If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, the Migrant Protection and Integration Policy Officer will work as part of a fast-paced policy and advocacy team by helping to advance its public policy, administrative, legislative, and regulatory efforts in support of the protection and integration of newcomers impacted by US Government immigration policy.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, and vision available on the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Expanding the reach of Global Refuge's mission by engaging in legal, policy, and political advocacy to promote humane treatment and integration to arriving newcomers such as asylum seekers, as well as those populations who have been living in the United States for longer periods without permanent legal status such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders.
• Strategizing on methods that will promote and ensure the ability of the identified populations to seek protection when needed, and enable family unification, human dignity, and integration.
• Conducting research, as assigned, on a variety of legal and policy issues pertaining to care and custody for those newly arrived, funding eligibility for services, and permanency and integration opportunities, with a goal of offering practical program and policy-based solutions to improve daily life for the impacted population.
• Preparing Global Refuge advocacy materials and educational campaigns and following up on Global Refuge affiliate, Congressional, Administrative, and state partner requests.
• Working closely with and providing political landscape, policy, and legal analysis to coalition partners and other relevant stakeholders in support of Global Refuge's public policy agenda and programs, particularly with a focus on bipartisan engagement.
• Collaborating and supporting the work of other Global Refuge functions.
• Building and deepening relationships with partners, coalitions, and stakeholders to enable joint actions and campaigns when appropriate. Capable of leading individual Global Refuge policy and advocacy strategic efforts as well as marshaling small group support for more-tailored advocacy efforts reflective of Global Refuge's programmatic work.
• Ability to place Global Refuge as a lead drafter for sign-on letters and to review sign-on letters and offer the Vice President factual analyses on the merits of signing on.
• Serving as a registered federal lobbyist on behalf of Global Refuge.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's degree, law degree, or equivalent in a related field such as international relations, public policy, and/or social work, in combination with 2-4 years of relevant work experience.
• Hill experience preferred.
• Expertise in immigration, appropriations, civil rights, criminal justice, homeland security, international affairs, and/or other relevant issues is strongly preferred.
• Ability to conduct complex legal analysis and fact-finding research, and to forecast legislative and regulatory trends.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• A high degree of familiarity with migration policy elements impacting the U.S. asylum system, as well as policy impacts on other populations such as TPS-holders, including the political landscape, bipartisan policy opportunities, migration patterns, and US-international and regional relations.
• Familiarity with immigration laws relevant to TPS, parole, and asylum law, policies, practices, and procedures. Does not have to be an immigration-law practitioner but familiarity is required.
• Understanding of social services delivery by the nonprofit sector particularly focused on knowledge of Office of Refugee Resettlement-eligible populations.
• Proven ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively represent Global Refuge externally and within the organization and communicate well with both audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Experience with and commitment to working in a very diverse workforce.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues, and partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel 5-10% annually.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills, and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.