Government Relations Assistant

We Are

Headquartered in downtown, Washington, DC, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an organization comprised of nearly 17,000 individual attorney members who practice and teach immigration law. For our members, we provide continuing legal education, information, advocacy, professional services, and expertise. Founded in 1946, AILA's mission is to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

Department Summary

The Government Relations (GR) team advocates for immigration-related legislative, regulatory, and policy reforms before Congress and the executive branch, consistent with AILA’s principles and priorities. The GR team tracks the development of law, policy and practice and prepares resources and information for AILA members.  

Position Summary

The Government Relations Committees Assistant provides administrative and logistical support to the Government Relations (GR) department in the effective management of approximately 16 GR committees comprised of AILA members, including liaison, advocacy, and interest development groups. This role assists in organizing committee operations, managing communications, and ensuring smooth execution of meetings and training sessions. The Assistant works closely with the GR team to support volunteer engagement and maintain committee resources.  

Essential Job Functions:

Administrative & Logistical Support (50%): 

• Assist with scheduling and setting up committee meetings, including monthly virtual meetings, annual volunteer orientation, and in-person liaison meetings
• Support logistics for key events, such as the Committee Chair Strategy Session at the Annual Conference and local liaison training sessions
• Help organize the committee transition process (April–July), including updating selection timelines and coordinating with the Governance team
• Send meeting reminders, distribute agendas, and track follow-up tasks

Member & Volunteer Assistance (10%): 

• Respond to member inquiries via phone or email, directing questions to appropriate staff as needed
• Provide support to volunteers by ensuring they have access to necessary resources and training materials
• Assist in maintaining committee handbooks and updating relevant documentation

Technology & Platform Maintenance (10%): 

• Help manage committee platforms, including Formstack.com, Box.com, and committee listservs
• Assist in setting up and organizing Box folders for committee use
• Ensure listservs are functional and troubleshoot minor technical issues as needed

Financial & Records Support (30%): 

• Assist with processing committee reimbursements
• Help organize and maintain committee files for accessibility and proper record-keeping
• Support the Committee Staff Contact and Content Specialist in facilitating postings and requests for information
• Providing other administrative support to the Government Relations team for logistical coordination

Remote – The role is eligible for Remote work

Our Remote Work Strategy is designed to ensure connection while minimizing costs and inconvenience. Talent residing within 50 miles of our National Office located in Washington, D.C., located in the nation’s capital, will be given preference. For roles outside this, we seek candidates within 50 miles of a major airport. This strategy helps us enhance collaboration, optimize travel costs, and strengthen in-person engagement while ensuring we remain cost-effective and mission-driven. Candidates outside these areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis based on role requirements and organizational needs.

This role requires maintaining a professional demeanor in a hybrid/office work setting. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a desk, frequent use of a PC workstation for prolonged hours, occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms, and the possibility of lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, though this is not likely to be a frequent requirement.

Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in public administration, Political Science, Communications, or a related field. Relevant work experience in administrative support, event coordination, or nonprofit/government relations may substitute for formal education. Basic knowledge of immigration issues is preferred. 

Experience:  

• Minimum of one (1) year of administrative support, event coordination, or customer service experience. Preferably in a nonprofit, government relations, advocacy, or membership-based organization
• Familiarity with scheduling meetings, managing digital platforms (e.g., Box, Formstack, Monday,com listservs), and coordinating logistics for committees or volunteer groups is a plus

Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with digital tools such as Formstack, Box, and email listservs is a plus
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and committee members
• Proactively anticipate the administrative needs of the team

Occasional travel may be required based on business needs, including meetings, conferences, site visits, etc., with advance notice provided whenever possible. This travel could involve both domestic and international destinations, with overnight stays and weekend events included.

Compensation and Benefits The salary range provided reflects a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on AILA's commitment to equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications or professional licenses, job-related skills, internal equity, and business needs.

Our compensation structure is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Typically, individuals are hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique facts and circumstances of each applicant.

Additionally, full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in AILA's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months of employment, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits.

Application Process

To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs—such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview—please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs.

Eligibility to Work In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. AILA participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association ("AILA") is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.