Policy Program Associate — Sentencing Reform & Advocacy

Vera-Institute-of-Justic; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merit pay

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Job summary

Vera Institute of Justice is seeking a Program Associate to drive research, coalition building, and legislative support for sentencing reform initiatives. You will engage across states, coordinate meetings, and help staff briefings, while collaborating with Advocacy, Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams.

The role emphasizes teamwork, independent work, and strong research and writing skills within a hybrid Brooklyn, NY setting, with travel up to 15%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three plus years of relevant experience.
• In lieu of the degree requirement, applicable work or life experience may be considered.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a small-team environment.
• Coursework or a graduate degree in progress in public policy, social work, political science, criminal justice, or a related field; or equivalent work experience; or relevant work, educational background, or lived experience as a person directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in coalition work involving people impacted by the criminal legal system and/or crime survivors.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in legislative advocacy campaigns.
• Event/convening planning experience, including logistics, agenda-setting, and materials, in both virtual and in-person settings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Excellent strategic, problem-solving, and analytic skills.
• Experience and ability to manage multiple projects, committees, or work groups.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to work with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Knowledge of policy change processes is a plus.
• Knowledge of sentencing laws and legislation is plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing strategy, tactics, and implementation across sites.
• 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

Research skills

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork / collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree in public policy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Vera Institute of Justice is seeking a Program Associate to drive research, coalition building, and legislative support for sentencing reform initiatives. You will engage across states, coordinate meetings, and help staff briefings, while collaborating with Advocacy, Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams.

The role emphasizes teamwork, independent work, and strong research and writing skills within a hybrid Brooklyn, NY setting, with travel up to 15%.