Open Positions
Program Director
Location: Hybrid
Application Deadline: June 7, 2024
About the Afghan-American Foundation:
The Afghan-American Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit and non-partisan organization charged with advancing and promoting the interests of Afghan-Americans through thought leadership, policy advocacy,public education and strategic engagement. Our constituents are Afghan-Americans and Afghan nationalsresiding in the U.S.. AAF serves, supports, and advances the interests of Afghan-Americans through five main priorities: policy advocacy; cultural advocacy & education, community building and mobilization, research, institution building and sustainability.
Position Overview:
AAF is seeking a strategic and visionary Program Director to drive the development and execution of our organization’s policy, programmatic and engagement initiatives. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in strategizing, developing, implementing and maintaining AAF’s programmatic objectives. The Program Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our initiatives, ensuring alignment with our organizational mission and strategic plan, and driving impact within the Afghan-American community and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Development and Management: Lead the implementation of AAF’s strategic plan including planning, implementation and evaluation of program initiatives aimed at policy advocacy, civic engagement, cultural preservation and promotion, leadership development and community engagement and empowerment, that meet evolving needs of the Afghan-American community.
Engagement and Coalition Building: Cultivate relationships with policymakers, government agencies, advocacy groups, Afghan-American organizations and community leaders, and other stakeholders to advance the interests of the Afghan diaspora and build strategic partnerships.
Research and Analysis: Identify and help commission research and analysis on key policy issues, trends and best practices relevant to the Afghan diaspora, and disseminate findings to inform decision-making and advocacy efforts.
Public Outreach and Communication: In collaboration with Communication and Outreach Manager, develop and execute communications strategies to raise awareness about the Afghan-American experience, amplify community voices, and mobilize support for policy priorities.
Team Leadership: Provide leadership and guidance to programmatic staff and interns, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Delegate tasks, provide mentorship and oversee day-to-day activities.
Resource Mobilization: In partnership with AAF development advisor, help identify funding opportunities, help develop grant proposals, and engage with donors to support programmatic activities and organizational sustainability.
Budgeting and Financial Management: Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities. In close collaboration with AAF’s finance team, monitor program expenditure, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with funding by requirements.
Qualifications:
Natural leader, self-motivated and goal oriented with a proven ability to strategize and implement high-level programming.
Solid grasp of issues relating to the Afghan diaspora, including their priorities, challenges and opportunities for empowerment.
A demonstrated understanding of pressing issues such as long-term integration and pathways for success for recently resettled Afghans in the United States.
Comprehensive understanding of policy issues affecting the Afghan diaspora as well as foreign policy issues related to Afghanistan, including but not limited to immigration, human rights, education, healthcare, and economic development.
Proven track record of effectively engaging with AAF stakeholders: policymakers, funders,, and the media to advance policy objectives and effect change.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build consensus, mobilize stakeholders, and navigate complex political environments.
Minimum of bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, or related fields. Masters Degree or JD Preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is highly desirable.
Application Process:
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@afghanamericans.org. In your cover letter, please address your relevant experience, what makes you a good fit for this role, and why you are passionate about advancing the interests of the Afghan diaspora. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 7, 2024.
Communications & Outreach Associate
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: June 14, 2024
About the Afghan-American Foundation:
The Afghan-American Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit and non-partisan organization charged with advancing and promoting the interests of Afghan-Americans through thought leadership, policy advocacy,public education and strategic engagement. Our constituents are Afghan-Americans and Afghan nationalsresiding in the U.S.. AAF serves, supports, and advances the interests of Afghan-Americans through five main priorities: policy advocacy; cultural advocacy & education, community building and mobilization, research, institution building and sustainability. AAF is currently seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Program and Communications Assistant. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our programs and managing communications strategies to enhance the visibility and impact of AAF's work.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement AAF's communications strategy to effectively reach diverse stakeholders
Create engaging content for AAF's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and other communication channels
Manage AAF's online presence, including website updates and social media accounts.
Coordinate with media outlets and journalists to promote AAF's events and activities.
Monitor and analyze communications metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies.
Qualifications:
Degree or demonstrated interested in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Previous experience in communications strategy and management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of social media platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools.
Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting.
Familiarity with the Afghan-American community and understanding of cultural nuances.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and graphic design software.
Application Process:
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@afghanamericans.org. In your cover letter, please address your relevant experience, what makes you a good fit for this role, and why you are passionate about advancing the interests of the Afghan diaspora. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 14, 2024.