Policy & Advocacy Specialist

Job Title:  Policy & Advocacy Specialist

Classification: Part-Time @ 20 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt, Work authorization is required

Salary Band: Band 2

Compensation Range: $30 - $34.66

Location: Hybrid, work must be performed in California

Travel Requirements: 20% of time (Regular in-person work in Sacramento is expected; local candidates are strongly preferred)

Reports To: Policy Advocacy Senior Manager

Direct Reports: 0

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Policy and Advocacy Specialist supports the coordination of Immigrants Rising’s policy and advocacy initiatives.

Working under the direction of the Policy Advocacy Senior Manager, the Specialist helps coordinate Immigrants Rising’s policy priorities by tracking legislation and policy proposals, developing policy analyses, and drafting policy-related materials. 

This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, systems-minded, prioritizes coalition-building, and deeply committed to advancing policy initiatives that help undocumented people get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Research, Analysis & Communications (~45%)

• Produces drafts of materials that advance policy and advocacy goals and initiatives, including analyses, fact sheets, position letters, statements, talking points, and policy communications content.
• Analyzes, summarizes, and presents on policy priorities, translating complex policy information into clear, accessible content for internal and external audiences.
• Monitors state and federal policy and legislative proposals, as well as legislative, budget, and regulatory hearings, and tracks key developments.
• Develops and disseminates regular legislative and policy updates and reports to support team alignment and decision-making.
• Coordinates with Communications and Programs teams to produce policy-related content and ensure alignment with organizational messaging and priorities.
• Supports rapid response policy communications, including drafting timely content related to emerging policy developments.
• Applies knowledge of policy and advocacy best practices to support high-quality, accurate, and timely outputs.
• Articulates Immigrants Rising’s goals, values, and policy priorities to internal and external audiences.

Policy/Advocacy Coordination & External Engagement (~40%)

• Owns and maintains policy operations systems, including digital filing systems, databases, trackers, policy calendars, and contact lists to ensure effective team coordination and knowledge management.
• Supports coalition engagement efforts by coordinating meetings, tracking participation, and contributing to relationship-building with partners and stakeholders.
• May represent Immigrants Rising at coalition meetings, legislative and budget hearings, and other external convenings, including providing public comment as appropriate.
• Responds to legislative, partner, and stakeholder inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Drafts meeting notes, internal updates, and documentation to support cross-team communication and continuity.
• Documents processes and procedures to strengthen internal systems, consistency, and efficiency.
• Collects and tracks relevant data and information to support policy and advocacy efforts and organizational learning.
• Escalates complex, technical, legal, or time-sensitive issues to appropriate staff and supports follow-up as needed.
• May work closely with external partners, coalitions, vendors, and community members in relation to policy and advocacy efforts.

Cross-Team Coordination & Organizational Support (15%)

• Communicate effectively within a team environment, ensuring that relevant information is shared and collaboration is smooth.
• Manage timelines and meet deadlines for assigned projects and deliverables.
• Participate in organizational initiatives that strengthen internal systems, equity practices, and organizational culture.
• May coordinate the work of interns, volunteers, vendors, or consultants, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and supporting administrative processes such as invoice tracking, contracts, and timekeeping.

DO YOU THINK THIS MIGHT BE YOU?

If you see yourself in this job description but don’t feel like you meet every single criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway! Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups, particularly women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC, tend to self-select out of opportunities at higher rates. We take a holistic approach to all of our hiring practices and want to hire those who best align with our mission and goals.

TO APPLY

Please submit a job application via the Workable platform. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until April 1. We plan to hold interviews in April and our desired start date is in May.

For questions, email Alejandra Guillen, Deputy Director, alejandra@immigrantsrising.org. 

Role Specific Qualifications

• 2–3 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, advocacy, government, nonprofit, or related fields, with experience supporting policy research, analysis, or communications. May include internships, volunteer experiences, or community work relevant to the role/industry.
• Strong writing and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy information into clear, accurate, and accessible materials for diverse audiences.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with experience managing multiple projects, tracking systems (e.g., policy trackers, databases), and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time, task, and deadline management.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience working in immigrant justice, higher education, economic mobility, or nonprofit sectors
• Deep passion and commitment to immigrant rights with personal connection to the undocumented experience.
• Familiarity with California’s legislative and budget processes, including tracking bills, hearings, and regulatory developments.
• Experience working with coalitions, community-based organizations, or advocacy campaigns, particularly those advancing immigrant justice or economic mobility.
• Experience collaborating across programs and departments
• Has basic skills in addressing and resolving misunderstandings or conflicts through respectful and clear communication.
• Ability to speak in front of small groups, deliver simple presentations effectively, and facilitate meetings to achieve goals and objectives, including using POP and preparing agendas.

Organization Wide Requirements

• Thoroughly committed to Immigrants Rising’s mission and vision.
• Deep passion and commitment to immigrant rights with a personal connection to the undocumented experience.
• Expected to attend organizational fundraising events and relay key information from interactions with potential donors and funders to fundraising staff, represent the organization professionally and in accordance to organizational values.
• Eager to learn and develop new skills. 
• Adaptive to changing circumstances.
• Demonstrates strong active listening skills, with the goal of understanding the perspectives, needs, and concerns of others before responding.
• Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback on communication efforts and able to implement suggestions to improve future interactions.
• Demonstrates awareness and respect for cultural differences in communication, ensuring inclusivity and avoiding miscommunication.
• Participates in organization-wide efforts to bolster organizational health, address implicit bias, inequitable practices, structural inequities in the workplace, and infuses equity & inclusion skills and principles to programs and external work. Pursues personal and professional learning and development opportunities.

TIME COMMITMENT, COMPENSATION & LOCATION

This is a part-time, non-exempt position paid an hourly rate of $30 - $34.66 per hour. Immigrants Rising has a generous benefits package that includes ample vacation, sick leave, and holidays, 100% employer-coverage of health insurance, and access to dental and vision insurance for part-time employees, a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), and a 3% employer contribution to employee retirement. This is a hybrid position based in California.