Advocacy Manager, Advancing Universal Representation

Vera Institute of Justice • Brooklyn, NY

348d • $114,000 - $117,000

About The Position

The Advocacy Manager will play a key role in executing our state and local advocacy strategy for the Advancing Universal Representation Initiative and support its federal advocacy. The Advocacy Manager will report to the Associate Director of Advocacy and manage and execute advocacy in support of the Initiative's advocacy priorities, focusing on New York, California, and jurisdictions in the SAFE (Safety and Fairness for Everyone) Network. They will support legislative outreach and coalition activities, collaboration with site leads to promote universal representation and the goals of the Fairness to Freedom Campaign, along with other aligned priorities.

Requirements

• Experience with grass tops advocacy, lobbying, and campaigns.
• Experience in immigration policy and advocacy.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic advocacy plans.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with New York State legislative advocacy or other state legislative advocacy strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree + 4-8 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.
• Experience in the immigration reform space, building coalitions, allies, and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Work with associate director of advocacy and the associate director of policy and programs to plan, manage, and execute state and local advocacy strategies, including budgetary measures, administrative policies, and legislation in support of universal representation and aligned priorities.
• Represent Vera as a campaign leader in New York, California, and other priority jurisdictions.
• Support site leads in advancing universal representation and aligned priorities in SAFE Network jurisdictions.
• Work with associate director of advocacy to draft and regularly assess the annual state and local advocacy plans, making updates as necessary.
• Plan and assist with campaign, coalition, and SAFE Network events, in collaboration with colleagues and partners.
• Help the Urep Initiative navigate political government dynamics and timelines, including the specifics of legislative sessions, budgets, hearings, and other political processes.
• Foster connections to Urep Initiative's federal advocacy efforts and overall strategic goals through state and local advocacy.
• Collaborate with lobbyists and other consultants as appropriate.
• Work with the associate director of advocacy and associate director of policy and programs to lead the development of the advocacy and partnership/coalition strategies.
• Participate in coalition spaces on immigration and other strategic areas in New York, California, and SAFE Network jurisdictions.
• Effectively partner with grasstops and grassroots allies.
• Provide and inform training on advocacy for colleagues and partners to improve the success of universal representation advocacy.
• Plan and assist with movement building events in support of advocacy priorities.
• Liaise with Vera communications and state and local policy staff across policy/advocacy spaces on immigration at Vera.
• Collaborate internally with Advocacy & Partnerships staff and other initiatives to build skills, identify areas for partnership, and aligned strategic goals.
• Collaborate internally communications staff to advance strategic goals.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Merit pay
• Generous paid time off
• Comprehensive health insurance plan
• Student loan repayment benefits
• Professional development training opportunities
• Up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
• Employer-funded retirement plan
• Flexible time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees