State Policy Director

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) was established in 1987 to protect and promote the rights and opportunities of immigrants and refugees. In partnership with its members and allies, MIRA advances this mission through education, training, leadership development, organizing, policy analysis and advocacy.

Background and Position Description:

The State Policy Director is responsible for monitoring, analysis, advocacy, training and technical support regarding state legislative, budgetary, and administrative policies and proposals that affect immigrant communities in Massachusetts. The State policy director is responsible for promoting and participating in o- going coalition work across policy priority areas. The State Policy Director supervises the Policy Associate and works closely with the Director of Organizing and the Federal Policy Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Monitor state legislation and policy as it impacts immigrants. Participate in legislative, budgetary, and administrative advocacy on topics including health, access to education, domestic violence, and others.
  • Provide trainings and updates to members and stakeholders on state policy issues.
  • Monitor additional state and federal legislation as related to access to benefits, access to benefits, and other issues.
  • Conduct policy analysis on a range of immigrant issues, and develop materials for use in education, outreach, and advocacy, as well as track developments and write policy briefs and fact sheets;
  • Maintain communications and build relationships with government officials and strengthen partnerships and collaborations with multi-sector organizations and unions
  • Work with members of the Massachusetts State Legislature to promote MIRA’s state policy priorities, as well as providing trainings and technical assistance to legislative offices, as requested
  • Lead the budget analysis and advocacy process
  • Supervise the Policy associate, and policy interns
  • Represent the organization at commission and task force meetings, as needed
  • Provide technical assistance for policy makers and media
  • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Desired Qualifications:

  • 3 years minimum experience in public policy development, JD strongly preferred;
  • Substantial experience working on or a significant understanding of immigration and refugee issues;
  • Experience forming and leading coalitions;
  • Track record of successful program and staff management
  • Lobbying experience
  • Proven ability to facilitate meetings and build consensus;
  • Excellent interpersonal, writing, public speaking and research skills;
  • Extremely organized and detail-oriented with the ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously and complete them in a timely manner;
  • Bilingual language capability preferred; bi-cultural experience helpful.

Salary and Benefits

  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Eligible for health and dental plans.
  • Full-time.
  • Start date ASAP.

Send cover letter, and resume by ______to ______. Hard copies can be mailed to ______, MIRA Coalition, 105 Chauncy Street, #901, Boston, MA 02111 attn: LizChaves or faxed to 617-350-5499. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

The MIRA Coalition is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Immigrants and people of color encouraged to apply.