JACL is excited to announce that we are currently looking for a Public Policy and Government Affairs Director to join our team in Washington, D.C.!

Our new Public Policy and Government Affairs Director will oversee the development and implementation of JACL’s advocacy strategies, develop and maintain relationships with our policy partners, draft policy documents, keep track of federal and local legislative issues, develop and implement advocacy trainings and policy briefings for JACL members, attend meetings on the Hill and other offices, supervise our policy analysts, and run the JACL/OCA DC Leadership Summit.

We're looking for someone with: 

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in federal public policy and legislative affairs in a Congressional office, Executive Congressional Liaison Office, or comparable role.

• Working knowledge of Federal legislative processes, including appropriations and federal rulemaking.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies and campaigns.

• Experience with civil rights and human services issues.

• Strong communications skills – written and verbal.

 

JACL offers a generous benefits package including a 403(b) retirement package; observance of federal government holidays, including Juneteenth; and dental and medical benefits. We encourage anyone who is intersted to apply as soon as possible. We also hope our many members, friends, and supporters will help us share this position with people they think might be interested!

Please submit a cover letter and résumé to Lilly Simmering, JACL Executive Director, at lsimmering@jacl.org by November 1, 2026 for priority consideration. Any questions about the recruitment can be directed to policy@jacl.org.

Best, 

JACL National Staff