Policy & Campaign Coordinator — Sentencing Reform

Verainstituteofjustice; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Student loan repayment benefits

Education cost reimbursement

Employer-funded retirement plan

Merit pay

Flexible time off

Job summary

Vera Institute of Justice in Brooklyn, NY seeks a Program Associate for the Sentencing Initiative. You will support research, coalition building, and legislative work across states, coordinating meetings, tracking bills, and preparing briefing materials to inform policy decisions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Advocacy, Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams; mentorship of interns; and contributing to strategic efforts to advance reform and reduce excessively harsh sentences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; alternative work or life experience may be considered.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks in a small-team environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Program Manager and Director in developing strategy, tactics, and implementation across sites.
• Monitor targeted sentencing reform legislation across states.
• Coordinate logistics, scheduling, and follow-up for advocacy meetings, coalition calls, and legislative sessions.
• Plan and staff convenings, briefings, roundtables, and trainings for coalition partners and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams to move project strategy forward.
• Track progress against project targets and milestones, flagging issues to the Program Manager.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Research

Writing

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Diversity awareness

Independent and collaborative work

Policy change knowledge

Sentencing law knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree + 3+ years experience

Graduate degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Vera Institute of Justice in Brooklyn, NY seeks a Program Associate for the Sentencing Initiative. You will support research, coalition building, and legislative work across states, coordinating meetings, tracking bills, and preparing briefing materials to inform policy decisions.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Advocacy, Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams; mentorship of interns; and contributing to strategic efforts to advance reform and reduce excessively harsh sentences.