Description:
We Are
Headquartered in downtown, Washington, DC, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an organization comprised of nearly 17,000 individual attorney members who practice and teach immigration law. For our members, we provide continuing legal education, information, advocacy, professional services, and expertise. Founded in 1946, AILA's mission is to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.
Department Summary
The Government Relations (GR) team advocates for immigration-related legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms before Congress and the executive branch, consistent with AILA’s principles and priorities. The GR team tracks the development of law, policy, and practice and prepares and shares resources and information with nearly 17,000 AILA members.
Position Summary
The Government Relations Coordinator (GR Coordinator) is responsible for facilitating the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced government relations department, including supporting the team with administrative and project management support. The GR Coordinator works in a highly collaborative manner to execute tasks for several members of the GR team.
Essential Job Functions
Administrative Support - 40%
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Organize internal and external engagement meetings and events, set agendas, take notes, and plans logistics
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Assist staff and members with completing financial reimbursements and reports
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Maintain and manage key department systems for calendaring and project management, including major events such as the Annual Conference
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Manage department electronic “library” and file system
Online Content and Member Support - 20%
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Monitor and respond to AILA member inquiries, providing support and information as needed
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Manage and update member databases, ensuring data accuracy and consistency
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Assist in developing and monitoring member outreach initiatives, including calls for cases, questions, and examples related to advocacy efforts
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Post work products on the website in collaboration with the Content Specialist and the Marketing and Communications Departments
Litigation and Legal Support - 20%
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Support AILA staff, leadership, and committees to identify and monitor emerging legal issues in immigration case law and statutes
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Work with AILA Benefits Policy Litigator to research issues and collect examples for litigation development, track deadlines, and support court filings.
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Support AILA activities related to congressional and administrative advocacy
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Coordinate and support the drafting of policy documents, practice resources, and other public-facing materials
Policy, Practice, and Political Engagement Support - 20%
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Monitor and report regulatory, congressional, and policy developments
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Support the drafting of correspondence to Congress and the Executive Branch, including grassroots advocacy efforts
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Conduct research on political candidates, focusing on their positions and policies regarding immigration to provide strategic planning and advocacy efforts
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Support Grassroots Associate in the implementation of National Day of Action, Citizenship Day, and other member advocacy initiatives.
Remote – The role is eligible for Remote work.
Our Remote Work Strategy is designed to ensure connection while minimizing costs and inconvenience. Talent residing within 50 miles of our National Office located in Washington, D.C., located in the nation’s capital, will be given preference. For roles outside this, we seek candidates within 50 miles of a major airport. This strategy helps us enhance collaboration, optimize travel costs, and strengthen in-person engagement while ensuring we remain cost-effective and mission-driven. Candidates outside these areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis based on role requirements and organizational needs.
This role requires maintaining a professional demeanor in a remote/office work setting. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a desk, frequent use of a PC workstation for prolonged hours, occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms, and the possibility of lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, though this is not likely to be a frequent requirement.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree is required
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Two (2) years of experience in an administrative position with a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of immigration is preferred
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Demonstrate a deep understanding of the importance of delivering exceptional customer service and ensure that all interactions with members, stakeholders, and colleagues reflect this commitment
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Strong command of MS Office Suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and PowerPoint) and applies this knowledge efficiently in daily tasks to create, organize, and present information effectively
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Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all communications
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Demonstrate strong research capabilities, using electronic tools and resources to gather information. Able to analyze data, track trends, and draw meaningful conclusions that inform decision-making
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Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
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Manage competing priorities with efficiency and professionalism
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Ability to work under pressure, maintain focus, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
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Occasional travel may be required for this role, including attendance at meetings, conferences, or events as necessary to support the organization’s initiatives and objectives.
Occasional travel may be required for this role, including attendance at meetings, conferences, or events as necessary to support the organization’s initiatives and objectives.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range provided reflects a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on AILA's commitment to equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications or professional licenses, job-related skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Our compensation structure is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Typically, individuals are hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique facts and circumstances of each applicant.
Additionally, full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in AILA's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months of employment, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits.
Application Process
To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs—such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview—please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs.
Eligibility to Work In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. AILA participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association ("AILA") is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
