzing and interpreting legislative and regulatory language;
• Exemplary advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and interpersonal skills;
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and independently, and adjust to changing needs or shifts in the environment;
• Experience successfully supervising and supporting staff, interns or volunteers; 
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to working with diverse populations.

Desired qualifications:

• Lived experience as a first or second generation immigrant, or as someone from a mixed status family, is valuable.
• Spanish proficiency desirable but not required

This full-time position offers a competitive salary of at least $95,000, depending on experience, with excellent benefits including health insurance, generous leave, 401(k) match, and the opportunity for professional growth within a dynamic and passionate team. NJCIC has a hybrid work model, requiring staff to work a minimum of two days a week (currently Tuesday and Thursday) at a co-working space in Jersey City, with the remaining hours worked remotely. Occasional travel within the state, particularly to Trenton, and work outside regular business hours may be required. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; they should be sent to NJCIC’s Executive Director, Priscilla Monico Marin, at PMonicoMarin@njcic.org. Applications should include a resume, a cover letter, and three professional references. Applicants are encouraged to include how their lived experiences, in addition to professional experiences, qualify them for the role.

NJCIC is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.