| JOB DESCRIPTION | Job Title: | Senior Advocacy Advisor or Counsel | Reporting Office: | Washington, DC | | Department: | Programs & Policy | Job Classification: | Fulltime; Exempt | | Supervisor: | Director, Research and Advocacy | Union Classification: | Non-Union | | Accountable To: | Vice President, Refugee and Immigrant Rights | Last Updated: | 5/19/2026 | Purpose of the Job The Senior Advocacy Advisor or Counsel advances Human Rights First’s objectives to protect the rights of refugees including through maintaining strong asylum and resettlement systems. Working with the Director of Research and Advocacy they will implement plans to restore asylum protections and defend against further encroachments, and to collaborate with allies and partners to protect the asylum system and advance Human Rights First’s advocacy. They will facilitate and support the involvement of asylees, HRF staff, as well as other external stakeholders and allies, in Human Rights First’s advocacy. They will develop and advance the Refugee and Immigrant Rights team’s engagement with Members of Congress to further the team and organization’s strategic objectives. The Refugee Advocacy Advisor or Counsel will also work closely with the rest of the Refugee and Immigrant Rights program and programs across the organization including Human Rights First’s advocacy, innovation lab, and communications teams. Major Duties and Responsibilities Execute plans to persuade policy and law makers to adopt Human Rights First’s proposals to protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. In particular, the Senior Advocacy Advisor or Counsel will: - Work with Human Rights First experts to develop organizational responses to challenges faced in our immigration system that are rights-respecting, effective, and practical solutions aimed at advancing protection for people seeking safety.
- Work with Refugee and Immigrant Rights leadership team to develop and advance strategies to achieve these objectives via direct and public advocacy.
- Spearhead efforts to organize and facilitate advocacy meetings, asylum coalition meetings, Hill briefings, and other advocacy efforts, at the direction of the Director of Research and Advocacy and the Vice President for Refugee and Immigrant Rights.
- Prepare and promote Human Rights First’s materials in support of advocacy efforts, as well as blogs, action alerts, and other materials; conducting research as needed, in collaboration with the research team members.
- Spearhead efforts to identify and support the involvement of asylees and refugees in Human Rights First’s advocacy.
- Track relevant legislation, hearings, floor debates, votes, identify threats and opportunities, and participate in the development of organizational positions, such as drafting vote recommendations, legislation analysis, and other key advocacy documents.
- Help craft and deploy effective messaging for our organization and community to persuasively make the case for our position and solutions.
- Represent Human Rights First in external meetings, briefings, events, and media engagements.
- Lead and/or coordinate meetings between advocacy targets and Human Rights First experts, leadership, and allies.
- Lead the recruitment and direct supervision of fellows, including assigning and overseeing work, managing performance, providing regular feedback and coaching, and supporting ongoing professional development.
- Facilitate intern recruitment and supervision, as needed.
- Other duties as requested based on department and/or organizational need.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Competencies (DEIA) Human Rights First acknowledges the existence of systemic and structural biases and believes it is necessary to be strategic and intentional in pursuing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of governance, operations, and programming. As an employee, you are expected to: - Support adoption of best practices to create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible work experience for colleagues and external partners.
- Strive to consider the people, places, and cultures that might be missing from your work and look for opportunities to increase inclusivity in all the work you do.
- Support the mission of Human Rights First in all interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Dedicate efforts to enriching DEIA consciousness throughout our office-wide interactions.
- Foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by promoting adherence to the standards delineated in the Culture of Respect and Teamwork statement in the Employee Handbook.
Required Knowledge, Skill, and Experience - At least five years of public affairs, human rights or immigration-related experience and an advanced degree required.
- Deep knowledge of issues facing refugees and asylum seekers and experience advocating on those issues required.
- Familiarity with the federal legislative and political process, and administrative agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, multitask and prioritize responsibilities at a fast pace, and work independently while functioning as a member of a collegial and team-based environment.
- Advanced interpersonal, written, and oral advocacy skills and a demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material for a variety of audiences with strong attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and planning skills, including ability to work with diverse groups at all levels internally and externally.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people possessing different viewpoints.
- Spanish or another second language proficiency desired.
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