Careers

Position Title: Policy Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Hybrid in-person (Seattle, WA)
Pay: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year (depending on experience) 

Position Summary: 

CAIR Washington is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Policy Director to lead and coordinate the organization’s legislative, advocacy, and policy agenda. The Policy Director will play a key role in shaping and advancing policies that promote civil rights, racial justice, and equity for Washington’s Muslim and immigrant communities. 

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Policy Director will lead external advocacy efforts, build coalitions, and ensure alignment between community needs and public policy. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to lasting systemic change while amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Policy & Advocacy Strategy 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive legislative and policy strategy rooted in CAIR-WA’s mission and values. 
• Monitor local, state, and national legislation that impacts the civil rights of Muslims and marginalized communities. 
• Draft policy briefs, statements, and recommendations; track and analyze legislation; and provide rapid-response analysis when necessary. 
• Represent CAIR-WA in policy coalitions and at public hearings, legislative sessions, and stakeholder meetings. 

Leadership & Management 

• Supervise policy team staff and/or fellows and interns as applicable. 
• Collaborate with the team to align policy work with organizational priorities. 
• Contribute to annual planning, goal setting, and evaluation of the policy program. 

Community Engagement & Coalition Building 

• Lift community voices in policymaking spaces. 
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and partner organizations. 
• Organize and support community participation in advocacy campaigns and legislative action. 

Communications & Public Education 

• Work closely with the Communications Team to create policy-focused messaging, op-eds, and press statements. 
• Conduct trainings and briefings for community members and allies on legislative and civil rights issues. 

Fundraising & Development Support 

• Assist in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities to support policy initiatives. 
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports related to policy work as needed. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• At least 5 years of experience in policy advocacy, public affairs, or government relations, preferably in a nonprofit, advocacy, or civil rights setting. 
• Strong understanding of state and federal legislative processes. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead campaigns, analyze legislation, and advocate effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal. 
• Proven leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills. 
• Demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice. 
• Familiarity and cultural competency working with Muslim communities. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Degree in public policy, law, political science, or related field. 
• Existing relationships with Washington State legislators and advocacy networks. 
• Experience engaging with immigrant, BIPOC, and/or Muslim communities in a policy or organizing capacity. 
• Multilingual ability is a plus. 

To Apply: 

• Please email as PDF attachments: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) references to: nalsaleh@cair.com with the subject line “Policy Director” No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

CAIR-WA is an equal employment opportunity employer and strives to comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on the following: 

1. Individual’s race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, marital status, family care status, military caregiver status, domestic partner status, veteran’s status 
2. Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, AIDS/HIV, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical conditions, or related medical conditions 
3. Political activities or affiliations 
4. Domestic violence, assault, or stalking victim status 
5. Lawful conduct occurring during non-working hours away from the employer’s premises 
6. Credit report or credit information 
7. Prior non-conviction arrest record, or 
8. Any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. 

Reports to the Executive Director and Outreach team
Location: Remote/Field-Based – Focus on Central and Eastern Washington
Hours: Part-time (10–15 hours/week, flexible schedule including evenings and weekends)
Compensation: $25-30/hour
Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension 

About CAIR-WA 

CAIR Washington (CAIR-WA) is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy organization serving Washington’s Muslim community. We fight for justice and work to empower Muslims through legal services, policy advocacy, civic engagement, and community organizing. 

Position Summary 

CAIR-WA is seeking a part-time Community Canvasser to conduct outreach and relationship-building in Central and Eastern Washington, where Muslim communities are growing but historically underserved. This role will help expand our presence outside of Western Washington by identifying local needs, increasing civic engagement, and connecting community members with CAIR-WA’s services and programs. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct door-to-door canvassing, attend community events, and visit Masajid and other community gathering spaces to share information about CAIR-WA’s work and available resources. 
• Network within local mosques to build relationships with imams, masjid boards, and congregants. 
• Build trust and relationships with local community leaders, organizations, and residents. 
• Help coordinate local listening sessions or small group meetings to better understand regional needs. 
• Distribute flyers, event materials, and digital information in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways. 
• Collaborate with CAIR-WA’s legal and policy teams on community needs 
• Collect feedback and relay community concerns and needs to CAIR-WA’s outreach and advocacy teams. 
• Assist with voter engagement efforts such as registration drives (as needed). 
• Track canvassing activities and submit regular reports on community engagement. 

Qualifications 

• Familiarity with CAIR-WA’s mission and the issues facing Muslim and immigrant communities in Washington. 
• Deep understanding of or lived experience in Central or Eastern Washington Muslim communities. 
• Comfort with and experience engaging in mosque spaces; ability to build trust with imams and community members. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. 
• Self-motivated, reliable, and comfortable working in field-based, independent settings. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust with community members. 
• Basic tech skills (email, mobile apps, spreadsheets) and ability to submit timely reports. 
• Multilingual abilities, especially in Somali, Arabic, Dari, or Pashto are a strong plus. 
• Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel regionally. 
• Prior experience in community outreach, canvassing, advocacy, or organizing preferred. 

To Apply 

Please send a resume and brief cover letter explaining your interest and any relevant community ties to nalsaleh@cair.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.