Description:

Position Summary:
The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel (reserved for candidates with a J.D.) will advance AILA's administrative, congressional, and overall advocacy goals. The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel tracks trends and developments in substantive immigration law and policy. The Policy and Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel contributes significantly to AILA's written work product by drafting and editing policy documents, practice pointers, bill text, legislative analysis, analysis of regulations, blogs, web updates, and communications to AILA members and target audiences. The position represents AILA before Congress and with the Administration and will focus on removal, enforcement, and humanitarian issues. The Policy and Practice Associate or Counsel manages AILA's national committees comprised of AILA member subject matter experts and monitors issues and trends that impact practitioners.

Due to the nature of the role, candidates may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Essential Job Functions:
Policy and Legal Analysis - 30%

Monitor, evaluate, draft, and develop written analysis and advocacy materials on proposed legislation, regulations, and policies on selected issues with a focus on removal, enforcement and humanitarian issues
Work with staff and AILA committees and membership to identify emerging issues and trends in policy and practices
Shape AILA's policy positions and makes recommendations on priorities

Information Sharing and Education - 20%

Draft and design products to maximize AILA's impact on target audiences, including legislative and policy analysis, practice materials, and other products
Work with relevant AILA teams to produce materials
Educate through various mediums including conferences, webinars, public events, media interviews, and social media

Congressional and Administrative Advocacy - 20%

Represent AILA in advocacy with Congress and government agencies
Participate in the development of AILA agendas for agency meetings and manages and participates in those meetings

Staff Resource to AILA Committees and Membership - 20%

Support, track, and guide the work of AILA's subject matter expert committees and national committees that engage in formal liaison with the government
Serve as a resource on policy and legislative matters for AILA members
Support the department's grassroots and membership engagement efforts

Coalition and Partnerships - 10%

Represent AILA in national or regional coalitions and campaign efforts
Cultivate relations and alliances with organizations that share common advocacy and policy aims

Remote – The role is eligible for Remote work
Our Remote Work Strategy is designed to ensure connection while minimizing costs and inconvenience. Talent residing within 50 miles of our National Office located in Washington, D.C., located in the nation's capital, will be given preference. For roles outside this, we seek candidates within 50 miles of a major airport. This strategy helps us enhance collaboration, optimize travel costs, and strengthen in-person engagement while ensuring we remain cost-effective and mission-driven. Candidates outside these areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis based on role requirements and organizational needs.

This role requires maintaining a professional demeanor in a hybrid/office work setting. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a desk, frequent use of a PC workstation for prolonged hours, occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms, and the possibility of lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, though this is not likely to be a frequent requirement.

Requirements:

J.D. or master's in public policy or related field
Three to five (3 - 5) years of immigration policy and/or general immigration law practice experience, with an emphasis on enforcement, removal and/or humanitarian immigration
Experience working with administrative agencies, Congress or state legislatures, and coalition organizations is preferred
Prior experience in an association, member-service, or customer-service environment is helpful

Other Requirements:

J.D. and bar admission preferred
Fluency in Spanish is helpful for media/press relations
Knowledge of immigration law, policy, and procedure
Strong grasp of strategy and of the political process
Experience in developing and implementing major policy advocacy campaigns
Superb writing, editing, proofreading and organizational skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong research and electronic communications skills
Strong member-service orientation
Capacity to handle multiple competing priorities – including ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Strong understanding of public relations and communications, including image and consistency of message
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and/or in writing
Ability to track data and identify trends
Ability to work independently and in coordination with teams and volunteer leadership
Ability to handle multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines
Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision
Ability to travel, work after-hours and/or weekends, as needed

Occasional travel: Travel is required occasionally for conferences, attendance at team meetings or for staff retreats as scheduled, or to meet with external partners and clients. 60 days advance notice for travel will be provided when possible.