Advocacy and Organizing Associate

Introduction:

This role advances ILCM’s mission through strategic policy advocacy, coalition-building, community engagement, and public policy education, with a primary focus on state and local immigrant and refugee policy issues in Minnesota. Working closely with the Policy & Public Affairs Director, the position helps develop and implement short-, medium-, and long-term policy agendas and advocacy campaigns; monitors emerging legal, policy, and political trends affecting immigrant and refugee communities; builds and maintains relationships with grassroots organizations and stakeholders; and represents ILCM in coalitions, working groups, and partnerships. In collaboration with the Communications team, the position develops and coordinates advocacy-related events and outreach initiatives designed to educate, engage, and mobilize supporters. The role also ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local campaign finance regulations while serving as a trusted advocate and resource on issues impacting immigrant and refugee communities throughout Minnesota.

What’s in it for you?

• The opportunity to make an impact in the community by enhancing opportunities for immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
• We believe in work-life harmony. This role offers the flexibility to blend remote work with in-office collaboration.

Why ILCM?

• You will be championing social justice & creating meaningful impact by shaping policy and narratives, building and participating in strategic coalitions, and elevating community voices to advance ILCM’s mission at the local, state, and national level.
• You will work in a place that values diversity, equity, and belonging. We encourage new ideas, value multiple perspectives, and foster a supportive environment where each role matters.
• We offer competitive and transparent compensation. We aim to ensure that pay, benefits, and career progression reflect your contributions, impact, and market value.
• You will work with a committed organization dedicated to serving and empowering Minnesota’s immigrant and refugee communities. ILCM’s values are grounded in respect for and partnership with our immigrant and refugee clients and communities. 

Primary Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Public Policy Director, develop and sustain strategic short, medium, and long-term ILCM policy agendas and campaigns with a main focus on state and local level policy advocacy in Minnesota.
• Stay up to date on current issues, trends, and research in immigrant and refugee law and policy and political landscapes to sustain ILCM policy work and strategy.
• Strategize with the Public Policy Director to convene working tables and coalitions of diverse stakeholders around advocacy efforts impacting immigrants by leveraging ILCM’s role as a trusted leader and issue expert, and represent ILCM at existing tables and coalitions led by other stakeholders.
• In conjunction with Public Policy Director and Communications Department, develop and implement events such as calls to action, post card writing campaigns, town halls, etc. to engage, educate, and/or activate people in and around ILCM’s ecosystem on advocacy and related efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with grassroots, grasstops, and other stakeholders to strategically advance ILCM’s public policy initiatives, with a primary focus on state and local levels in Minnesota.
• Expand ILCM’s role in local-level advocacy, including with respect to advocacy in Appleton, MN regarding the Prairie Detention Facility, as well as other city and county governing bodies with respect to various issues impacting immigrant and refugee communities across Minnesota.
• Build immigrant and refugee communities’ understanding of policy and advocacy processes and strategies to empower more direct community engagement in policy advocacy.
• Identify and share opportunities for ILCM staff to engage in advocacy work as appropriate in consultation with Public Policy Director.
• Assist Public Policy Director with drafting a brief bi-weekly policy and advocacy update for ILCM staff and board.
• Maintain compliance with IRS, MN Campaign Finance, and any local campaign finance rules and regulations.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Represent ILCM before governing bodies such as the Minnesota State Legislature, city councils, and county commissions, including participating in on-record testimony where full name and face may be recorded.
• Complete time records for financial management, grant reporting, and compliance purposes.
• Support Public Policy Director with compliance reporting obligations where needed.
• Participate in team meetings and monthly all-staff meetings.
• Engage in training and professional development opportunities as assigned or required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications | Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in issue advocacy, organizing, or direct lobbying
• Experience with advocacy coalitions strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Minnesota advocacy ecosystem strongly preferred.
• Ability/willingness to work some weekends due to legislative session occasionally meeting on weekends.
• Proficient in all Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience with LegalServer and/or other timekeeping programs preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to work well cross-departmentally, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with diverse refugee and immigrant communities, community agencies, and resources.
• Passion for serving the low-income immigrant and refugee community and experience working with persons of diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

We provide paid leave including the following:

• Paid Time Off – Employee earns 12.5 hours per month during the first 2 years of employment (4 weeks), 15.625 per month in years 2-5 (5 weeks), and 18.75 per month after 5 years (6 weeks). Employees can carry up to 80 hours of unused leave from year to year.
• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST): In compliance with Minnesota law, ILCM will provide employees with paid sick & safe leave under this policy. All employees will receive eighty (80) hours sick and safe time, or pro-rated upon the commencement of employment. Unused sick and safe time will not be carried over from one calendar year to the next, nor will it be paid out at the end of each year.
• Holiday Leave: Most major federal holidays off including the days between Christmas Eve and New Years Day. In addition, ILCM offers one floating holiday and the opportunity to exchange holidays that don’t fall within an employee's religious or cultural background (i.e., alternative holidays).
• Paid Family & Medical Leave: In compliance with Minnesota statute. See Handbook and Benefits Guide for more information.

We provide competitive benefits including the following:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance (with employer contributions)
• Employer-paid life and disability coverage (voluntary life insurance is available at employee cost)
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer match
• FSA and HSA with employer contributions (HSA is only available for employees enrolled in our HSA medical plan)
• Pet Benefits & Pet Discount Program with employer contributions
• A remote connectivity stipend of $50/month
• Payment for organizational/membership dues
• Training/professional development budget of $500/year