Immigration Policy Manager

Brooklyn Community Bail Fund (BCBF) is committed to challenging the racism, inequality, and injustice of the criminal legal system and the immigration detention and deportation regimes. From 2015 through 2019, BCBF operated a revolving bail fund in the criminal legal space, paying $5 million to free nearly 5,000 New Yorkers from pretrial detention. In 2018, in partnership with an Advisory Council of community-based organizations, we launched the New York Immigration Freedom Fund program. Since then, we have paid nearly $5 million in immigration bonds for community members who are unable to afford it themselves and help support their critical post-release needs. Our ongoing work to dismantle the intertwined criminal legal and immigration systems includes continued public education and advocacy—in partnership with allies and impacted communities—to influence policy and legislation locally and nationally. 

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Director of Advocacy and Policy, and in close collaboration with BCBF’s Advocacy/Communications & Immigration Bond teams, the Policy Manager will lead the organization’s policy, legislative & regulatory advocacy & public education initiatives centered on immigration enforcement including immigration bond, ICE accountability, detention and the nexus between the criminal and immigration systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute policy campaigns and initiatives, involving a combination of research, policy, communication, and organizing strategies.
• Produce educational materials including fact sheets, policy memoranda, & reports related to immigration policy. 
• Coordinate with legal partners and pro bono counsel to pursue impact litigation that protects and advances the interests of BCBF clients and other directly impacted community members.
• Represent BCBF in immigration-focused coalitions and campaigns, as well as other advocacy-related meetings and projects.
• Build & manage relationships with allied organizations, policy makers, and other external stakeholders.
• Identify & pursue opportunities to leverage BCBF's bond payment program results towards advocacy and policy goals. 
• Help design and lead the organization's public strategy and messaging related to immigration, serving as the organizational spokesperson as needed, and identifying and preparing staff for speaking engagements.
• Prepare written and oral testimony, talking points, and press statements to support the organization's policy initiatives and other relevant campaigns as needed.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Expertise

• Understanding of the federal, state & local legislative process, immigration policy, federal immigration programs, and the deep connection between the criminal & immigration legal systems.
• Commitment to racial and economic justice; strong intersectional analysis; commitment to the belief that social change must be led by those directly impacted
• Excellent project management skills
• At least 3-6 years experience with policy analysis, coalition building, issue advocacy &/or working in government.
• Flexible schedule with evening and weekend availability.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and collaborative work style.
• Qualitative/quantitative, policy &/or legal research experience is a plus.

Salary commensurate with experience. BCBF offers a generous benefits package. 

BCBF is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran or active military service member status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.