Job Description

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that serves immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence. Our interdisciplinary, trauma-informed model of service combines free legal and social services with bridge-building policy advocacy and research-based training and education. By amplifying the experiences of survivors in communities, courts, and Congress, Tahirih’s mission is to create a world in which all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity.

The Houston Policy & Advocacy team drives Tahirih’s mission in transforming the local and regional policies and practices that directly impact immigrant survivors of violence. By mobilizing multiple stakeholders, including directly impacted survivors, advocates and community coalitions, and government representatives and leaders accountable for the safety and justice for immigrant survivors, we are charting a course of action to create change in our community.

We are seeking an intern with a thriving passion for community engagement to provide administrative and outreach support towards moving forward the team’s policy and advocacy goals. The position is supervised by the Houston Policy & Advocacy manager. The ideal candidate will have experience working with survivors of violence or immigrants and be committed to centering the needs and voices of immigrant survivors in identifying and driving community solutions to address harm. Our current work, which this position will support, includes:

• Outreach and engagement with immigrant survivors of violence through the Kitchen Table Conversations program, which offers civic education, leadership development, and healing circles for survivor advocates;
• Language access advocacy at the state and local level, including budget advocacy;
• Health access outreach and education;
• Coalition work, outreach, and training to improve local and state system responses to immigrant survivors that impact their access to safety and justice;
• Outreach and education to the community at the intersection of immigration, gender-based violence, and labor rights;

Training, supervision, and mentorship will be provided by the Houston Policy & Advocacy Manager as well as the Community Engagement Coordinator.

Policy & Advocacy Intern Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and event planning support for Tahirih Houston’s Community Engagement initiatives including monthly “Kitchen Table Conversations” for survivor-advocates
• Participate in local advocacy efforts to support the Team’s current campaigns
• Coordinate and staff community education events focused on moving forward advocacy across the region
• Drafting multi-lingual content for outward publication

Requirements

*While no candidate will possess every quality, the successful candidate will possess many of the following qualifications and attributes. Even if you aren’t sure but are excited about the position, we encourage you to apply!

• Advanced written and oral English and Spanish, or another commonly spoken language in the Houston community
• Previous experience working with a multi-lingual, multi-cultural population
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Evidence of creativity and perseverance in identifying solutions
• Basic understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, violence against women, and immigration policies in the U.S.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite including strong skills in Microsoft Word
• Some weekend and weeknight availability are required, though comp time during the week is provided
• Previous experience with grassroots organizing is a bonus

Tahirih currently maintains a hybrid work environment and allows employees to work from home or from the office, in coordination and upon agreement with supervisors. In-person team meetings and other activities are required. In order to work from home, it is expected that staff and interns have a reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth.

Ideally, this temporary position will start in mid- to late- summer and run through early fall, though alternative schedules can be considered. Because this position requires some work in the community, including in-person events and meetings, the intern will need to be located in Houston, TX for the majority of the internship and have the ability to travel around the city.

Compensation Tahirih pays interns a $5000 stipend for completing 300 hours over the course of the semester (prorated to the number of hours actually completed).

How to Apply: Please submit a resume and a short cover letter that clearly demonstrates your interest in Tahirih’s work. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Tahirih Justice Center is committed to equal opportunity and promotes equity and transparency as core values. Tahirih practices inclusiveness in decision making through the use of consultation with employees throughout the organization. Tahirih does not discriminate against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, ability, gender, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Applicants committed to equity from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and identities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with questions or concerns should reach out to the Director of People & Operations at HR@tahirih.org. Information about filing a charge of discrimination at the EEOC is available at https://www.eeoc.gov/