Immigration Policy Analyst

Position summary: The Forum is seeking a full-time immigration analyst to impact immigration policy and research, and provide analysis of immigration policies and their impact on Illinois’ Latino community. Under the supervision of the Director of Civic Engagement, the analyst builds and maintains relationships with community partners, government agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders. The immigration analyst advocates for equitable resources for the Latino community, just immigration policies, and Latino participation in the decision-making process. They will work closely with the Housing Analyst in the intersection of Immigration and Housing issues. In addition, the analyst will contribute to informing and engaging the Forum’s Acuerdos – a network of approximately 100 community-based organizations – and the families they serve by providing Immigration and Immigration/COVID-19 policy and resource updates.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Director of Civic Engagement

• Serve as the Forum’s key representative to immigration related coalitions, community organizations, and on immigration issues.
• Monitor changes in federal, state, and local Immigration policies that will impact Latinos.
• Coordinate with the Associate Director of External Affairs all legislative advocacy.
• Conduct data and policy analysis on policies that affect Latinos, specifically Immigration and, in collaboration with the Housing Policy Analyst, the intersection of Immigration and Housing.
• Create informational materials, such as blogs, memos, one-pagers, or policy briefs, on immigration issues.
• Research substantive content, prepare presentations, and conduct workshops in English and Spanish regarding Immigration, COVID-19, and issues at the intersection of Immigration and Housing; conduct surveys and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of workshops.
• Outreach to local and state agencies to ensure Latinos and immigrants have equitable access to Immigration resources.
• Draft and present oral and written testimony to various units of government on behalf of the Forum.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners serving the Latino community or coalitions conducting advocacy on relevant Immigration issues, such as the Protecting Immigrant Families IL coalition.
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Civic Engagement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in non-profits, immigration-led work in the Latino community, and organizing.
• Bilingual -Spanish/English (written and spoken).
• Superior communications (writing, speaking, listening, presenting) and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, creative thinker, equity-minded, well-organized, adaptable in challenging situations.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and respond to diverse individuals and community needs.
• Aptitude for taking initiative, working independently and problem solving, and collaborative.
• Proficient in MS Office – Word, PowerPoint, Excel;
• Internet.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodations. Work is generally done sitting, talking, hearing, and typing. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Work Environment

Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. Due to the pandemic, this position is temporarily remote. The Forum will continue to monitor guidance from government and health officials and the need for remote work arrangements.