Government Affairs Coordinator
Job Title: Government Affairs Coordinator
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule Type: Full-time
Location: South Plainfield (In-person)
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, New Jersey office (CAIR-NJ) is looking for a qualified, passionate, and talented individual to fill the Government Affairs Coordinator position. We are seeking individuals interested in working on the front lines of the fight for the civil rights of American Muslims. Join a small and intimate but quickly growing team that works to defend civil rights on behalf of the American Muslim community, promote civic engagement, strengthen the image of Islam and Muslims in the media, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Position summary:
The Government Affairs Coordinator is responsible for providing support to our executive director in legislative and policy research projects, state and local-level tracking and analysis, meeting and project coordination, outreach to stakeholders, elected officials and agency staff, and other support as needed. He/She will be working closely with staff from all departments. The Government Affairs Coordinator duties will initially comprise of roughly 30 percent legislative and policy research and writing related duties and 70 percent outreach activities to further develop CAIR’s presence and impact.
Government Affairs Coordinator
Duties and responsibilities:
- Comfort in conducting outreach to policymakers in state legislatures or Congress and/or local, state, and federal agencies.
- Knowledge of the local, state, and federal legislative processes with an ability to apply that knowledge to developing and carrying out coherent strategies.
- Able to conduct civic participation and voter mobilization trainings to help community members engage in government outreach and related activities.
- Able to engage in and oversee non-partisan election activities, including voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote efforts and other programs.
- Excellent written and communications skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into focused public policy research, white papers, congressional fact sheets, action alerts, press releases, and other advocacy materials.
- Proven ability to develop key relationships and identify and leverage collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and objectives, lead projects upon request, and work effectively with others internally to produce positive results.
- Capable of issuing action alerts to mobilize communities on issues relevant to CAIR’s government affairs policy agenda.
- Able to identify and efficiently utilize internal resources for maximum impact.
- A strong desire to continually improve and undertake new challenges.
- A strong sense of accountability with high ethical standards. Able to coordinate with other CAIR chapters and local communities on government affairs issues
- Proficient utilizing relevant computer software programs, including but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Explorer (or software equivalents thereof).
Qualifications:
- Must be able to act as the organizational spokesperson to publicly promote the issues and/or positions of the organization.
- Bachelor’s degree required. Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, or Communications) preferred.
- Experience in election campaign work, social activism, public policy or government affairs. Prior experience working in a political campaign, elected office, city government, nonprofit advocacy organization, trade
- Association, state legislature or Congress, state or federal agency, as well as working in a corporate government affairs office or trade association preferred.
- Strong understanding of the inner-workings of state legislatures or Congress, committees, as well as government departments and agencies.
- Experience developing policy, advocating before elected representatives, state or federal departments and agencies, and building and working with coalitions.
- Experience working with a political action committee and/or a grassroots program is a plus, but not required.
- Experience working with Muslim groups is a plus.
Commitment to the mission:
- Passion for the mission of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, including a strong commitment to securing the human rights and justice for Muslim-Americans and their families.
Interpersonal skills:
- Ability to work fluidly with staff many of whom are Muslim-American.
- Must be able to work flexibly to deal with different cultural norms, educational backgrounds, and professional skills.
- Be highly motivated, detail-oriented with exemplary communications and computer skills.
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced and often changing environment.
Writing and analytical skills:
- Superb writing skills and the ability to compile all necessary information for decision-making, reporting and presentations.
Personal qualities:
- Personal qualities including energy, intelligence, diplomacy, sound practical judgement, the ability to work independently with limited supervision; the ability to work effectively in a busy office; strong organization skills; self-starter; and the interpersonal skills to work effectively in partnership with staff, local, regional, national, and international advocates and legislators.
- Ideal candidates must be able to demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
- Travel is required
- Any other duties as required.
Compensation:
- Compensation in the range of $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with education, skills and experience
- Fully paid Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey for employee and dependents
- 3% retirement matching contribution
- 10 paid holidays, 10 days paid vacation, 5 sick days, and 5 personal days
Other Benefits:
- You will receive on-the-job training
- CAIR-NJ provides an excellent Islamic work environment
How To Apply:
All those interested and eligible to work in the U.S. (citizens or proper work visa holders) are encouraged to apply. Please submit:
(1) Cover letter
(2) Resume
(3) Three references
(4) Answers for the application questions found on this page.
Application Deadline: Interviews conducted on rolling basis.
CAIR-NJ is an equal opportunity employer.
