Employment Opportunities

Government Relations Manager-Domestic Policy

Reports To: Maya Berry (AAI) & Nadia Tonova (ACCESS)

Position Summary: The Government Relations Manager serves as both AAI and ACCESS’s 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.

Major Responsibilities:

• Implement a comprehensive government affairs strategy that includes policy research and analysis, a developed advocacy agenda for community members, coordination with coalition partners, and outreach to federal government and congressional offices.

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

• Help maintain and institutionalize AAI and ACCESS legislative and policy work and relationships

• Represent ACCESS and AAI at DC-based events and national coalition meetings

• Provide regular reporting/updates on policy activity in Washington to NNAAC (National Network of Arab American Communities) and AAI members, including tracking and reporting on legislation, floor statements, dear colleagues and congressional happenings relevant to issue areas

• Help develop new AAI and ACCESS legislative and policy initiatives

• Draft talking points, issue briefs and policy memos, and oversee the creation of presentations and the organization of forums and briefings

• Interface with DHS, DOJ, FBI and other government officials

• Contribute content to both AAI and ACCESS’s websites, including blog entries, policy briefings and advocacy updates

• Coordinate with Community Relations and Communications on promoting advocacy agenda and messaging around domestic policy issues and opportunities

• Serve as support staff for national ACCESS events held in Washington

• Perform other duties as assigned (approximately 20% of work allocation)

Requirements:

• Demonstrated planning and organization skills with strong attention to detail

• Strong verbal and written skills

• Ability to multi-task and shift focus with changing priorities

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and team skills (including dealing effectively with others in conflict situations)

• Knowledge and understanding of current policy debates and the legislative process

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

Bachelors degree in Communications, Pre-Law, Political Science, or a related field; minimum of 3 years of job-related experience with specialization in Civil Rights or Immigration preferred. 

Salary TBD. Generous benefits package, including paid health, dental insurance and prescription coverage, annual leave, and holidays.

To apply, please e-mail your resume and a cover letter to jobs@aaiusa.org. No phone calls, please.

Internship Opportunities

AAI offers internships in Washington for college students and recent graduates interested in public affairs, advocacy and ethnic politics. The program is part of the Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF)'s commitment to youth leadership, along with scholarships and awards for public and community service. Internships at AAI offer a great opportunity to work in Washington with a respected organization representing Arab American political interests.

AAI is now accepting applications for the 2012 Summer Internship Program. Click here to apply online.

For general questions about internships or other AAIF student programs, please contact Samer Araabi via email at SAraabi@aaiusa.org or by phone at 202-429-9210.

AAI is a 25-year old non-profit, nonpartisan national leadership organization dedicated to nurturing and encouraging the direct participation of Arab Americans in political and civic life in the United States.