Policy Counsel/Analyst, NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center•Chicago, IL

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) seeks a Policy Counsel or Policy Analyst to join its growing policy-advocacy team. NIJC develops policy priorities rooted in our direct legal services and litigation to advance immigrant rights. Priority areas include protecting due process and welcoming policies: ending immigration detention; combatting harsh immigration enforcement and the criminalization of migrants. This counsel or analyst will contribute to NIJC's advocacy products by drafting and editing policy documents, legislative text, analysis of regulations, commentaries, and public-facing explainers with a heavy focus on developing client stories and client advocates. This position is a hybrid position based in NIJC's Chicago Office. This counsel or analyst will be directly supervised by the Associate Director of Government Relations and work closely with other policy team members in Washington, DC and Chicago, IL as well as NIJC staff across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, with a minimum of two to three years of relevant professional experience.
An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Strong competency in public speaking and exceptional interpersonal skills across a broad range of audiences, including people directly impacted by the U.S. immigration system.
Ability to work independently, respond to tight deadlines, and emerging opportunities.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, and a willingness to learn new software.

Nice To Haves

J.D. or Master's in Public Policy preferred but not required.
Experience working on immigrant or refugee issues particularly through policy advocacy and/or direct legal representation preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as one of NIJC's key representatives in Chicago, IL and Washington D.C. advocating to advance policies that support immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Maintain relationships with elected officials with a primary focus on Chicago, Cook County, Illinois officials, and staffers.
Assist Associate Director of Government Relations in representing NIJC in formal and informal coalitions of national and local organizations.
Work with NIJC staff to identify and track client stories and clients interested in speaking to lawmakers to support policy priorities and ongoing policy advocacy initiatives.
Review and analyze pending state and local legislation and amendments.
Prepare analysis and talking points for key policy makers and other advocates.
Review, draft and/or contribute to legislative language, regulatory comments, and related advocacy materials.