Details
Posted: 22-Dec-21
Location: Washington, D.C.
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education: Juris Doctor
Categories:
Attorney
Salary Details:
Salary and Benefits
This position comes with a competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience and generous benefits package, including health and retirement benefits.
What if the next step in your career was to join a dynamic team of migration experts who focus on U.S. policies that shape immigration to the United States? We are a group of researchers and policy analysts who value supporting and learning from each other and generating research directly relevant to key policy issues relating to improving the U.S. immigration system so that it works most effectively in the national interest. We are a tight-knit, collegial team looking for a new member with a legal background and skills who will contribute to MPI’s mission.
As an Associate Policy Analyst/Policy Analyst (depending on level of experience), you will quickly become proficient in the range of topics included in MPI’s U.S. immigration policy work. You will contribute to the Institute through strong research, analytical writing, and dissemination skills that bring reliable information, policy ideas, and commentary to public policy debates. The work will also involve organizing and participating in private and public events that build understanding of critical policy challenges and solutions, as well as regularly speaking with the media.
About MPI and the U.S. Immigration Policy Program
MPI is an independent, nonpartisan think tank that is dedicated to immigration policymaking. We seek to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions. MPI is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect the breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. This breadth of experience encourages diversity of thought that enriches and adds greater credibility to our work. MPI is committed to making sure that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive, equitable environment.
The U.S. Immigration Policy Program addresses a broad range of immigration issues. Our work is strongly policy focused and draws on both research and relationships with decisionmakers, other experts, and stakeholders across the immigration spectrum, especially—though not exclusively—at the federal level.
Duties and Responsibilities
This position requires a law degree and demonstrated strong research, writing, analytical, and communication skills. Typically, an Associate Policy Analyst will have three or more years of relevant work experience. A Policy Analyst will have five or more years of experience, with a relevant work history that includes conceptualizing, developing, and implementing projects, reports, and dissemination activities.
Responsibilities that will be assumed by either position include:
Research and Project Coordination
- Systematically track current immigration and legal policy developments.
- Conduct literature reviews and assist with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, including key interviews, site visits, and other fieldwork with timeliness and accuracy.
- Contribute to, co-author, or author explanatory and analytical reports, policy briefs, and other research materials, under the guidance of senior staff.
- Regularly compile needed information from a variety of resources (e.g., meetings, news sources, academic journals, and webinars) to share with the U.S. Program team and other stakeholders.
- Assist in the organization of public and private roundtables and events (e.g., developing event agendas, drafting invitations, and coordinating with speakers) under the supervision of senior staff and coordinating with MPI’s Senior Events Manager.
- Support and work with MPI’s intern program and interns, the data team, and MPI’s Communications program.
Other
- Assist in conceptualizing and writing funding proposals and reports to key donors and partners.
- Participate actively as a member of MPI’s staff in institutional planning, internal meetings and discussions, and outside panel and speaking appearances.
Required Skills
- ademic and/or professional background in legal analysis or the practice of immigration law.
- Knowledge of U.S. governmental and nongovernmental institutions, legislation, and key immigration programs and practices.
- Professional experience in public policy fields involving at least one or more of the U.S. program’s areas of work including admissions of immigrants, refugees, or asylees; immigration enforcement and the immigration court system; and immigration policy implementation.
- Excellent English writing skills and speaking fluency.
- Proactive, motivated, curious, collegial. Ability to handle multiple assignments, prioritize, and meet deadlines in an often fast-paced, changing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Proven research, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to understand and succinctly synthesize the details of complex policy questions and actions.
Preferred Skills
- Prior experience conducting policy analysis, qualitative field research, and/or quantitative research in a think tank, international organization, the governmental sector, Congress, and/or academia.
- Prior publications as a co- or sole author.
- Strong relationships with immigration professionals and experts; an ability to strengthen personal contacts and outreach with immigration actors and networks.
- Spanish proficiency with demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak in professional settings.
