The Niskanen Center seeks a government affairs professional to lead outreach for our immigration department. This team is responsible for advancing a fundamental premise of the Niskanen Center: immigration is an irreplaceable pillar of American economic, civic, and cultural strength.
Description
Department: Immigration
Location: Washington, D.C.
Schedule: Flexible hybrid, minimum 3 days in-office per week
Job Status: Full-Time
Experience: 3- 5 years
Salary: $85,000- $120,000/year based on experience, plus a generous benefits package
Reports to: Deputy Director of Immigration and Director of Government Affairs
About the Niskanen Center
Named “the most interesting think tank in American politics” by Time magazine in March 2023, the Niskanen Center is a public policy think tank and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening liberal democratic governance and promoting widespread prosperity and opportunity. Our vision of market liberalism is rooted in an effective public sector and a competitive private sector and is committed to upholding the principles of a pluralistic and open society that encourages engagement, cooperation, discussion, and learning.
Realizing our mission requires building on the best of progressive and conservative thought. We unite scholars and policy analysts from across the political spectrum to address pressing policy issues, from climate change to child poverty. We address gaps in policy research and development, translate the best policy ideas across political divides, promote those ideas to policymakers, and build coalitions that cut across partisan boundaries to enact positive change.
Position Overview
The Niskanen Center seeks a government affairs professional to lead outreach for our immigration department. This team is responsible for advancing a fundamental premise of the Niskanen Center: immigration is an irreplaceable pillar of American economic, civic, and cultural strength. To advance this vision, the team works to address issues through four concrete policy areas that can garner bipartisan support: the involvement of everyday Americans in an expanded refugee sponsorship and resettlement system; the creation of reformed legal pathways that encourage economic growth; the enhancement of domestic and national security through the deployment of soft power and security initiatives; and the rebuilding of an effective immigration system.
To support this work, the government affairs manager collaborates with our policy and communication staff to advance and promote the team’s research and policy proposals with Congress, the administration and executive branch agencies, key stakeholders, and coalitional allies. Applicants should have experience working across ideological lines and enthusiasm for ensuring immigration remains integral to America’s future economic and cultural prosperity. The position reports to the Deputy Director of Immigration and the Director of Government Affairs.
This position is based in Washington, D.C. Please note that the Niskanen Center is transitioning to a flexible, hybrid policy requiring staff to work 3 days in-office per week. Staff are welcome to work from the new DC office by Metro Center or remotely from anywhere in the DMV area on remote days.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and track outreach and legislative strategies to advance Niskanen immigration policy research with Congress and executive branch agencies.
- Manage stakeholder and coalition relationships to increase effectiveness of advocacy efforts.
- Monitor and interpret legislation and policy changes.
- Draft briefing and educational materials, testimony, statements, questions for the record, speeches, and talking points.
- Build, coordinate, and maintain partnerships with other nonprofits, public interest groups, coalitions, and related organizations.
- Represent Niskanen in the coalitions, community events, public forums, and the media, including print, radio, television, and social media.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- At least three years of experience working with the federal legislative or executive branch or equivalent experience on a government affairs team.
- Demonstrated understanding of the delicate political dynamics of immigration.
- Familiarity with and understanding of immigration policy and a commitment to the vision of immigration policy laid out by the Niskanen Center.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- A track record of working independently, creative thinking, and managing multiple projects and priorities.
- Ability to translate policy ideas to appeal to audiences across the political spectrum.
- Interest in fostering bipartisan cooperation to advance policy goals
Benefits and Diversity Commitment
The Niskanen Center offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, federal holidays off, unlimited paid leave, a 403(b) plan, and commuter benefits for D.C. area employees.
The Niskanen Center is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, veteran status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs, and we strongly encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
We only review applications after the deadline: applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on September 12, 2023. Please include a cover letter and resume combined into one pdf. Be prepared to present additional materials during the interview process.
Use the link below to apply. No phone calls, please.