Senior Program Coordinator, Advocacy for Incarcerated Muslims (AIM)

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Program Coordinator, Advocacy for Incarcerated Muslims (AIM)

Work Location: Based in Santa Clara, CA. Exemplary candidates in Anaheim may be considered. Will require occasional travel throughout CA.

Term: Full-time

Position Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: 

• Anaheim: $29-$32 per hour
• Santa Clara: $32-$38 per hour

Reports to: CAIR-CA Legal Manager

Requirements: Must have access to reliable transportation

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilized temporarily.

About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal.  The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.

About the Role:

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

The Senior Program Coordinator will play a key role in coordinating outreach to correctional facilities, assisting with compliance efforts, and supporting long-term initiatives that promote dignity and religious freedom for incarcerated Muslims. They will work closely with internal teams to help increase program visibility, share impact stories thoughtfully, and assist in developing targeted fundraising campaigns that sustain and expand the program's work.

Program Coordination & Support

• Support the implementation of a statewide program focused on monitoring religious rights in prisons and jails.
• Coordinate 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.
• Help coordinate planning activities aimed at reducing barriers to religious accommodation.

Advocacy & Policy Support

• 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.
• Draft materials and memos outlining the laws protecting the religious rights of incarcerated Muslims and identify blind-spots and areas for strengthening.
• Provide logistical and scheduling support for engagement with legislators, state agencies, and carceral partners.

Facility Monitoring & Compliance Assistance

• 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.
• Participate in data collection, note-taking, and documentation during monitoring activities.
• Maintain accurate records of trends, complaints, and barriers related to religious accommodations.

Community, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

Fundraising & Campaign Coordination

• Support targeted fundraising campaigns by preparing materials, tracking progress, and coordinating events or outreach.
• Assist development staff with donor communications, grant preparation, and fundraising activities.
• Help prepare basic impact summaries for donors or stakeholders.

Reporting & Administrative Support

• Maintain program data, track metrics, and support the preparation of reports for leadership and funders.
• Help manage timelines, coordinate project tasks, and ensure accurate documentation.
• Provide administrative support and help onboard or guide interns or volunteers as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred 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.

TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references.

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.