Senior Program Coordinator, Advocacy for Incarcerated Muslims (AIM)

About the role

The Senior Program Coordinator for the Advocacy for Incarcerated Muslims (AIM) program supports CAIR-CA's statewide efforts to monitor, document, and advocate for the rights of incarcerated Muslims across California. This role blends policy support, advocacy, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of a statewide program focused on monitoring religious rights in prisons and jails.
• Cook with the CAIR-CA local offices to map and track complaints coming into the legal teams to identify trends, problematic facilities, and key issues impacting incarcerated individuals.
• Coordinate planning activities aimed at reducing barriers to religious accommodation.
• Conduct preliminary research on reported violations and assist in reviewing facility practices.
• Draft summaries, memos, and basic reports to support policy recommendations and advocacy efforts.
• Provide logistical and scheduling support for engagement with legislators, state agencies, and carceral partners.
• Help coordinate outreach to prisons and jails, including scheduling monitoring visits and preparing materials.
• Develop a database and system of key contacts across state and local carceral facilities.
• Maintain accurate records of trends, complaints, and barriers related to religious accommodations.
• Support relationship-building with advocacy groups, attorneys, community partners, and faith leaders.
• Work with communications staff to share program updates and highlight ongoing issues.
• Assist in representing CAIR-CA at meetings, coalition spaces, and community events as needed.
• Support targeted fundraising campaigns by preparing materials, tracking progress, and coordinating events or outreach.
• Aid development staff with donor communications, grant preparation, and fundraising activities.
• Prepare basic impact summaries for donors or stakeholders.
• Maintain program data, track metrics, and support the preparation of reports for leadership and funders.
• Manage timelines, coordinate project tasks, and ensure accurate documentation.
• Provide administrative support and help onboard or guide interns or volunteers as appropriate.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience working in advocacy, community engagement, research, project coordination, or related work.
• Basic understanding of civil rights, religious accommodation, or carceral policy issues (or willingness to learn).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to stay organized, manage multiple tasks, and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Experience supporting public-facing communications, outreach, or program promotion.

Qualifications

• Experience working with or having lived experience related to incarcerated communities, carceral systems, or civil rights organizations.
• Familiarity with RLUIPA, First Amendment protections, or corrections policies.
• Cultural competency and understanding of Islamic religious practices.
• Experience with fundraising, donor communications, or community campaigns.