Policy and Practice Associate/Counsel

Description

Founded in 1946, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit bar association of more than 18,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. AILA's mission is to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and support the professional development of its members. Headquartered in Washington, DC, AILA provides continuing legal education, policy resources, and advocacy leadership through its national network of chapters and committees.

• Monitor and track AILA's priority legislative and policy issues with a focus on removal and enforcement and selected humanitarian issues
• Draft legal, policy, and advocacy materials on legislation, regulations, and policies
• Make recommendations on AILA's policy positions, priorities, and strategies in coordination with AILA staff and expert leadership bodies

• Represent AILA with Congress and government agencies, and develop relationships with congressional and administration staff
• Manage and support AILA's institutional engagements with agencies
• Organize advocacy initiatives targeting Congress and government agencies

• Support, track, and review the work of AILA's subject matter expert committees and national committees
• Serve as a resource on policy and legislative matters for AILA members
• Support the department's grassroots and membership engagement efforts

• Design legislative, advocacy, policy, and other work product to maximize impact on target audiences
• Work with AILA communications and online content staff to produce policy, legislative, and advocacy materials
• Educate through conferences, webinars, public events, media interviews, and social media

• Represent AILA in national or regional coalitions and campaign efforts
• Cultivate relationships and alliances with organizations that share common advocacy and policy aims

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; J.D. or master's in public policy or related field preferred; bar admission preferred for the Counsel track
• Three to five years of immigration policy and/or general immigration law practice experience, with an emphasis on removal and/or humanitarian immigration
• Demonstrated experience drafting legal, policy, or advocacy materials
• Experience working with administrative agencies, Congress, or state legislatures
• Experience working with coalitions or partner organizations on shared advocacy goals
• Prior experience in an association, member-service, or customer-service environment is a plus

• Significant knowledge of immigration law, policy, and procedure
• Strong grasp of strategy and the political process
• Experience developing and implementing major policy advocacy campaigns directed at Congress and government agencies
• Superb writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Strong research, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Capacity to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines, including under pressure
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and in coordination with teams and volunteer leadership

This is a fully remote role; AILA does not require regularly scheduled in-office days. Because the position involves building relationships with external stakeholders — including coalition partners, Congress, and federal agencies — proximity to the Washington, DC area is preferred for occasional in-person engagement. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or events, generally with advance notice.

To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs—such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview—please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. AILA participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association ("AILA") is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.