Policy and Advocacy Coordinator

Organization: The Justice Coalition Action (TJCA)

Job Description: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator

Position Title: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator

Location: Hybrid - Office West suburbs 2-3 Days per week.  Also occasional travel to Springfield

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Advisory Board

About TJCA TJCA  is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to building the political power of the Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities across Illinois. We engage, educate, and mobilize community voters; train emerging leaders; and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities. Our mission is to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims are acknowledged and respected.

TJCA is also a founding member of the Illinois Coalition for Human Rights (ICHR) along with Jewish Voices for Peace Chicago and American Muslims for Palestine Chicago.

Position Summary The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will play a crucial role in advancing TJCA’s policy agenda at the local, state, and national levels. This position involves monitoring legislative developments, coordinating advocacy efforts, building relationships with policymakers, and mobilizing community members to engage in policy advocacy. The ideal candidate is passionate about civil rights, social justice, and empowering the Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities through political engagement. The ideal candidate has a strong relationship with local community leaders and community members.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Monitoring and Analysis

• Legislative Tracking:

• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation relevant to TJCA’s mission and policy priorities.
• Provide timely updates and briefings to staff, advisory boards, and stakeholders.
• Maintain the CRM system to ensure that all legislative activities and legislature interactions are captured

• Policy Research:

• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues affecting the Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities.
• Develop policy briefs, fact sheets, and position papers to inform advocacy strategies.

• Advocacy and Outreach

• Advocacy Campaigns:

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies and campaigns to advance policy goals.
• Coordinate lobby days, meetings with elected officials, and testimony at public hearings.

• Coalition Building and Management:

• Coalition Management of ICHR working closely with our external lobbyist
• Identify, establish and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, and advocacy groups.
• Represent TJCA in coalition meetings and collaborative initiatives.

• Community Mobilization:

• Engage and mobilize community members to participate in advocacy efforts.
• Organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions on policy issues and advocacy skills.
• Identify applicable community based activities, determine the appropriate level of participation by TJCA and/or ICHR and execute on the proposed involvement

Electoral Process

• State Level Candidate Endorsement:

• Create questionnaire using online platform (eg Jotform)
• Manage candidate endorsement process from coordination of initial interview through to final endorsements
• Provide relevant staff and board members briefing documents prior to candidate interviews and meetings
• Ensure all appropriate follow-ups are completed in a timely manner
• Engage with ally organizations on a regular basis ahead of endorsements and through election day, including proactive ideation for potential partnerships for

• Get Out the Vote:

• Organize and facilitate mail in ballot sign ups, ballot parties, and ballot harvesting
• Support increasing convenient voting sites within areas with high membership base
• Build intern and volunteer network
• Organize trainings for volunteers for door knocking and general GOTV efforts
• Coordinate all efforts for volunteers to GOTV during election time (including creation of voter guide, voter guide prints and circulation, etc)

Communications and Public Relations

• Content Creation:

• Collaborate with the communications team to produce policy-related content for newsletters, social media, and press releases.
• Craft compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences and encourage action.

• Media Engagement:

• Serve as a spokesperson on policy issues when appropriate.
• Assist in preparing talking points and briefing materials for media appearances.

Administrative and Organizational Support

Reporting:

Prepare regular reports on advocacy activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.

Maintain accurate records of meetings, contacts, and legislative developments.

Strategic Planning:

Contribute to the development of TJCA’s strategic plan and policy agenda.

Fundraising:

Contribute to the development and execution of TJCA’s fundraising plan

Identify emerging issues and opportunities for advocacy.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, or a related area, preferably within an aligned nonprofit or advocacy organization.

Knowledge and Skills

Understanding of Legislative Processes: Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal legislative processes and advocacy strategies.

Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze complex policy issues and communicate them effectively - both written and verbally - to various audiences.

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.

Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Relationship Building: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, and coalition partners.

Personal Attributes

Commitment to Mission: Passionate about TJCA’s mission and values, with a strong commitment to civil rights and social justice.

Cultural Competence: Understanding of issues affecting the Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities, with sensitivity to cultural and religious diversity.

Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently.

Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed and to travel within the state or nationally if required.

Benefits

        •        Full time role, competitive salary commensurate with experience

        •        Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

        •        Professional development opportunities

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

• Resume/CV
• List of 3 references
• Cover Letter outlining your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• Writing Sample (e.g., policy brief, advocacy letter, or related work)

Email applications to: info@thejusticecoalition.org

Subject Line: Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Application – [Your Name]

Application Deadline: Actively seeking, will keep open until filled