Banking While Muslim Lead

AdvisorsContractorNorth America (Remote)

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Summary

The Banking While Muslim Lead will spearhead the initiative to address discrimination against Muslims in financial services. This role requires strategic leadership, effective advocacy, and the ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive policy changes. The Lead will be responsible for developing a roadmap to reduce financial discrimination, advocating for equitable banking practices, and raising awareness of the issue through data collection, storytelling, and public engagement. This position is ideal for a passionate and driven individual with experience in movement building and policy advocacy.

Deliverables

  • Financial sustainability: Working with engaged stakeholders to fundraise for the advocacy budget to sustain this initiative and grow it into a multifaceted movement:
    • Helping close and follow up on soft commitments towards Banking While Muslim Advocacy effort
    • Create a strategy for resource allocation that delivers the initiative’s objectives, including compensation for the lead (see 5. Contract Terms below for more detail)
  • Data and Website: Collect and present stories and data that illustrate the impact of banking discrimination against Muslims across various sectors (individuals, businesses, charities). This includes:
    • Compiling a comprehensive list of individuals and organizations to engage with.
    • Issuing a public call for story submissions via a survey.
    • Building and compiling on existing research, such as the ISPU study.
    • Collecting 25-50 validated and reliable stories by the end of the year.
  • Public Relations (PR): Work with PR consultants to generate awareness of the Banking While Muslim issue through media outlets, social media campaigns, and influencer partnerships. Key actions include:
    • Creating social media platforms and content that engage the public.
    • Developing a series of impactful media stories over six months.
  • Advocacy & Education: Leverage collected data and media coverage to engage with key stakeholders, including policymakers, banks, and financial service providers. The lead will:
    • Identify and build relationships with key stakeholders in government, financial services, and community sectors.
    • Define terms of engagement or support from at least 5 individuals or organizations from each group by the end of the year. Examples of support could include but are not limited to:
      • Commitment to participate in roundtable discussion with charity partners and affected parties
      • Financial contribution towards Banking While Muslim initiative
      • Offer of pro-bono legal, advocacy, lobbying, or marketing services
      • Media partnerships on public relations campaigns
  • Roadmap Development: Collaborate with allies and impacted individuals to create a roadmap for ongoing advocacy and change. Specific tasks include:
    • Convening meetings with organizations like the Charity and Security Network to gather and synthesize recommendations.
    • Defining key steps forward, including the potential hiring of a full-time lobbyist.
    • Identifying key levers for policy change and ensuring access to relevant stakeholders
    • Share updates with impacted stakeholders

Core Competencies

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving systemic change in the banking industry.
  • Policy Understanding: Strong understanding of financial regulations and policies, as well as how to influence policy changes through lobbying and advocacy.
  • Advocacy & Movement Building: Proven experience in building grassroots movements, developing strategies for public engagement, and influencing decision-makers.
  • Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate strong relationships and allyship with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, financial institutions, and media outlets.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
  • Execution: Strong project management skills, with a proven track record of seeing initiatives through from conception to completion.
  • Connector: Leverages existing networks and connections to gain access to key stakeholders and create impactful partnerships.
  • Passion for Justice: A deep commitment to combating discrimination and fostering equity, particularly in relation to the Muslim community’s access to financial services.

Requirements

  • Proven experience in strategic leadership, movement building, or advocacy work, particularly in relation to financial discrimination or human rights.
  • Solid understanding of financial regulations, policies, and lobbying processes.
  • Familiarity with PR and media engagement, including developing campaigns that drive public awareness and change.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables.
  • Experience in working with diverse stakeholders and building strong partnerships across sectors.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence and inspire others.
  • Passionate about addressing discrimination and committed to fostering systemic change.
  • Familiarity with the Muslim community’s challenges in the banking sector is highly desirable but not required.
  • Willingness and ability to travel within the US.

Contract terms

  1. Compensation: This will be determined from the pool of funds raised for the effort. Based on commitments secured & projected, the total estimated budget to achieve the above deliverables in phase 1 is $100,000 - $150,000
  2. Term: 6-9 months for initial phase (possibility for extension, subject to 6-month review)
  3. Location: The role is remote, but travel may be required to meet with key stakeholders e.g. in DC, New York or elsewhere throughout the US. Ability to travel is therefore required.