Director of Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC has grown to operate in over 40 countries and in 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and support to those in need. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, economic wellbeing, and safety, aiming to restore dignity and hope to those affected by conflict and disaster. The IRC is committed to mobilizing external audiences to raise funds, influence policies, and achieve practice changes that improve outcomes for clients while protecting its global brand.

Job Overview:
As the Director of Advocacy, you will be at the forefront of the IRC’s advocacy efforts, leading the development of strategies that align with the organization’s crisis and solutions-driven global influence priorities. This role requires a deep understanding of current federal legislative and policy trends in the U.S., as well as the ability to craft influence strategies that leverage IRC’s programmatic and research evidence. You will engage with key stakeholders across government and civil society, working collaboratively to develop advocacy campaigns that resonate with Congressional representatives, U.S. government officials, and other influential entities. Your expertise will be crucial in translating complex policy issues into actionable advocacy messages that drive meaningful change for IRC’s clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of advocacy strategies for specific policy goals, ensuring alignment with IRC’s influence priorities.
• Collaborate with policy leads to maximize opportunities for IRC to advance its influence objectives.
• Develop U.S. power maps for key policy issues to identify influence priorities and cultivate relationships across the U.S. Government.
• Support the development and execution of creative influence strategies, including partnerships with nontraditional stakeholders.
• Engage with key policy stakeholders to build IRC’s credibility and profile, raising awareness at key meetings and forums.
• Track and analyze shifting Congressional and Executive branch positions, translating policy asks into legislative requests.
• Contribute to policy generation by providing U.S.-specific analysis that enhances the credibility and efficacy of IRC’s solutions.
• Collaborate with the communications team to shape policy communications and develop advocacy materials.
• Act as an IRC spokesperson on focused advocacy areas, engaging with legislative and governmental staffers. 1
• Support relationships with IRC's Board and Advisors, identifying mutual interests and opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• A degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Law, or International Relations.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and advocacy strategy development, with a focus on creativity and strategic thinking.
• 10-12 years of experience working on complex humanitarian and/or development issues.
• Knowledge of U.S. Government functioning and prior work with the U.S. Government or Congress is a plus.
• A strong network of influencers and policymakers, with a deep understanding of global issues related to the humanitarian field.
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex material into coherent narratives.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Law, or International Relations. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of advocacy work and the legislative process, as well as for developing effective strategies that align with IRC’s mission and goals.

Experience:
The position requires 10-12 years of experience in advocacy and advocacy strategy development, particularly in the context of humanitarian and development issues. Candidates should have a proven track record of influencing legislative and executive policy, as well as experience working with government officials and stakeholders in the U.S. This level of experience is crucial for navigating the complexities of policy engagement and for effectively advocating for IRC’s priorities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role involves extensive communication with U.S. government officials and stakeholders. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Washington, DC, and candidates must reside in the DC area. The role is hybrid, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work. The compensation for this position ranges from $130,000 to $153,000, depending on various factors including the labor market and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.