Job Details

Overview

PANA is hiring a Political Director to lead and expand our work to advance the full civic inclusion of Black, Arab, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Muslim (BAMEMSA) refugee and immigrant communities and further explore and push for policy and legal solutions that secure the fundamental right to equal access to and their full participation in our democracy. The Political Director will report directly to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Be an active participant in local and statewide language access and democracy coalitions to advance language access and democratic reforms, including the Census and fair redistricting.
• Build or be part of a network of statewide BAMEMSA organizations and develop and execute shared advocacy strategies around democracy reform, Census reform, resources, and redistricting.
• Collaborate with the organizing team to provide clear policy targets and analysis to fuel campaign strategies, translate organizing efforts directly into policy formation, and develop tools and training opportunities that increase the capacity of the community to transform the systems that affect their lives.
• Work directly with communications consultants to ensure all policy advocacy and campaigns are framed within a narrative of power that counters deficit-based and xenophobic frameworks and uplifts our values and the world we want to create.
• Manage and develop the leadership of the policy and organizing teams, fostering a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration, and accountability.
• Supervise policy and civic engagement staff, developing their leadership and capabilities to lead policy campaigns.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, working to set PANA's overall strategic direction in alignment with community priorities identified through the Triennial Refugee Experiences Report and from organizing efforts.
• Develop a deeper, ongoing relationship with local election officials in San Diego County and other counties with high concentrations of BAMEMSA voters.
• Serve as PANA's primary representative in legislative advocacy.
• Plan and host high-impact policy briefings for lawmakers and funders to educate on key issues, dispel misinformation, and position the organization as the definitive trusted authority.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and organizational goals.

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree and 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in policy, government affairs, advocacy, or a related field.
• J.D. and California bar admission preferred but not required
• Demonstrated history of developing and successfully advancing a legislative agenda.
• Demonstrated commitment to refugee and immigrant communities, and racial equity.
• Experience building and managing diverse coalitions and working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to see the big picture, set long-term goals, and identify short-term tactical opportunities to advance them.
• Ability to navigate sensitive political situations and build relationships across the political spectrum.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work effectively with a team in a rapidly moving environment.
• Extremely organized with close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to speak Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Kurdish, Vietnamese, or Somali is preffered but not required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, and sophisticated use of technology.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and work with an extremely diverse refugee and immigrant staff and community population.

Compensation

Salary range $105-120K depending upon experience. Excellent benefits include:

• 100% employee health, dental, and vision coverage and 80% coverage for dependents;paid sick, family, and parental leave;
• Annual cell phone stipend;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Paid sabbatical after 5 years of full-time employment;
• 3% match retirement contribution plan;
• Reimbursement of Bar due fees (if applicable);
• Professional development and training programs;
• 120 hours of accrued PTO, 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, and the office is closed the last two weeks of the year.

To Apply

Applicants should email a resume, writing sample, and cover letter to ...@panasd.org