Position Title:  Community & Policy Advocate

REPORTS TO:   Executive Director

HOURS:               50% FTE to 100% FTE. Hours/week, weekday(s); flexible schedule.

LOCATION:       Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, with some work-from-home flexibility.  

The Legal Clinic’s mission is to ensure justice for low-income immigrants and migrants in Hawaiʻi through high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. The community and policy advocate will play a crucial role in advancing the mission of The Legal Clinic (TLC) by leading our policy advocacy efforts and related community education and engagement activities. This position involves researching, developing, and promoting policies and campaigns that support immigrant communities in Hawaiʻi and beyond. The person in this role will work closely with community partners, stakeholders, and government officials to develop and influence policy changes at local, state, and federal levels. TLC is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Hawaiʻi affiliate of the national Immigration Law and Justice Network, and a member of the National Partnership for New Americans coalition. See www.tlchawaii.org for more information.

Key Responsibilities

  • Policy Development and Analysis

  • Research and analyze current and proposed policies affecting immigrant communities.

  • Develop policy recommendations and strategies to address key issues impacting immigrants in Hawaiʻi in alignment with TLC’s mission and goals.

  • Prepare detailed policy briefs, reports, and position papers.

  • Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, other policymakers, community partners, and advocacy groups.

  • Represent TLC in policy discussions, coalitions, committees, and public forums.

  • Design, coordinate, and lead advocacy campaigns and other strategies to advance policy and community education goals. Prepare and deliver testimony on bills and resolutions, and mobilize supporters to achieve specific legislative, regulatory, or social change.

  • Together with TLC team members, plan and implement know your rights and other community education activities to raise public awareness of immigrant rights and policies.

  • Coordinate event logistics related to community engagement and advocacy activities.

  • Represent TLC in regular coalition and committee meetings.

Communication and Outreach

  • Communicate policy positions and advocacy strategies to diverse audiences, including the media, community members, and policymakers.

  • Develop and disseminate educational materials, messaging, guides, and other resources to inform the public and stakeholders about immigration issues.

  • Collaborate with other team members to amplify policy messages through various channels (print and digital media, social media, ethnic media, radio/tv, e-newsletters)

  • Organizational Support

  • Provide policy expertise and support to other TLC staff, committees, and coalitions.

  • Help write standard operating procedures for the position as needed.

  • Participate in related grant proposal and report writing and research, as time permits.

  • Manage future interns and volunteers in policy/advocacy and community education work.

  • Participate in staff meetings, retreats, conferences, trainings, benefit events, and other meetings (by phone, video conferencing, and/or in person).  

  • Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Candidates must currently reside in the state of Hawaiʻi.

  • 2+ years of experience in related public policy, policy research, legal research, community organizing, or advocacy roles.

  • Exceptional communication skills (clear messaging, verbal, and written), prior public speaking experience, and a demonstrated love for writing.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and online research

  • Strong organizational and planning skills, with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines

  • Able to handle multi-tasking and confidential information with extreme professionalism

  • Desired characteristics: mission-driven, strategic, culturally competent, self-motivated, resourceful, team-oriented, strong work ethic, flexible, positive, patient, solutions-oriented, assertive yet diplomatic, with a learner’s mindset and fire in the belly!

  • Law school graduates, multi-lingual speakers, and those with prior experience in the nonprofit sector preferred but not required.

Compensation: $68,000 FTE to 75% time at $80,000 FTE. Salary level dependent on experience. A robust benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k) benefits after 90 days, unlimited paid time off, paid holidays, flexible schedule, hybrid work from home option, and professional development opportunities. Benefits are pro-rated based on FTE percentage.

TLC is committed to providing high-quality legal services to our clients and advocating for immigrant and human rights. We care deeply about staff well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

To Apply: Please email your resume and a cover email/letter to jobs@tlchawaii.org. Position open until filled. (Post updated Oct. 9, 2024)

The Legal Clinic is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, color, age, or disability.