National Center for Youth Law

The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) works to amplify youth power, dismantle racism and other structural inequities, and build just policies, practices, and culture in support of young people. Our efforts advance justice through research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy that fundamentally transforms our nation's approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every young person thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves.

Immigration Team 

NCYL’s Immigration Team engages in advocacy to ensure that immigrant children are able to live in communities rather than in government custody and have access to the resources and opportunities they need to heal and thrive. The Immigration Team is committed to developing and implementing community-based work that centers youth and informs its broader advocacy priorities and strategies. In Fiscal Year 2022, approximately 13,370 unaccompanied children were released to sponsors in California. 

Position 

NCYL seeks a Senior Community Policy Associate to help ensure that formerly-detained immigrant children have access to the resources and opportunities they need to heal and thrive, and that the systems with which they interact are responsive to the complexities and distinctive nature of their experience. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who has knowledge of and experience with California’s immigrant communities to contribute to systems-level impact and reform. 

Essential Functions 

• Build and sustain strong, collaborative relationships with external partners, such as community-based organizations, coalition members, community leaders, and other community stakeholders essential to advancing the rights of formerly-detained immigrant youth. 
• Organize and support community stakeholders and service providers to increase and improve local and community-based services and opportunities for youth. 
• Design and facilitate focus groups, interviews, educational workshops, advocacy training, and other events with youth, families, and providers 
• Host and participate in community meetings and public forums. 
• Identify and prioritize advocacy opportunities in alignment with the Immigration Team’s mission and goals by conducting local stakeholder interviews (including youth and families), focus groups, landscape analyses, and resource mapping. 

Other Qualifications 

• Minimum of 7 years of experience working directly with immigrant communities, which may include: grassroots organizing; leading and executing issue-based campaigns; or providing social, educational, or clinical services. 
• Experience with systematically and structurally excluded communities and centering the voices of directly impacted community members. 
• Understanding of grassroots organizing and movement-building. 
• Experience in planning and facilitating community outreach, meetings, and trainings. 
• Strong organizational and project management skills; including experience managing complex projects with internal and external partners. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Creative and adaptable work orientation; ability to problem-solve, think creatively, and be flexible in response to shifting needs of the community and partners.  
• Knowledge/understanding of the cultural landscape of the Bay Area and surrounding region. 
• Experience with California state policy reform.  
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.  
• Ability to use or quickly learn technological platforms (i.e., Zoom/Webex, social media platforms, Google Drive, SharePoint, etc.).  
• Demonstrated support of and commitment to NCYL’s mission, including the advancement of racial justice.  

Physical Requirements 

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. This position requires travel. 

Salary, Benefits and Location 

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary is competitive at $92,310.00 annually.  

NCYL provides a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurances, generous vacation and sick benefits, paid family leave, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, employer contribution to a retirement plan, paid sabbatical, and short-term and long-term disability insurance. 

Candidates must be currently living in, or willing to move to, the San Francisco Bay area, CA. 

This position can be conducted remotely or from NCYL’s Oakland office. It is possible that starting in January of 2024, NCYL will require people to work in an office. If that happens, this position will work out of NCYL’s Oakland office. 

How to Apply  

Submit a resume and cover letter at the link below. Please, no emails or phone calls. 

Apply at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/1705233 

Applicants with lived experience within any of our practice areas, and Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply.  

It is the policy of NCYL to provide equal employment opportunities to all Applicants (including Employees) regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classifications under federal, state, or local law.  

About National Center for Youth Law

The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) works to amplify youth power, dismantle racism and other structural inequities, and build just policies, practices, and culture in support of young people. Our efforts advance justice through research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy that fundamentally transforms our nation's approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every young person thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves.

Connections working at National Center for Youth Law