Employment Opportunities

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS & NEX GEN LIASON WITH PAAIA


The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian-Americans (PAAIA) is seeking a qualified U.S. legal resident or citizen for the position of Director of National Community Relations and NexGen Liaison.
 
PAAIA is a non-partisan, non-sectarian national organization focused on creating a networked Iranian American (IA) community and building our next generation (Nex Gen) of youth. We strive to project an accurate image that does the IA community justice as a vibrant, accomplished, and productive participant in American life. PAAIA also seeks to build an influential community voice by promoting the participation of IAs in all spheres of American political life, including supporting their election or appointment as public officials.  We are a grass-root membership organization with current membership of approximately 6,000 and with a goal of doubling that membership in the next year.
 
PAAIA is organized as a central office where the Executive Director and a small staff support the activities of local volunteer-run chapters located in major metropolitan areas.  The central office is located in Washington DC.  
 
This position will report to the Executive Director. The position may require some travel.
 
Key attributes of the ideal Director, NCR & Nex Gen Liaison
 
  1. Prior community development and outreach experience
  2. Strong communication skills 
  3. Understanding and ability to develop and implement varied community engagement and outreach initiatives for varied populations and groups
  4. Flexibility and willingness to take on diverse tasks as required by organizational needs
  5. Ability to respond to issue as they arise and trouble shoot as needed
 
Director, NCR & Nex Gen Liaison Duties and Responsibilities
 
National Community Relations
  1. Develop and implement communications strategy – Proactively develop and implement outreach and communications strategies for both internal and external use inclusive of Iranian American community relations initiatives in target areas across the country; refine and update the communications strategy as appropriate.
  2. Expand and maintain community relationships – Develop new and expand existing relationships with Iranian American and other organizations nationwide to foster partnerships and foster synergies in the community that support PAAIA’s mission and vision.
  3. Actively participate in related community events - Maintain a professional community presence and profile; actively participate in local and national networks through committees, boards, partnerships, special projects; cultivates and leverage productive relationships for PAAIA
  4. Manage all internal and external communications – Manage the dissemination of routine and adhoc internal communications (Board, trustees, & members) as well as external communications (press releases, media, external entities) in a timely, efficient, and quality manner
  5. Manage Website – Work with webmaster to ensure that the PAAIA website is consistently updated and include relevant information; routinely review and refine website to maintain quality and appropriateness
  6. Develop and manage PAAIA Programs – Recommend, submit, obtain approval, and implement programs that support PAAIA mission and vision
  7. Manage ongoing Chapter collaboration – Serve as point of contact for current or potential PAAIA chapters; assist chapters in developing and implementing local programs
  8. Assist with PAAIA events – Serve as point of contact for and assist local chapters and volunteers in developing and implementing PAAIA programs throughout the US
 
Nex Gen Liaison
Since formally re-launching in the summer of 2011, PAAIA NexGen has built a strong network of young Iranian Americans across the country and has chapters rooted 
 
  1. Support Nex Gen activities – Provide administrative and institutional support to NexGen programs and initiatives; assist in identifying and procuring needed resources to implement Nex Gen initiatives, including expanding membership and programs
  2. Implement Nex Gen strategy – Assist NexGen National Organizing Committee in identifying processes for implementing initiatives; provide feedback on initiatives from a planning and communication perspective; provide oversight and guidance for NexGen programs as they expand across the country
  3. Serve as Liaison with Chapters – Serve as a liaison between the NexGen National Organizing Committee and both local chapter leaders and the PAAIA Board and Trustees to ensure smooth communication; provide oversight and guidance in implementing local Nex Gen initiatives; serve as the point of contact for communities that want to establish a local PAAIA NexGen Chapter in conjunction with a local PAAIA Chapter
  4. Ensure consistent messaging - Link PAAIA organizational messaging, mission, and initiatives with NexGen initiatives to streamline a connected platform for the organization
  5. Implement training opportunities – In collaboration with Nex Gen National Organizing Committee, identify and empower local NexGen leaders through training in communications, community organization, program development, and leadership
  6. Promote and expand Nex Gen initiatives - Explore options for expanding and refining  NexGen initiatives and programs, such as mentorship, professional career development opportunities, policy platforms, etc.
 
Required Competencies/Attributes
 
  1. Communication skills – Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups; strong oral and written communication skills; understand and respond appropriately to the diverse PAAIA constituents, especially Nex Gen members and chapters
  2. Community and Event Planning & Outreach Knowledge – Demonstrated expertise in managing small and large scale events, developing and implementing outreach strategies for diverse audiences, and developing community initiatives
  3. Responsiveness – Demonstrated ability to understand and respond to community, social, and political issues that impact the Iranian American community and expertise in effectively responding to inquiries on these and PAAIA issues
  4. Editorial and Website Skills – Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in developing high quality written materials and knowledge of website design and development
  5. Interpersonal skills – Self starter willing to step in and do whatever is required; ability to initiate and follow through to meet organizational needs; solid problem-solving skills and decision making skills
  6. Accuracy – Ability to maintain high level of accuracy and efficiency 
 
Desired Competencies/attributes 
 
  • Undergraduate B.A. or B.S. degree required, and M.A. or other advanced degree preferred
  • Candidate must be well respected in the Iranian American community as a proven or developing community leader
  • Ability and willingness to travel for work and work varied hours 
  • Proven ability to develop strong relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders 
  • Aptitude to understand the community’s needs and translate these into effective and engaging programs/strategies 
  • Experience in planning and coordinating events 
  • Impactful leadership abilities, positive attitude and approach to projects, and proven experience leading and mobilizing communities
  • Strong individual traits such as innovative and resourceful, with an ability to garner support of decision makers as well as internal stakeholders 
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, including presentation and public-speaking; a self-starter, outstanding time management skills 
  • Strict attention to detail 
  • Knowledge of local, regional and national nonprofit organizations who work with the Iranian American community
  • Management and/or employee volunteer management experience
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Compensation will be an annual salary in the range of $50,000 – $65,000 commensurate with skill and experience level, in addition to health benefits. 
 
To apply: Please send resume, cover letter, writing sample and references to saghi@paaia.org.
 
 

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH PAAIA

The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA DC) has a Fall internship opportunity available to graduate, college and university students to work in our Washington, D.C. office.

The best-suited individuals will be students of political science, public policy, history, economics and journalism. Excellent written and communication skills and computer fluency (mainly MS Office and Windows OS applications) are necessary. Persian fluency is not required but considered an advantage in selection of the successful applicant(s).

Interns work on various projects and assignments. Duties include but are not limited to research on public policy programs and related activities, assisting with planning of events, program implementation, logistical support for staff activities, and other administrative tasks.

To apply: Please send resume, cover letter, writing sample and references to info@paaia.org or fax us at 202-828-8371.