About AAI

Employment

Posted on Wednesday May 6, 2009

The Arab American Institute (AAI), the leading Arab American public policy and advocacy organization, is searching for a Government Relations & Policy Analyst to work in our Washington, DC office. Resumes may be sent to Miriam Vitale — no telephone calls accepted. AAI is an equal opportunity employer.

Organization Description
The Arab American Institute (AAI) is the leading Arab American political empowerment and advocacy organization and represents the policy and community interests of Arab Americans throughout the United States. AAI focuses on two areas: civic empowerment and political participation through campaigns and elections; and policy formation, research and advocacy. AAI serves as a central resource for government officials, the media, policy makers and community groups on post-9/11 civil liberties; ethnic, religious, and racial profiling; demographic and U.S. Census data; national security, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and other public policy issues of concern to Arab Americans.

Job Description
The Government Relations & Policy Analyst serves as a point of contact with policy and advocacy organizations and coalitions; federal agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State as well as the FBI; and congressional offices. This requires an understanding of current policy debates and the legislative process; ability to analyze issues and develop advocacy strategies; and the capacity to relate effectively to individuals and offices involved with issues of concern to the Arab American community.

Responsibilities

• Implement a comprehensive government affairs strategy that includes policy research and analysis; action-oriented updates for AAI members; coordination with coalition partners, and outreach to federal government and congressional offices.


• Serve as a resource to AAI members and government officials on issues including: post-9/11 civil liberties; ethnic, religious, and racial profiling; immigration reform and national security.


• Help develop new AAI legislative and policy initiatives.


• Contribute content to AAI website, including policy briefings and advocacy updates

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Pre-Law, Political Science, or related field with 2-3 years of full-time work experience. Specialization in Civil Rights or Immigration preferred.


• Solid understanding of Arab American domestic issues and experience with policy research, development, and analysis. Knowledge of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East a plus.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interface with DHS, DOJ, FBI and other government officials.


• Must have outstanding oral and written communication skills and capacity to oversee the drafting of talking points and policy memos, the creation of presentations, and the organization of forums and briefings.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, under considerable pressure and tight deadlines.


• Fluent English required. Spoken Arabic or French a plus.


• General computer skills.

Send Resume and salary requirements to:

Miriam Vitale
Arab American Institute
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 429-9210
(202) 429-9214 FAX
mvitale@aaiusa.org

The Arab American Institute (AAI), the leading Arab American public policy and advocacy organization, is searching for a Press Secretary to work in our Washington, D.C. office. Resumes may be sent to Miriam Vitale — no telephone calls accepted. AAI is an equal opportunity employer.

Organization Description
The Arab American Institute (AAI) is the leading Arab American political empowerment and advocacy organization and represents the policy and community interests of Arab Americans throughout the United States. AAI focuses on two areas: civic empowerment and political participation through campaigns and elections; and policy formation, research and advocacy. AAI serves as a central resource for government officials, the media, policy makers and community groups on post-9/11 civil liberties; ethnic, religious, and racial profiling; demographic and U.S. Census data; national security, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and other public policy issues of concern to Arab Americans.

Job Description
This position will be the first respondent to all media inquiries to the Organization, and the successful candidate will develop a strategy that promotes the Organization’s goals and accomplishments, anticipates and responds to crisis situations, and produces demonstrable media results for both the Organization and its President. This position reports to the Director of Communications and works closely with the President.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a proactive media strategy for the President, Speakers’ Bureau, and Organization programs to raise the profile of the Organization in national and international media outlets.


• Evaluate and facilitate requests for interviews with the President, community leaders, Speakers’ Bureau, etc., and develop appropriate background information briefings.


• Prepares press briefings and media outreach during events; updates to the website, letters to publications.


• Ensure that external media messaging is accurate, well written, professional and consistent with the Organization’s brand and message.


• Compose and edits press releases and information for specialized media outlets; facilitate external communications by advancing news stories, maintaining relationships with reporters and publications and working with editors of publications to determine op-ed opportunities.


• Monitor news to identify and capitalize on trends, breaking issues, and to accurately anticipate and proactively manage crisis situations that pertain to the mission of the Organization.

Requirements

• Demonstrated track record of successful media placement


• Strong writing, editing and communications skills


• Existing relationships with media outlets


• Bachelors in Communications, Journalism or related field, minimum two years’ related experience


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, under considerable pressure and tight deadlines


• A self starter with excellent oral and written communication skills


• Knowledge of Content Management Systems, media blast software, online media lists, social media


• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat and Microsoft Office preferred

Send Resume and salary requirements to:

Miriam Vitale
Arab American Institute
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 429-9210
(202) 429-9214 FAX
mvitale@aaiusa.org