Policy Manager, Immigration Court Observation Project

The Policy Manager will work closely with the Program Manager for the Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP). ICOP draws on the international human rights practice of trial monitoring to identify and bring visibility to systemic human rights violations arising in the context of civil immigration enforcement. Program staff train, mentor and support hundreds of volunteer observers who gather observation data to hold the courts accountable and fuel our advocacy agenda.

The Policy Manager for the Immigration Court Observation Project is primarily responsible for the intake, management, and analysis of data from immigration court observers, using that data to inform and support policy advocacy priorities, and managing The Advocates’ state and local policy advocacy on migrant rights and other organizational priority areas. The Policy Manager also supports the overall operation of the Project by assisting the Program Manager with volunteer support, community outreach, and other program needs.

The Policy Manager will also work closely with The Advocates’ domestic policy team to ensure policy positions reflect the data and recommendations coming out of the Immigration Court Observation Project across international, federal, agency, state, and local levels.

• Oversee data management and analysis for the Immigration Court Observation Project.
• Ensure data collection tools and processes allow observers to accurately record what they are witnessing in Immigration Court.
• Develop policies for maintaining, securing, and sharing data and databases.
• Track quantitative metrics to identify trends in key immigration court processes using both court data and external sources.
• Conduct data analysis to contribute to reports, policy briefs, graphics, stories, and other materials that effectively communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.

• Ensure training manuals, guides and orientation are updated with any changes to data collection processes or forms.
• Provide ongoing support for volunteer observers as backup to Program Manager:
  • Responding to volunteer communications.
  • Writing and editing a monthly newsletter.
  • Attending or leading weekly office hours and monthly debriefs.

• Develop state, local and court policy priorities in coordination with policy, legal services and other ICOP staff.
• Engage in advocacy efforts by building relationships with policymakers, legislative staff and relevant stakeholders.
• Develop action alerts and other avenues for court observers to support AHR policy advocacy.
• Draft and present testimony, policy briefs and other materials to support advocacy goals.
• Represent the organization and collaborate with other organizations, community groups and advocacy coalitions to achieve policy goals.

• JD or graduate degree and 5+ years of experience in program management, data analysis and/or policy advocacy, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Strong understanding of immigration and/or human rights.
• A commitment to social justice and building a movement for change.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience with qualitative and/or…