Legislative Associate at Mennonite Central Committee

Synopsis: This full-time position will lead Mennonite Central Committee’s advocacy efforts on U.S. policy with regard to the Middle East and immigration, including policies relating to uprootedness, militarization, criminalization, racism, antisemitism and the unethical detention of adults and children. (Current areas of focus include Palestine/Israel, Syria and U.S. immigration policies.) The position includes significant speaking, writing, research, analysis, and networking responsibilities and may include mentoring interns. The position is based in Washington, D.C., and will report to the director of National Advocacy and Program.

Full time equivalent: Full time

Start date: Monday, July 26, 2021

Location: Washington DC

Salary minimum: $55,908

Benefits: Medical, dental & vision, paid vacation, sick time and 9 holidays/year. Life insurance provided, long and short term disability coverage. Retirement Plan, with MCC contribution of 7% beginning after six months of employment.

Qualifications: All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active participation in a Christian church or Christian community; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.
Legal eligibility to be employed in the U.S. is required.

• B.A. degree (preferably with studies in international affairs, political science, theology, history, economics or related fields)
• 3 years work or lived experience related to immigration and/or the Middle East
• Understanding of systemic oppression
• Ability to work effectively in coalitions and with diverse groups of people
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations, including across different languages, customs, values, ethnicities and religious beliefs
• Understanding of and ability to articulate biblical perspectives on public policy, including the ability to communicate with Anabaptist groups across the political and theological spectrum
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues and tasks
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, able to lead presentations and workshops
• Proficiency in Spanish, Arabic or another foreign language preferred

Key Responsibilities:

Contacts/Relationships: Extensive contacts internally with MCC workers in domestic and international settings, as well as externally with congressional staff and peers from like-minded organizations in D.C. Gathers, interprets and communicates information—research and writing skills necessary. Presents workshops, seminars and participates in other speaking engagements for constituency groups.

Supervision: This position does not supervise anyone.

Complexity/Competencies: Extensive resourcing of constituents and collaboration with other MCC staff. Should be a self-starter, able to synthesize information gathered from multiple sources and develop program plans accordingly. Tasks include constituent education through seminars, articles and action alerts; making congressional visits; and collaborating with members of like-minded organizations in D.C. Some degree of creativity and innovation is required.

Independent Action: Position requires significant self-initiative, with ability to determine own approaches and methods. Must be team player, able to participate in diverse coalitions and the National Advocacy and Program team of 6-8 individuals. Regular check-ins with supervisor and other staff.

End Result: Effective advocacy on issues of concern in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. Extensive relationships with coalition partners, policymakers, MCC staff and supporting churches.

Major Responsibilities:

Education – 35%
Networking – 30%
Advocacy – 35%

Tasks:

Education – 35%
• Prepare action alerts and write articles for various outlets
• Relate to MCC’s supporting churches through seminars, speaking engagements, direct inquiries, etc.
• Assist in planning and conducting seminars for constituency
• Provide occasional mentoring for interns in office
Networking – 30%
• Collaborate extensively with other MCC staff and partner organizations related to immigration and the Middle East
• Attend and participate in MCC-related activities (staff meetings, retreats, etc.)
• Work with colleagues from like-minded agencies in D.C.
Advocacy –35%
• Research, monitor and analyze U.S. domestic and foreign policy by participating in (and, in some instances, giving leadership to) legislative working groups and attending conferences and congressional hearings
• Meet regularly with congressional and administration offices
• Facilitate congressional meetings on behalf of MCC staff and partners