Federal Immigration Advocacy Consultant

WHO WE ARE

Born out of the legal efforts at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban, Immigrant ARC has been growing exponentially since spinning out as a stand alone non-profit three years ago. During that time, we have helped coordinate responses to multiple immigration needs and helped strengthen and grow the immigration legal services field in order to increase immigrant New Yorker’s access to counsel and access to justice. 

Our community includes over 80 legal service providers in New York State. We come together in solidarity with all New Yorkers who believe in fair and just immigration policies and who share our collective outrage at the injustices confronting immigrant communities. We use our knowledge of immigration law and practice to empower each other and the communities we serve to collectively fight systemic oppression and seek respect and dignity for all. We recognize that access to justice for immigrant communities is inextricably linked to the broader fight for racial justice. We commit to working alongside all others who are fighting to achieve a vision of a more just and equitable world.

WHAT YOU'LL DO


I-ARC seeks a part-time Federal Immigration Advocacy Consultant to lead our efforts in federal immigration advocacy, working with both I-ARC members and external partners to push for meaningful changes in immigration law and policy. This position is ideal for someone with significant experience in immigration law or immigration policy who is passionate about federal administrative and legislative advocacy.

Specifically the Federal Immigration Advocacy Consultant will: 

  • Lead the I-ARC Advocacy Working Group

    • Run the I-ARC Advocacy Working Group, which brings together I-ARC members interested in using their personal and professional experiences to advocate for issues important to immigration legal service providers.

    • Facilitate discussions among group members to identify key immigration issues and develop collective advocacy strategies.

  • Connect Advocacy Efforts to Broader National Initiatives

    • Collaborate with I-ARC’s internal programs and member organizations to translate issues identified by immigration law practitioners into broader advocacy efforts.

    • Lead initiatives such as sign-on letter campaigns or social media messaging  to  highlight and address breakdowns in federal immigration processes as identified by our members.

    • Represent I-ARC in national coalitions pushing for administrative and legislative reforms.

  • Engage and Train I-ARC Members in Advocacy

    • Develop opportunities to engage and train staff of I-ARC member organizations on participating in advocacy efforts at the city, state, and federal levels.

    • Develop flexible entryways into engaging in advocacy to account for our members’ varying approaches to lobbying and advocacy while fostering greater involvement from the immigration legal services community.

    • Provide professional development opportunities for I-ARC members interested in engaging in systems change work in either their personal or organizational capacities. 

WHO YOU ARE

  • A strategic thinker with a deep commitment to immigrant rights. 

  • A passion for advocacy and are able to bring diverse stakeholders together to create collective change. 

  • Experienced in federal administrative and legislative advocacy, with a strong foundation in immigration law or immigration policy.

EXPERIENCE

  • At least 7 years in immigration law and/or policy

  • Proven track record in federal administrative and legislative advocacy specific to immigration

  • Law degree preferred but not required, though prior knowledge and experience with immigration issues are essential

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

  • Ability to represent I-ARC and its members in national coalitions

  • Experience in training and engaging staff in advocacy efforts

CONTRACT TYPE & HOURS

  • Part-time contractor position (approximately 15-20 hours per week)

  • Monthly stipend: $5,000

  • Initial term: 6 months, with potential extension based on performance and funding

I-ARC is an equal-opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. At Immigrant ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.