Director, Civil Rights Policy Project

Multiple Locations

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UnidosUS is seeking a director for its Civil Rights Policy Project.

The Director is responsible for traditional antidiscrimination and civil rights work for Latinos and immigrants, while also covering emerging issues in civil rights, such as voting rights, the digital divide, equal access to broadband media, and media ownership. Success in this role depends on interest and experience in voting rights advocacy, democracy issues including election integrity and civic engagement, deep experience analyzing and writing about substantive public policy issues affecting low-income and minority populations, and a desire to work toward advancing social and economic equity and policy change that improves the well-being of Latinos.

The Director will report to the Senior Director for Public Policy. This position is hybrid and will be based either in Washington DC, or in one of our priority states (Arizona, California, Florida, or Texas). Remote staff travel to Washington, DC at least quarterly.

Responsibilities

Management and Strategy

  • Understand UnidosUS’s overall strategic direction and build a civil rights portfolio in that context.
  • Direct, manage, and conduct extensive policy and regulatory analysis on civil rights policies that affect and relate to Latino and immigrant communities.
  • Supervise and provide support to a team working on policy analysis, research, lobbying, and advocacy on multiple civil rights issues.

External leadership

  • Represent UnidosUS policy priorities before congressional staff and other policymakers, including potentially providing testimony and comments before policymakers and regulators.
  • Promote and advance UnidosUS’s positions with issue stakeholders; coordinate, develop, and participate in public policy forums, summits, briefings, and other events where relevant civil rights matters are discussed.
  • With internal support, develop and deepen funding relationships that serve the Civil Rights Policy Project.
  • Work with media when appropriate and required.

Production of Policy Materials

  • Develop policy positions, produce internal memoranda, and prepare a variety of short and long-format materials such as reports, position papers, fact sheets, and talking points.
  • Coordinate work with other colleagues and departments, as well with community-based organizations.
  • Provide subject matter expertise and support to UnidosUS leadership.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in relevant field.
  • Minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant experience.
  • Supervisory experience a plus.
  • Highly developed writing skills required, including the ability to write journal articles, public testimony, conference papers, reports, issue briefs, and regulatory comments.
  • Experience analyzing civil rights policy.
  • Experience communicating policy recommendations in public settings.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with coalitions and policy stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with data analysis and research methods.
  • Familiarity with relevant congressional committees, coalition dynamics, and administrative agencies.

Skills and Abilities

  • Steadfast commitment to UnidosUS mission, vision, and values (Excellence, Accountability, Respeto).
  • Commitment to U.S. Latino community, Latino nonprofit organizations, and the Latino market.
  • Demonstrated experience working in nonprofits, community-based organizations, and diverse communities.
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Commitment to excellence and high standards.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite more specifically, Office 365.
  • Acute attention to detail.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills required.

About UnidosUS

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our community stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Employment with UnidosUS is contingent upon successful completion of a background screen.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.