Program Assistant

Location: Washington, D.C. preferred, but all U.S. locations will be considered

Reports to: Director, Strategy and Advocacy

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Starting salary of $49,000-51,000, dependent on years of previous experience.

Start Date: As soon as possible

POSITION OVERVIEW

CDA seeks an energetic Program Assistant to support a small but expanding team across all programs and activities related to its migration and Cuba portfolios. These activities include keeping abreast of policy changes of importance to CDA – namely migration and Cuba -; monitoring, drafting and editing CDA public-facing materials; supporting with organizing delegations of policymakers and thought leaders to and from Latin America and the Caribbean; and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including Congressional staff, the State Department, and peers throughout the region.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented person passionate about social justice in Latin America and the Caribbean, and eager to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment in which multiple priorities are juggled simultaneously. This person will be expected to be a self-starting team player who helps execute and also has the confidence to bring new ideas to the table.

The Program Assistant will have the opportunity to gain substantive experience in the dynamic field of U.S. relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on Cuba and regional migration. They will benefit from close collaboration with a diverse group of civil society partners, funders, advocacy organizations, and policymakers. Through our work, CDA staff gain a deeper understanding of the strategies employed within US foreign policy towards Latin American and the Caribbean, the critical stakeholders in this field (both within the U.S. and elsewhere), and pressing issues faced by the people in the region.

ABOUT US

The Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) is all about infusing U.S. policy towards the Americas with a big, bold regional approach. We bring a unique touch to thoughtful engagement, partnerships, and mutual respect, aimed at fostering more informed and rights-based policy-making on issues like migration. Our journey takes us across the Americas, where we dive into research and dialogue, raising awareness and sparking engaging conversations among stakeholders. We’re on a mission to build an amazing community that bridges the gap between government and civil society, igniting epic, collaborative problem-solving. From regional migration to US-Cuba relations, we offer a critical and authentic regional perspective; our small but powerful team amplifies voices in diplomatic circles, working tirelessly to support the rights, dignity, and well-being of people in the Americas. We do it with dedication, camaraderie, and a lot of fun!

CDA has been busy working on a makeover; we are transforming into a brand-new organization with a fantastic organizational strategy review, complete with a fresh new name, value proposition, which will be shared publicly in early 2024,

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Policy Analysis

Monitor U.S. foreign policy toward the region, particularly developments in U.S.-Cuba relations and regional migration policy.

Monitor domestic/national, regional and international developments in Cuba, and Latin America as they relate to migration.

Lead the research, writing, and publication of CDA’s weekly U.S. Cuba News Brief.

Assist CDA staff with research and policy analysis, including the research, writing, and publication of press releases, memorandums, OpEds, briefing books for delegation travel, and other materials as needed.

Assist CDA staff with congressional relations, including outreach to coordinate Hill briefings and meetings, legislation monitoring, lobby tracking, and advocacy support; and help maintain consistent relations with these officials.

Assist with organizing regional delegations of policymakers, thought leaders, and activists, both to the United States, and to Latin America and the Caribbean. Tasks include travel logistics and drafting tailored briefing books.

Assist in advocacy meetings, including note-taking, translations, as needed.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Maintain CDA’s website up-to-date with publications, press statements, and other updates as needed.

Lead on developing social media posts reflecting CDA’s travel and research updates, policy insights and positions, recommendations.

Oversee editing and proofreading of all formal written material produced by CDA.

Continuously update/maintain contact management system for policy and advocacy contacts, including congressional, press, and other stakeholder lists.

Support with keeping CDA stakeholders informed with helping to draft materials, including but not limited to board materials, announcements, press releases, and program updates.

Support fundraising efforts, including maintaining tracking documents on program activities and outcomes, and drafting and providing materials and narratives for grant applications and reports.

Management

Support with interviewing, hiring, training, and managing CDA interns.

Coordinate and organize events and conferences, including online, in-person and hybrid events and delegations in the U.S. and abroad.

Support the execution of meetings, conference calls, and webinars by coordinating logistics, developing agenda, developing content, taking notes, and following upon resulting action items.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS

● Master’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education, training and proven experience as an administrative assistant or in a similar role.

● Minimum of two years of related work experience, including internships, and/or work studies.

● Exceptional project management skills.

● Outstanding research, analytical, editing, and writing skills. ● Attention to detail, solid judgment, and discretion.

● Interest in and experience with issues related to U.S. policies toward Latina America and the Caribbean through work, volunteer experience, or education, is preferred and a curiosity about peace and security issues is required.

● Spanish language proficiency, written and spoken, required.

● Experience with Squarespace, Canva, MailChimp is highly desirable.

● Flexibility and availability to travel internationally on occasion.

● U.S. work authorization.

Competitive Benefits including a health, dental, and vision plan, 401(k) plan, four weeks leave, home office stipend, and more.

Career Development Opportunities

At CDA, we are deeply committed to the professional growth and development of our team. The Program Assistant will have access to a range of career development opportunities, including workshops and courses. These opportunities are designed to help you enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and advance your career within the field of U.S.-Latin American relations.

CDA’s Core Values: At CDA, each staff member applies these values to efficiently carry out their duties and propel our organization’s mission forward.

• Advance diversity and equity
• Make connections to bridge gaps
• Experiential learning
• Respect humanity
• Informed policy
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Authentic, trusted partner
• Sticky agility

CDA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and actively promote diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.