Political Director
About Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and Colorado Immigrant Rights Action Fund:
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) is a statewide, membership-based coalition of immigrant, faith, labor, youth, community, business and ally organizations founded in 2002 to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees by making Colorado a more welcoming, immigrant-friendly state.
CIRC achieves this mission through non-partisan civic engagement, public education, and advocating for workable, fair and humane immigration policies.
CIRC believes in the inherent dignity and human rights of every person, regardless of immigration status. CIRC envisions a society in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and have equal access to fair and just work, housing, health care, education and the opportunity to live united with family members.
This position also supports the Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition Action Fund (CIRC AF), an affiliated 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. While motivated by the same core values and vision, CIRC and CIRC AF operate independently of one another and each organization has its own board of directors.
Position Summary
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) and CIRC Action Fund (CIRC AF) are seeking a Political Director to lead our legislative, policy implementation, advocacy and electoral work. This permanent role will advance our long-term governing agenda, coordinate with policy and electoral staff, and represent CIRC/AF with elected officials and partners at the state and national level.
The Political Director will supervise the Policy Manager, ensure alignment across departments, and represent CIRC/AF with elected officials and coalitions at the state and national level. Additionally, the Political Director will oversee decisions about adding additional staff to our policy team and work with the Co-Executive Directors in structuring those positions. This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to strengthen grassroots power, shape policy outcomes, and amplify immigrant voices in civic life.
The Political Director must be a collaborative and flexible leader, capable of driving high-level strategy while also managing near-term implementation. The position will directly supervise the Policy Manager and manage a member steering committee.
Key Responsibilities
Electoral Engagement
Lead long-term electoral strategy planning and campaign development to support CIRC’s legislative agenda.
Oversee voter engagement efforts focused on immigrants and communities of color, using metrics-driven campaign tactics.
Build and coordinate coalition partnerships and ensure alignment with C4 strategies and legal compliance.
Advise on CIRC AF’s 501(c)(4) strategy and compliance.
Coordinate with partners and coalitions to amplify immigrant voter power and field capacity.
Policy & Advocacy
Provide leadership on legislative implementation, planning, and policy alignment.
Coordinate across teams to support CIRC/CIRC AF’s policy priorities and campaign strategies.
Maintain and strengthen relationships with elected officials and partner coalitions.
Supervise and support the Policy Manager in executing the CIRC policy process.
Advise on messaging, analysis, and communications related to policy.
Implement CIRC’s organizing model and play both “inside and outside” games by balancing out the policy aspirations of CIRC’s member-led steering committees while working closely with CIRC’s lobbyist.
Commitment to uplifting the voices of those directly impacted by immigration policy.
Organizational & Team Leadership
Supervise Policy Manager and any additional staff added to the policy team; support their leadership and team coordination.
Collaborate with Co-EDs and department leads to ensure integration of organizing, communications, and political strategy.
Develop and refine long-term political strategy in collaboration with Co-EDs and board.
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, funders, and national partners.
Provide vision and mentorship to strengthen the political department over time.
Contribute to board reporting, donor communication, and political compliance support.
Rapid Response and Cross-Departmental Support
Lead rapid response campaigns in moments of urgent policy, electoral, or narrative opportunity (e.g., harmful legislation, ballot initiatives, or immigration crises).
Coordinate cross-departmental teams to mobilize quickly, ensuring alignment of communications, organizing, and advocacy.
Qualifications
Required:
5+ years experience in policy, political strategy, electoral or advocacy campaigns.
Strong knowledge of legislative and electoral systems; Colorado-specific experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of electoral systems and political strategy; Colorado-specific experience preferred.
Proactive communicator who ensures clarity, alignment, and timely updates across staff, leadership, and coalition partners.
Demonstrated ability to lead and learn in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with shifting priorities.
Adaptable leader with the ability to pivot strategies and priorities in response to shifting political, organizational, or community needs.
Proven ability to supervise and collaborate across teams.
Demonstrated self-awareness, composure and conflict-resolution skills needed to navigate challenging situations, build strong relationships, and remain focused on advancing shared goals with respect and dignity.
Deep commitment to immigrant justice, grassroots power, and anti-oppression values.
Preferred:
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Experience managing C3/C4 compliance
Familiarity with VAN, Neon (or other CRM’s), and legislative tracking tools
Compensation, Benefits & Terms of Employment
This is a full time position with a salary range of $80,000-$90,000 based on experience.
Benefits
Health Insurance – The Political Director as well as two dependents under the age of 18 are eligible to receive 100% employer-sponsored health, vision and dental insurance beginning the first day of employment.
Generous PTO Policy: All full time CIRC staff, upon hire accrue vacation rate 2 weeks paid vacation annually.
Professional Development: $1,000 in professional development funds annually subject to supervisor approval.
Reimbursements will be made for expenditures during the normal course of your work at the following levels:
Mileage – Reimbursed at the Federal Rate, Current rate: .76 cents
Food, lodging, supplies or miscellaneous expenses will be reimbursed based on approval of submitted forms and receipts
Once hired, see the staff handbook for the full policies.
To Apply
Please send your resume and a short statement (written (one-page), audio (5min), or video (5min) responding to:
What is your direct connection to immigrants or the immigrant community?
Why are you interested in working with CIRC?
Share one example of demonstrated success in a similar role.
Submit materials to jobs@coloradoimmigrant.org with subject line: Political Director – [Your Name]
Deadline: Open Untill Filled
“The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact alma@coloradoimmigrant.org. CIRC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, caste or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive staff team. We strongly encourage applicants who are BIPOC, LGBTQ, women, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities; and/or formerly incarcerated people.”