Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement
Location: Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area (DMV)
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Flexible/hybrid, with regular in-person engagement in Washington, D.C.
About the Afghan-American Foundation
The Afghan-American Foundation (AAF) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Afghan-Americans through policy advocacy, cultural preservation, public education, and civic engagement. AAF works to ensure that Afghan-American voices are heard, their stories are shared, and their contributions help shape the future of both Afghan and American communities.
Founded in 2020, AAF works to strengthen Afghan-American leadership, expand opportunities for civic participation, and build bridges between Afghan-American communities, policymakers, and broader American society. Through advocacy, research, strategic communications, coalition-building, and community engagement, AAF seeks to advance the interests of Afghan-Americans while fostering a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and shared purpose.
Building on its experience and relationships developed over the past five years, AAF is strengthening its role in policy analysis, thought leadership, and strategic engagement. Our work spans two interconnected areas: U.S. and international policy toward Afghanistan, including diplomacy, security, humanitarian assistance, human rights, and women's rights; and domestic Afghan-American policy priorities, including immigration, civil rights, community safety, and civic participation.
Position Overview
AAF seeks an experienced and intellectually curious Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement to lead its policy analysis, research, and external engagement efforts.
The Director will play a central role in developing AAF's policy agenda, producing rigorous and actionable policy analysis, convening experts, and building relationships with congressional offices, executive branch officials, think tanks, research institutions, and the broader U.S. foreign policy community.
The position will focus primarily on U.S. and international policy toward Afghanistan, including diplomacy, sanctions, humanitarian assistance, UN engagement, regional security, human rights, and women's rights. The Director will also contribute to AAF's domestic policy priorities, including immigration, civil rights, community safety, and civic participation.
This is an opportunity for a policy professional who combines strong analytical skills with strategic judgment, relationship-building abilities, and an interest in helping establish a credible Afghan-informed policy platform.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Research and Analysis
Lead the development of policy briefs, analytical papers, reports, and other research products addressing major U.S. and international policy questions.
Identify emerging policy developments, gaps, and opportunities relevant to Afghanistan and Afghan-American communities.
Produce concise, evidence-based analysis and actionable recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders.
Coordinate research contributions and peer review to ensure the quality, rigor, and credibility of AAF's publications.
Strategic Policy Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with congressional offices, executive branch officials, think tanks, research institutions, and other relevant policy stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to introduce Afghan-informed perspectives into policy deliberations and institutional discussions.
Organize and participate in policy briefings, expert discussions, and meetings with decision-makers.
Represent AAF in relevant policy forums, conferences, and professional networks.
Convening and Expert Collaboration
Organize substantive policy roundtables, consultations, and dialogues involving Afghan and allied experts.
Develop and coordinate a network of Afghan and Afghan-American policy experts and contributors.
Facilitate collaboration among researchers, policymakers, civil society actors, and other stakeholders with differing perspectives.
Translate expert deliberations into practical policy products and recommendations.
Strategy and Institutional Development
Work closely with AAF leadership to establish research priorities and advance the organization's broader policy objectives.
Help develop AAF's institutional credibility and presence within the Washington policy community.
Oversee the planning, implementation, and quality of assigned policy initiatives.
Contribute to strategic partnerships, institutional learning, and the long-term development of AAF's policy capabilities.
Qualifications
Required
Demonstrated professional experience in public policy, international affairs, foreign policy research, government, or a related field.
Strong understanding of U.S. foreign policymaking institutions and processes.
Demonstrated ability to research complex policy issues and produce high-quality written analysis.
Experience engaging policymakers, research institutions, advocacy organizations, or other policy stakeholders.
Excellent writing, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Strong professional judgment, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to rigorous, evidence-based policy analysis.
Preferred
Substantive knowledge of Afghanistan, South and Central Asia, or related regional policy issues.
Experience working in or engaging with congressional offices, executive branch agencies, international organizations, or foreign policy think tanks.
An established professional network within Washington's foreign policy community.
Experience organizing expert consultations, policy roundtables, or collaborative research initiatives.
Familiarity with Afghan diaspora communities and the challenges of inclusive policy representation.
Advanced degree in international relations, public policy, political science, law, or a related discipline.
Location and Working Arrangement
The position is based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. AAF offers flexibility in working arrangements but expects the Director to maintain an active, consistent presence in Washington's policy community.
Candidates must reside in the DMV area or be willing to relocate.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume/CV, a brief cover letter describing their relevant experience and interest in the position, and one or two samples of policy writing or analysis. Please email application materials to careers@afghanamericans.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled.
AAF is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds and experiences.