Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager - CAIR LA

Work Location: Anaheim, CA 

Term: Full-time, frequent evenings and weekends required 

Position Status: Exempt, Full-Time

Pay Range:  $90,000 - $105,000/year commensurate with experience.

Reports to: Executive Director 

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 3% employer-matched retirement plan, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule available. 

Requirements: Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.

About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, and talented and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join the efforts. 

About the Role: CAIR-LA is seeking a passionate and talented individual to fill the Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager position. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager will lead the department's efforts to build an engagement and organizing strategy as well as researching, analyzing, and influencing public policies, regulations, and legislation. They will be responsible for building community power by leading leadership development and engagement of community participants in campaigns and advocacy efforts. They are responsible for overseeing and leading the department which includes policy staff and community organizers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide strategic supervision, direction, and mentorship to the policy department to ensure department goals and objectives are met, including, but not limited to, initiatives on key legislative and public budgetary issues impacting the California Muslim community.
• Develop and ensure implementation of strategies to advance policy changes at the local, state, and national levels that protect the civil rights of American Muslims and promote inclusive and equitable policies.
• Help develop infrastructure for the policy team to monitor legislation, regulations, and policies that affect the American-Muslim community and provide expert analysis and recommendations.
• Managing Outreach staff members who will be helping in outreach and advocacy work within the GLA-community.
• Develop and manage policy and advocacy campaigns, programs, and events on key civil rights and immigrants' rights issues.
• Expand current stakeholder table(s) of organizations and community leaders including public officials, faith leaders, and businesses, to develop and coordinate communications, organizing, and advocacy activities.
• Lead and support CAIR-LA's coalition building efforts and work collaboratively on joint efforts with coalition partners and allies.
• Identify, cultivate, and train dedicated community leaders who will lead campaigns that advance CAIR-LA's civil rights and immigrants' rights priorities.
• Manage and work closely with leadership within institutional partners to develop and implement core teams that strengthen the Muslim Community Action Network. This includes working with institutions to track metrics and goals. 
• Manage the numerous aspects of our organizing team's field work including coordinated political and campaign efforts, data, and digital organizing, and more. 
• Manage and lead the department's efforts to apply for grant funding.  
• Manage deliverables and reporting on current and new grants and ensure accountability. This includes managing staff to ensure grant deliverables are met and helping write memos and reports based on the program work. 
• Build and develop strategic partnerships with community-based organizations working in diverse communities in Southern California. 
• Speak publicly on behalf of CAIR-LA at rallies, town halls and mosque events. 
• Galvanize support of community organizations, public officials, faith leaders, business leaders, donors, and new and diverse communities for organizing. 
• Work collaboratively with grassroots leaders, allies, and CAIR-LA policy and communications teams to execute large and effective community actions (public hearings, protests, vigils). 
• Manage the process of identifying, cultivating, and developing strong community leaders who will lead campaigns that pursue CAIR-LA's advocacy and civil rights. 
• Manage and execute civic engagement work including voter registration/engagement, GOTV, and Ballot Initiative campaigns in affiliate areas. 
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's Degree in related field required. Master's Degree preferred.
• At minimum seven years of relevant experience with at least five years of managerial experience; preferably at a nonprofit organization.
• Experience working on policy and grassroots community organizing initiatives.
• Proven ability to develop key relationships and identify and leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to create a team environment.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize and work effectively to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Deep familiarity and experience with community organizing and issue campaigns including one-on-one relational meetings, power mapping, direct action, training, group management/facilitation and outreach and recruitment. 
• Experience with membership development and retention and base building. 
• The knowledge and skills to function as a strategic planner and leader within the grassroots Muslim community as well as in labor and political circles. 
• A strong track record of winning concrete campaign victories, mobilizing large numbers of people into action, power analysis, campaign development, and building community leadership. 
• A demonstrated commitment to social justice, strong analysis of systemic oppression and an understanding of challenges facing communities of color, marginalized communities, and low-and moderate-income families. 
• Excellent written, verbal and public speaking skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail. 
• Experience working with the American Muslim community.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references.  

CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.