Director of Advocacy

International Rescue Committee•Washington, DC

3d•$130,000 - $156,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Advocacy leads development of the International Rescue Committee’s advocacy efforts for key priorities across crisis response and global influence. The role crafts influence strategies using IRC program and research evidence, policy solutions, and its brand to encourage collective action. It requires expertise in U.S. federal legislative and policy trends and how IRC policies intersect with political agendas, along with engagement of government and civil society stakeholders. The Director develops advocacy campaigns and relationships with Congressional representatives, U.S. and other government officials, foundations, think tanks, multilateral organizations, humanitarian organizations, and relevant embassies. The role also develops advocacy messages for donor governments and collaborates with colleagues across the IRC, including policy, programs, strategy, communications, and research and innovation teams. The position reports to the Senior Director, Advocacy & Influence and Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. The working environment is remote. Potential supervision of a Senior Advisor or other staff is noted.

Requirements

Degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Law, or International Relations.
Demonstrated experience in advocacy and advocacy strategy development, with creativity and strategic thinking.
10–12 years of experience working on complex humanitarian and/or development issues.
Examples of influence or impact on legislative and executive policy.
Strong network of influencers and policymakers.
Deep understanding of global issues related to the humanitarian field.
Extensive knowledge of humanitarian aid and refugee issues, particularly the complex drivers of humanitarian need.
Ability to think strategically and creatively and to be solutions-oriented.
Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with experts, high-level decision makers and policymakers, and colleagues in humanitarian and development fields.
Good public speaking skills.
Excellent writing skills and ability to translate complex material and data into coherent narratives that resonate with policymakers.
Fluency with key parts of IRC’s strategy and existing policy strategy.
Ability to work on tight deadlines and juggle competing demands.
Self-motivated.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of U.S. Government functioning.
Prior work with the U.S. Government or Congress.
Experience with multilateral engagement.

Responsibilities

Lead advocacy strategies for specific policy goals and U.S.-market thought leadership objectives, working with policy leads and relevant IRC stakeholders.
Develop advocacy strategies based on IRC policy expertise and tailored to global donor government priorities.
Develop U.S. power maps for key policy issues and identify influence priorities.
Cultivate relationships across the U.S. Government and lead Congressional engagement.
Work with the team to develop and execute creative influence strategies, including strategies involving nontraditional partners.
Integrate IRC global priorities into advocacy and influence strategies.
Engage policy stakeholders and support opportunities to raise IRC’s profile at key meetings and forums.
Collaborate with U.S. market staff and global policy and advocacy staff to build IRC’s credibility, profile, and relationships in Washington.
Track and analyze changing Congressional and Executive branch positions, relevant individuals, and political dynamics around IRC’s issues.
Translate policy asks into legislative asks and engage relevant U.S. Government stakeholders.
Track U.S. legislative and executive processes.
Provide U.S.-specific analysis to support policy generation and strengthen the credibility and efficacy of IRC solutions.
Support the policy team in identifying and developing impactful and achievable policy priorities in the U.S. and global markets.
Provide market and audience expertise to the communications team and help shape U.S.-specific policy communications.
Support communications strategy and develop materials for advocacy targets.
Support planning and implementation of strategic activities, including events.
Facilitate development and editing of internal and external advocacy products for U.S.-market resonance and quality.
Steward gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in IRC’s culture, policy solutions, and influence activities.
Act as an IRC influence spokesperson on focused advocacy areas and as a key interlocutor with legislative and governmental staff.
Support relationships with IRC’s Board and Advisors by identifying mutual interests and opportunities related to priority issues.
Contribute to a positive, open, and collaborative team culture, support colleagues, and share credit appropriately.
Potentially supervise a Senior Advisor or other staff.

Benefits

10 paid sick leave days.
10 U.S. holidays.
20–25 paid time off days, based on role and tenure.
Medical insurance, with employee premiums starting at $163 per month.
Dental insurance, with employee premiums starting at $6.50 per month.
Vision insurance, with employee premiums starting at $5 per month.
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and commuting.
403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and immediate vesting.
Non-elective employer retirement contribution based on age and years of service, with three-year vesting.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.