Job Title:        Manager of Public Affairs, Research and Advocacy

Status:            Full-time

Location:        Alexandria, Virginia

Department:   Public Affairs, Research and Advocacy


Position Summary:

The Manager of Public Affairs, Research and Advocacy provides support to the Director and the team with planning, management, and execution for Islamic Relief USA’s (IRUSA) public and government relations as well as research; policy and advocacy work with key stakeholders. The candidate must possess and demonstrate leadership, communication, management and creative problem solving skills. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to IRUSA’s faith-based values, humanitarian principles, and the vision and mission of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Oversee, manage, and maintain IRUSA’s external and government related functions and events in the Public Affairs, Research and Advocacy Department.
  • Support the strategy and associated advocacy plans that optimize IRUSA’s ability to execute its humanitarian mission and operational objectives. This includes but is not limited to cultivating relationships with the executive and legislative branches, including Members of Congress, their staff, and committee staff.
  • Assist the Director with several new areas of expansion and initiatives including policy development and engagement with policy makers.
  • Provide support to shaping effective strategies in the communication of policies aimed at influencing relevant policy targets.
  • Manages in setting IRUSA’s research agenda by identifying emerging policy trends that require IRUSA’s research interventions.
  • Coordinate the communicating of IRUSA’s research projects to internal and external constituents through different innovative channels (research reports, training, conference presentations, web resources, etc.)
  • Develop an internal framework and guideline for IRUSA’s writing, editing, and quality control for research reports/presentations.
  • Lead in the design development and tracking of the implementation long-term policy research projects.
  • Lead the Public Affairs team in the compiling and strategic dissemination of IRUSA’s research initiatives.
  • Ensure regular quality and timely reporting and documentation of work plan implementation against agreed budgets.
  • Responsible for the gathering of annual endorsements for IRUSA’s reputational protection.
  • Contribute to the overall strategic direction and alignment of IRUSA by working closely with the President’s office and the Programs Department.
  • Research, vet, retain and manage services and relationships with external vendors and support the logistics of thought leadership convening.
  • Ability to contribute to the field by organizing concept notes submissions for panels and possibly also moderating or speaking on behalf of the organization.
  • Manage the year round intern program by maintaining recruitment and intake.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications and Competencies:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field required, advanced degree such as Masters in Public Administration, Public Policy, International Relations preferred. Experience in academic setting or think tank preferred and legal training a plus.
  • Minimum of 5 years related communications experience, with progressive leadership experience working with strategic community leaders, government and elected officials, non-profits and non-governmental as well community-based organizations and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the humanitarian and nonprofit policy sector, legislative process, and the role of policy and advocacy development.
  • Demonstrated experience working with officials in the executive, state and federal government, as well as demonstrated experience working with local officials on public policy matters.
  • Successful track record in building key strategic relationships and coalitions and accomplishing major legislative, regulatory and policy goals.
  • Must have ability to serve as a strong public advocate while also negotiating and mediating among and between stakeholders and relevant parties.
  • Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reporting staff members, and work collaboratively with other Managers across departments.
  • Demonstrated experience in effectively building, mentoring, and coaching a team of communications and development specialists.
  • Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking and planning into actionable plans, and output to achieve tangible results.
  • Demonstrated creativity and effectiveness when utilizing new media technologies and mediums; ability to make decisions in a rapidly changing environment and anticipate future needs.
  • Proven ability to work and effectively lead a highly diverse community and partnership base in a sensitive and rapidly changing climate.
  • Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain effective and instrumental working relationships with high-level officials and organizations.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated and consistent record of personal and professional conduct that promotes an inclusive climate and IRUSA’s values.
  • Highly motivated and committed to humanitarian mission and values; ability to lead by example, with transparency and integrity that motivates staff at all levels.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.


At Islamic Relief USA we are committed to safeguarding and protecting all individuals we come into contact with through our work. IRUSA representatives must adhere to its organizational values: Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice, and Custodianship. In accordance with these values, IRUSA operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Code of Ethics, and Anti-Harassment and Discrimination.

This position has been filled.