Position: AAFS Advocacy and Organizer
Background and Mission
Arab American Family Services build power through collective advocacy and organizing to
achieve racial equity.
For over 24 years, Arab American Family Services has worked to bring together the Arab
American community and create change in our communities. We are deeply committed to
grassroots community organizing and investing in the leadership of grassroots members
through training, civic engagement, and collaborative issue-based advocacy. Our
advocacy focuses on racial, economic, and immigrant justice, including voting rights,
language access, education equity, criminal justice, and immigrant rights.
Position Overview
The Advocacy and Organizer is a strategic, dynamic leader responsible for advancing
grassroots organizing and advocacy for AAFS missions. This position combines the
responsibilities of guiding issue-based advocacy, grassroots leadership development,
coalition-building, and policy advocacy. Reporting to both Executive Directors, the role is
pivotal in shaping strategy, ensuring healthy organizational culture, and managing staff.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership:
• Lead the Organizing Team with the Executive Director and co-create strategies for
issue-based advocacy.
• Develop and Lead legislative Agendas and bills.
• Supervise most of the organizing staff (2-3 direct and indirect reports) and work
closely with communications team
• Contribute to healthy organizational culture through proactive communication,
conflict resolution, and work-life balance modeling.
• Represent the organization in coalitions, including the Illinois Coalition for
Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and all other policy and advocacy tables
AAFS sits on.
• Develop, train and lead advocacy, including power analysis, policy research, direct
action planning, and legislative advocacy.
• Track and analyze legislation in priority areas such as immigration, voting rights,
language access, education equity and other areas of advocacy.
• Serve as one of the primary lobbyists for the organization, engaging with elected
officials and decision-makers at the city, state, county & national/federal levels.
• Steward governance relationships along with Executive Directors with endorsed
candidates and elected officials.
• Educate our staff, grassroot leaders & others on policy issues as needed.
• Lead & register the voters registration program.
Grassroots Leadership Development:
• Develop and oversee I Speak Power to build grassroot leaderships.
• Lead political/civic education and lobbying training for grassroots leaders.
• Create, Convene and lead AAFS, Southwest & Chicagoland Areas round tables.
• Plan & develop to lead Arab American Advocacy Day
• Plan, Develop & Identify Arab American Page, Youth Legislative Program.
Communications and Media:
• Draft talking points, press releases, and external communications for issue
advocacy.
• Assist internal staff with talking points & speeches on Advocacy issues.
• Provide media interviews on key issues and current events as needed.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to amplify organizational messaging.
Events and Fundraising:
• Support organization-wide events, including advocacy days, rallies, and press
conferences.
• Assist in fundraising efforts, such as contributing to grant proposals and engaging
with funders.
Required Qualifications:
• Strong belief in the mission and uncompromising commitment to advancing racial
equity.
• 4-5 years of experience in community organizing, advocacy, or issue-based
advocacy.
• Proven ability to supervise staff, manage multiple projects, and lead coalitions
effectively.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse
audiences.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and grassroots organizing tactics.
• Ability to adapt strategies in response to changing circumstances.
• Willingness to travel for work and accommodate evening/weekend schedules.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in nonprofit management, including program development and budget
oversight.
• Knowledge of Arab American and immigrant/refugee issues.
• Expertise in grassroots leadership training and curriculum development.
• Familiarity with managing staff-sharing agreements between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)
organizations.
Compensation:
The salary is $$73,000 annually, commensurate with experience. A comprehensive
benefits package is provided.
Arab American Family Services are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers. All
qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, disability, or religious affiliation