The Hope Border Institute (HOPE) seeks a full-time Associate Director for Policy to lead HOPE’s policy efforts related to social justice on the US-Mexico border. The Associate Director will work collaboratively to engage local community leadership, faith-based institutions, grassroots organizations and our peer organizations on issues of US-Mexico border policy in order to position HOPE for short-term wins and long-term success in alignment with our values and in support of our goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and promote HOPE’s overall public policy strategy
• Develop HOPE’s strategic partnerships with national, regional and local faith and community-based advocacy organizations
• Develop and maintain key relationships with local, regional and national decision-makers and influencers on issues related to HOPE’s brief
• Represent HOPE on appropriate coalitions and tables
• Represent the public policy positions of HOPE in public and in the media
• Develop and regularly update talking points, statements, and policy updates
• Develop educational resources and advocacy engagement tools, grounded in the Catholic social teaching tradition, to support understanding of social justice issues on the border
• Develop and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences, including grassroots and faith-based audiences, academics, policymakers and the general public

Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree in public policy, social work, development, peace studies, theology, human rights or related field preferred; or, 4-year degree with commensurate experience.
• A great sense of humor and a can-do attitude
• Significant experience in the public arena in support of justice and demonstrated applied knowledge of and commitment to Catholic social teaching
• Passion for and commitment to working in the field of justice, peace and human development in a faith-based context
• Ability to work confidently in both English- and Spanish-speaking environments
• Excellent relational, strategic thinking and political analysis skills
• Ability to cross the border and travel internationally
• Strong knowledge of the Catholic Church, it’s structure, organizational culture and social teaching
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including professional writing and editing skills, including flexibility to write in different styles for various audiences
• Ability to work with diverse religious, racial and geographical communities
• Group facilitation skills and the ability to manage and guide teams
• Willingness to accommodate evening and weekend work
• Personal discipline, goal setting skills, excellent time management and organizational

Skills

• Ability to run multiple projects concurrently, prioritize and problem-solve, and meet deadlines
• Flexibility and willingness to contribute on projects outside of remit
• Highly self-motivated work style and willingness to proactively take on projects
• Flexibility and the ability to deal well with ambiguity and the fast-paced nature of a new and rapidly expanding organization
• Well-rounded interpersonal skills with the capacity to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong ethics and personal integrity
• A professional attitude and service orientation
• Specialized expertise in public policy issues specific to the Mexico-US border region is ideal but not required.