Advocacy Associate

Description:

PURPOSE STATEMENT

Ayuda seeks to deepen its advocacy presence and broaden the impact of its advocacy work on behalf of immigrant communities. The Advocacy Associate will provide essential support to the Advocacy Manager in advancing Ayuda’s policy goals, strengthening coalition engagement, and ensuring immigrant voices and needs are centered in local and regional decision-making. This position will serve as the backup to the Advocacy Manager and contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the Advocacy Program.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

Advocacy Coordination & Administrative Support

• Track and monitor coalition listservs, media sites, and other sources for relevant advocacy opportunities, including sign-on letters, council hearings, and campaign actions.
• Assist with research on key legislation, budget proposals, and policies affecting immigrant communities.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for advocacy activities, including scheduling coalition and legislative meetings, preparing agendas, and taking notes.
• Assist in drafting sign-on letters, testimony, and other advocacy documents under the direction of the Advocacy Manager.
• Support planning of advocacy campaigns and events, including rallies, press conferences, and lobby days.

Community Engagement & Relationship-Building

• Support the implementation of Ayuda’s Community Advisory Council, including recruiting members, scheduling, communication with members, preparing materials for meetings, and training members to engage in advocacy.
• Represent Ayuda in coalition meetings and community spaces as needed.
• Contribute to building and maintaining strong relationships with coalition partners, community leaders, and government officials.

Communications & Messaging

• Manage Ayuda’s WhatsApp Channels, disseminating resources and information relevant to the immigrant communities in Ayuda’s service area.
• In collaboration with the Communications team, help prepare internal and external advocacy communications, including content for Ayuda’s social media, newsletter, and website. Support storytelling efforts by gathering community perspectives and highlighting advocacy impact.

Reporting & Documentation

• Work closely with the Development Director and Institutional Giving Manager to share updates, data, and stories about advocacy activities and outcomes for use in grant proposals and reports.
• Maintain accurate records of advocacy activities, tracking lobbying, sign-on letters, and coalition engagement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU CAN DO THIS JOB?

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be legally able to work in the United States and maintain proper work authorization throughout employment. Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position presented in a general office environment.

All Ayuda employees are required to reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. The Advocacy Manager will be based in Ayuda’s DC office and will be required to travel to Ayuda’s DC, Maryland, or Virginia offices and community locations for in-person meetings, with the option to work from home other times.

Qualifications:

The following qualifications are the qualities, experiences, and skills we seek in a candidate. Candidates who don't feel that they meet every single qualification, but who still believe they’d be the right fit for this role, are encouraged to consider applying!

We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways - not just candidates who check all the boxes.

(Required)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, international relations, social work, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Advocacy Experience: At least 1-3 years of experience in policy, advocacy, community organizing, government or related nonprofit work (internships and volunteer experience may be considered).
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policies into digestible prose accessible to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with immigrant rights, social justice, or related policy issues.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and Ayuda’s mission of serving immigrant communities.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines: this includes 1) ability to prioritize projects with various deadlines and requirements; 2) ability to seek answers independently, utilize/find resources and ask for support when needed; and 3) flexibility and creativity to adapt to changing situations
• Technology skills: this includes 1) disaggregating data; 2) skilled use of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Outlook email.
• Enthusiasm for building Ayuda’s advocacy work.

(Preferred)

• Professional or personal experience with immigrant communities.
• Familiarity with the immigration system and issues faced by immigrant communities.
• Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish, Amharic, French, or another language widely spoken in local immigrant communities)

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The anticipated salary for this position is $56,000-63,500 depending on experience.

Candidates with more than 5 years of relevant professional experience may be eligible for a higher salary.

We are proud of the benefits we can offer that include:

• Platinum-level medical insurance plan 100% employer-paid
• Dental and vision insurance 100% employer paid
• Long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid
• Life and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid
• Pre-tax 401(k) with Employer match on first 3% of salary
• Vacation Days: 21 days per year until year 3, 27 per year in years 3-7 and 33 days per year after 7 years employment. Employees begin with 3 days of vacation leave.
• New employees begin with 5 days of Health & Wellness (sick) leave and accrue an additional 5 hours per pay period plus emergency medical leave up to 12 weeks per year
• 12 weeks paid parental leave
• 24 days paid holidays and staff wellness days, including Winter Break the last week of the year
• Job-related professional development fees (including annual state bar dues and professional memberships)
• Flexible work schedules

Employees with federal student loan debt may be eligible to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the Department of Education. For more information, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.

This position is non-exempt for overtime purposes.

TO APPLY:

Please apply with resume and cover letter. Writing samples may be requested.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Apply early for full consideration. No phone calls, please.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:

Ayuda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We believe that a diversity of experiences, opinions, and backgrounds is integral to achieving our mission and vision. We celebrate diversity and seek to leverage the passion, energy, and ideas of a culturally diverse team. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, and our hiring and promotion practices comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.