Director of Policy and Advocacy

The Opportunity

Interfaith Alliance was created in 1994 to act as a counterweight to the outsized influence of the religious right in American politics.  From its inception, Interfaith Alliance has mobilized to challenge the notion that there is one voice representing the religious and moral perspective of the people, and to invite coalitions to work together against the bigotry and hatred arising from religious and political extremism. For the past 30 years, Interfaith Alliance has organized people from diverse backgrounds to build an inclusive democracy that celebrates people of all faiths and none to receive equal treatment under the law.

Today, the need for our work has only grown with the rise of Christian nationalism, the erosion of democracy with accompanying violence, and divisions at every level of society.  At the same time, America’s growing diversity offers new opportunities to imagine and build a democracy that serves all its people.

Interfaith Alliance works in three interconnected areas: 1) At the national level with our offices in D.C. directing advocacy and legislative initiatives with an inclusive lens 2) Across the country offering resources, training and networking with diverse partners including with our Interfaith Alliance affiliates and Interfaith Leadership Network; 3) Educating a broad and growing public through a robust digital communications strategy, media impact and State of Belief radio and podcast.

Interfaith Alliance advances an inclusive vision of religious freedom by protecting religious minorities; combating hate, including Islamophobia and antisemitism; promoting reproductive freedom; strengthening public schools; and achieving LGBTQ+ and racial equality. Our advocacy aims to shift the common narrative that people of faith – or those who are secular – share a particular worldview or vote a certain way.

The Director of Policy and Advocacy will join the team in a pivotal moment in the organization’s history that includes the recent appointment of  Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, the new President/CEO, for the launch of our 30th year and a promising season of growth and impact.

Position Responsibilities:

The Director of Policy and Advocacy reports to the President/CEO. This role develops, advises on, and executes the organization’s federal policy strategy through effective advocacy on Capitol Hill, before administrative agencies, and through amicus briefs. These efforts are aimed at advancing democracy and an inclusive vision of religious freedom.

Direct federal policy programs:

Execute the policy strategy:

Identify and work to advance priority legislation for each congressional cycle;
Facilitate new and strengthen existing relationships with legislative offices, executive appointees, career staff and key partners, including faith-based, secular and civic organizations and communities;
Create externally facing advocacy resources including reports, fact sheets, training materials, talking points, and social media toolkits for a variety of audiences;
Develop and implement multi-part campaigns that mobilize supporters and raise the organization’s profile, including voter education campaigns;
Craft and submit organization’s federal administrative comments;
Prepare testimony delivered by Interfaith Alliance leadership before relevant congressional hearings;
Represent organization at events, coalitions, and working groups on religious freedom, civil rights, LGBTQ+ equality, reproductive freedom, voting rights, cross-movement organizing and more;
Seek out opportunities to initiate and/or join pertinent amicus briefs in federal courts throughout the country, including at the circuit and Supreme Court levels;
Track ongoing litigation in cases where the  organization has joined an amicus brief and develop content (events, op-eds, IAF website posts, etc.) drawing attention to the issues at stake.
Support organizational processes and goals:

Create annual department goals, strategies, calendar and budgets to optimize team capacity and build forward momentum around initiatives that advance the mission;
Ensure that all initiatives use evaluation tools to assess effectiveness and impact;
Serve as part of the senior leadership team to develop strategy for maximum impact;
Manage EveryAction advocacy platform including creating calls to action, building lists, and running reports;
Engage board members and other stakeholders around emerging issues;
Deliver quarterly reports to organization’s Board of Directors, leadership, staff, and other stakeholders regarding progress made toward departmental goals;
Create and manage annual department budget, in coordination with Director of Finance;
Seek out opportunities for leadership to appear publicly to advance organizational goals, including rallies, marches, media spots, online events, etc.
Manage policy staff and collaborate with the team:

Promote the values of  diversity, equity, inclusion and justice on among our staff and board;
Supervise policy and advocacy staff, including college and graduate level interns;
Engage Communications team to ensure consistent messaging and variety in daily social media posts, regular email outreach to supporters, and advocacy alerts;
Coordinate with the Director of Field and Organizing to engage affiliates in federal, state, and local advocacy initiatives;
Help develop strategy for Interfaith Alliance’s role in the national policy and electoral landscape;
Support fundraising and grant efforts to undergird robust policy goals.

Qualifications:

Experienced policy professional with 5-10 years experience in relevant issue advocacy;
Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including faith-based and secular partners, as well as stakeholders on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies;
Capacity and enthusiasm to engage a variety of listeners and in complex contexts, in person and online;
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, justice and diversity;
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present cogently and forcefully;
Deep familiarity with federal government operations and the complex landscape of American religious life;
Strong management and team-building skills;
Resilience and maturity to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging and energetic organizational environment;
Demonstrated commitment to advance religious freedom, bolster civil rights and civil liberties, and foster an inclusive democracy;
JD or equivalent degree strongly preferred;
Location in D.C. with the possibility for hybrid on and offsite work.
Salary range: 90-95K with benefits.

Starting Date: The desired starting date for this position is April 1, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately on a rolling basis and continue until the position is filled.

To apply: All applications including a resume and cover letter, should be sent to the attention of Rev. Dr. Katharine Henderson, Senior Advisor, Interfaith Alliance: jobs@interfaithalliance.org. No phone calls please.