SAMS’ Advocacy Manager leads efforts to promote and advance the organization’s mission through public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence. They work to ensure that the organization’s views and causes are presented in a compelling way to decision-makers, media, and the general public. This role involves planning and executing advocacy campaigns, building relationships with policymakers, and managing public relations.
Key Responsibilities:
Policy Development
- Coordinate and develop policies relating to SAMS’s humanitarian operations and the Syria crisis at the Congressional, administration, United Nations, and international state levels
- Build and maintain relationships with key policy makers and departments in the US government, the United Nations, and relief organizations
- Handle external inquiries regarding SAMS’s Advocacy and policy positions from partners, policy makers, and media as necessary
- Research and author reports, white papers, briefing memos, letters, statements, op-eds, and other advocacy materials pertaining to the crisis in Syria
Partner Outreach
- Represent SAMS in coalitions including but not limited to: crisis Action, InterAction, American Relief Coalition for Syria, and Safeguarding Healthcare in Conflict
- Connect with coalitions SAMS is a part of in Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon to unify advocacy and policy positions
- Consistently connect with advocacy departments within other major partner and relief organizations, UN agencies, and others to coordinate a cohesive message
- Present on behalf of SAMS in events as requested
Essential Skills
- Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to articulate advocacy positions clearly to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, the media, and the public.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies to advance the organization’s advocacy goals.
- Stakeholder Management: Skilled in building relationships and partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, advocacy groups, and internal teams.
- Public Policy Expertise: Strong understanding of policy processes and the ability to navigate legislative or regulatory environments.
- Crisis Management: Ability to handle public scrutiny and crises related to advocacy initiatives, responding with strategic communication.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
- Experience: 3-5 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, public relations, or related roles.
- Certifications: Certification in public affairs, lobbying, or a similar field can be an added advantage.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in using advocacy and stakeholder management tools like Nation Builder, Quorum, or other CRM systems.
Personal Attributes
- Resilience: Advocacy can be a long-term, challenging process that requires persistence and the ability to handle setbacks.
- Adaptability:Ability to respond quickly to changing policy landscapes or public attitudes.
- Collaborative Mindset:Ability to work well with a wide range of partners and internal teams.
- Help develop advocacy and policy priorities within SAMS
- Regularly communicate SAMS’s advocacy messages to Congressional Offices, State Department, White House National Security Council, United National Missions, United Nations agencies, Think Tanks, and to other relief organizations
- Oversee and administer the production of the organization’s advocacy materials, including advocacy talking points, one-pages, and resources
- Spearhead advocacy related events such as Congressional and UN briefings, lobby days, think tank events, roundtables, and more
- Connect and collaborate with advocacy staff in the Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon offices
- Manage all online and offline advocacy campaigns including grassroots lobby days
SAMS is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the SAMS community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone can feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.
Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.