Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security

The position work particularly in the areas of profiling of Asian American and immigrant communities based on race, religion, ethnicity, and/or national origin

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*** COVID vaccination required.  Exemptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis upon request ***

Organizational Profile: Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (Advancing Justice | AAJC) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991 and located in Washington, D.C.  Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.  For 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.

Based in Washington, D.C., Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation.  With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multiracial democracy.

Title:                Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security

Reports to:     Vice President, Policy and Programs

Term:               Immediately

Status:            Full time, Exempt Employee, 40 hours/week

Salary:           $90,000-$115,000

Position Summary: The Director, Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security, will primarily be responsible for the development and execution of advocacy, research, and coalition-building strategies on national security policies and civil rights concerns, particularly in the areas of profiling of Asian American and immigrant communities based on race, religion, ethnicity and/or national origin. The Director will work in collaboration with other Advancing Justice | AAJC program areas, including the Immigration & Immigrant Rights program and the Telecommunications, Technology, and Media program at the intersections of immigration with national security and surveillance in advocating for reforms that will benefit  Asian Americans and the broader immigrant community.  The Director will supervise FTE staff, including for intake & legal referrals and in disseminating know your rights information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning

  • Act as a thought partner to the Executive Director and Vice President, Policy and Programs on issues related to racial/ethnic, religious, and national origin profiling, national security, and civil rights.
  • Work closely with the executive team, organization staff, and board of directors to provide leadership and direction in setting budgets, program goals and strategies, advancing new ideas and innovation that align with our organizational mission and strategic plan.
  • Work closely with the executive team, to share responsibility to spearhead cross-organizational initiatives amongst our internal divisions.

Plan and Strategize Activities Related to Anti-Profiling, National Security, and Civil Rights

  • Advocate for legislative and administrative reforms to advance laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies to combat profiling and harmful national security policies, including border and research security, to protect the rights of Asian Americans.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key legislators and federal agencies related to national security and research;
  • Management and oversight of FTE staff members in the Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security program.
  • Oversee the legal referral and intake process to provide access to legal resources for individuals impacted by government profiling and surveillance;
  • Collaborate with the Directors of Immigration Advocacy and Telecommunications, Technology, and Media at the intersections of immigration with national security and surveillance in advocating for reforms that will benefit     Asian Americans and the broader immigrant community.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic communications plans in furtherance of our advocacy goals, including providing content support, responding to press inquiries, and making public speaking appearances as necessary and appropriate; and
  • Engage in the development and implementation of Community Partners’ Network strategies and activities in furtherance of departmental advocacy goals as well as in other areas of policy work as necessary and appropriate.

Develop, Implement and Maintain External Relationships and Partnerships

  • Build and maintain excellent relationships with affiliates, Congressional offices and administrative agencies, and the relevant legal and advocacy groups within the civil rights and Asian American communities nationally and locally;
  • Develop community education materials; provide technical assistance to community- based organizations nationwide; conduct community training, outreach, and education;
  • Coordinate program planning and implementation with Advancing Justice | AAJC affiliates to identify areas for potential impact litigation and amicus briefs;
  • Build strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders, allied organizations, coalitions, and Congressional Members and staff;
  • Assist with building strong partnerships with private practice attorneys who can support Advancing Justice | AAJC projects.

Fundraising

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of a development supported growth strategy for the Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security program, including the identification of donor prospects through work with peer organizations and other professional contacts and the development of potential programmatic elements that may be of particular interest to donors/prospects; 
  • Assist with fundraising and relationship management with funders and supporters;
  • Work with the finance and development teams to craft project budgets and contribute to the development of grant proposals relating to the Anti-Profiling, Civil Rights & National Security program,
  • Collaborate with development team to identify opportunities for engaging with funders;
  • Provide content/information for donor communications and materials (donor newsletters, action alerts, special reports from the executive director, social media postings, etc.); and 
  • Attend meetings with prospects/donors as necessary and appropriate.  

General AAJC Roles

  • Live and exhibit the Core Values of Advancing Justice | AAJC, by contributing to an environment that promotes trust, teamwork, and transparency among staff, board, National Advisory Council, affiliates, and community partners.
  • Contribute to, establish, and follow policies and procedures, including maintenance of confidentiality, to ensure that the principles of Advancing Justice | AAJC are implemented.
  • Participate fully in and lead decision-making processes; understand outcomes and be accountable for decisions made in or affecting their area.
  • Understand the values and principles of Advancing Justice | AAJC and apply them fully in work responsibilities.
  • Participate in other activities and serve on ad hoc committees as requested.
  • Attend and contribute to Advancing Justice | AAJC and board of directors’ meetings.
  • Willing to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Currently a member of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a federal court of general jurisdiction.
  • Minimum eight years of relevant experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  • Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, creatively problem solve, and exercise good judgment.
  • Successful track record of forging alliances, working in coalitions, and moving people to take collective action.
  • Facilitative and collaborative leadership style with strong people skills.
  • Experience working with diverse groups from various sectors ranging from grassroots to policy institutions.
  • Fundraising experience, including building and developing relationships.
  • Excellent communicator and writer with experience as a spokesperson who can articulate messages to different audiences, including the media.
  • Strong supervisory skills and experience with proven ability to manage, coach and mentor staff and work collegially with management team members.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and balance competing assignments is necessary.
  • Experience navigating administrative and legislative processes.
  • Must have the ability to plan, organize, and help to oversee a comprehensive program.

Desired Qualifications

  • The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in national security (particularly, border or research security), surveillance, and/or profiling issues and policies.
  • Practical knowledge and experience in legal referrals or direct client work, particularly in working with vulnerable or impacted persons is preferred.
  • Experience and knowledge in Asian American civil and human rights.
  • Relevant experience in criminal, employment, and/or immigration law is a plus.

Application Process:

Send resume with references, short writing sample, and a cover letter to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org or by mail.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.