Director of Immigration
The Niskanen Center seeks an experienced Director of Immigration to lead our efforts on immigration policy. For over ten years, Niskanen’s immigration team has dedicated itself to designing a pragmatic and evidence-based immigration system, focusing not only on developing the most effective policies but also ensuring they are politically viable and beneficial to our country’s security, economic, and civic interests.
Description
Named “the most interesting think tank in American politics” by Time magazine in March 2023, the Niskanen Center promotes policies that advance prosperity, opportunity, and human flourishing, guided by the belief that a free market and an effective government are mutually dependent.
We are forging a new vision of American governance that draws on ideas from across the ideological spectrum, an approach made possible by our independence from rigid political coalitions. Our ideological openness gives us credibility to work with a broad range of actors, meeting them on their own terms and helping them converge on policies they might support for different reasons. We thus aspire to be a voice for the hopes and ambitions of Americans who feel shut out by the hostility of our politics.
The Position
The Niskanen Center seeks an experienced Director of Immigration to lead our efforts on immigration policy. For over ten years, Niskanen’s immigration team has dedicated itself to designing a pragmatic and evidence-based immigration system, focusing not only on developing the most effective policies but also ensuring they are politically viable and beneficial to our country’s security, economic, and civic interests.
We prioritize policies that advance strategic, cost-effective border security and enforcement; a secure, efficient, and dynamic legal immigration system; input from the state and local level on economic and humanitarian admissions; and leveraging immigration to strengthen America’s global position. Through these efforts, we aim to educate and influence political and industry leaders while fostering coalitional support to drive impactful and durable policy change.
The ideal candidate will articulate and advance a strategic vision for the department and demonstrate a proven ability to secure funding to support that vision. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of immigration policy and a track record of implementing innovative policy solutions on a bipartisan basis. The Director will be a collaborative leader and manager that empowers the team’s independence and prioritizes outcomes and impact over rigid processes. There is opportunity to refine and expand this agenda in collaboration with the immigration team and Niskanen leadership.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and tailor our institutional perspective on immigration policy and leverage the team’s expertise to conceive, plan, execute, and articulate a strategic research agenda;
- Develop and manage partnerships with other organizations and serve as a senior-level representative of the immigration team, including in public and private engagements with policymakers, thought leaders, government agencies, non-profits, and private sector organizations;
- Build and iterate a strategic vision for the immigration department and communicate it to the broader advocacy field.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the organization, including the communications team, to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to immigration policy and external communication of the team’s work;
- Manage an experienced and innovative team to ensure high-quality and strategic policy and government affairs work that comports with Niskanen’s broader vision and reputation. Collaborate and lead engagement with the department’s senior fellows.
- With the support of leadership and development, oversee the department’s budget and funding, including cultivating and maintaining relationships with current and prospective funders, leading the development of grant proposals, and ensuring fulfillment of grant reporting requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
- An advanced degree (M.A., J.D., or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline;
- A commitment to the vision laid out by the immigration department and the Niskanen Center’s overall mission;
- At least eight years of immigration policy experience, focusing on developing and implementing policy solutions;
- At least three years of senior-level leadership experience and a strong policy reputation with existing leaders in the space;
- Experience collaborating with an ideologically diverse network of organizations and individuals;
- A deep understanding of the legal, economic, and political aspects of immigration law and policy;
- A demonstrated track record of successful fundraising;
- Excellent writing and public speaking skills;
- Strong strategic leadership and
- A high degree of autonomy and personal drive
How to Apply
We will review applications after the deadline. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on June 11, 2026. Please combine a cover letter, resume, and writing sample into one PDF. Use the link below to apply. No phone calls, please.
Salary
$150,000 – $200,000 per year
