Director of Immigration Policy and External Affairs

Position Title: Director of Immigration Policy and External Affairs

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Immigration Services

Position Type: Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Exempt

Work Setting: Hybrid

Reports To: Interim Co-Executive Director of Immigration Services

Pay Range: $105,000/year

Total Compensation:  

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
• Generous employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
• 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

Position Overview: 

JFS is looking for a dynamic and experienced Director of Immigration Policy and External Affairs to lead our immigration policy and external communications and strategic partnerships efforts within the Immigration Services sector. In this role, you have the opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference in your community and help improve lives across San Diego. The Director of Immigration Policy and External Affairs plays an integral role on the Immigration
Division and supports other JFS departments who support Immigration Division by working with donors, grand funders and other JFS stakeholders to continue to position JFS/San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) as national leaders in welcoming non-citizens with dignity and compassion.   This position reports directly to the Interim Co-Executive Director of Immigration Services and works closely with other members of the Development, Marketing and Public Relations, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Immigration Division teams.

Responsibilities:

• Resource Development – supports the Development team by providing immigration law and policy updates to keep the portfolio of 50-75 donors who support immigration causes, including JFS/SDRRN, up to date. Additionally, support in identifying funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and cultivate relationships with donors and funders to support our external relations initiatives. Together, with others, develop immigration-related donor engagement opportunities and events for all JFS immigration donors
• Strategic Partnerships – Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders in the immigration services sector to further our mission and objectives. Serve as project manager for collaborative efforts with local, national, and international NGOs and external communications such as the creation of white papers and impact advocacy projects alongside coalition partners
• External Communications – Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive external communication strategies to enhance our organization’s visibility, reputation, and impact. This includes managing media relations, public relations, social media, and other communication channels. Play an active role in assisting JFS’s Public Relations firm with media requests, press releases, statements, sign-on letters, government meetings, coalition engagements, and more
• Advocacy and Policy Engagement – Monitor immigration policy developments, identify advocacy opportunities, and lead efforts to advocate for and expand existing policies that promote immigrant rights, fair immigration processes, and inclusive communities. Stay constantly up to date on large and nuanced changes in border and immigration policy
• Community Engagement – Engage with immigrant communities, grassroots organizations, and other stakeholders to understand their needs, provide support, and foster collaboration. Attend city, county, state, national, and other organization convener meetings on behalf of JFS/SDRRN and speak on behalf of the Immigration Services Division Team
• Event Management – Plan, coordinate, and execute events, forums, and conferences to raise awareness about immigration issues, showcase our services, and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. Serve as the team lead to convene community briefings and keep partners and other stakeholders up to date on JFS/SDRRN services, advocacy, and the implications of border and immigr