Program Associate, Opening Doors & Unlocking Potential

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Up to $2,000 annually for education costs

Job summary

Verainstituteofjustice in New York is seeking a Program Associate to develop strategies for policy change in reentry and housing. The role involves working with state partners, drafting advocacy documents, and providing technical assistance to stakeholders.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, with a strong interest in social justice issues. The compensation ranges from $77,000 to $80,000 with additional benefits, including generous paid time off and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in political science or criminal justice.
• Experience in reentry, workforce development, or affordable housing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop state-based strategies for policy changes.
• Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Provide advocacy support to state leads.
• Lead meetings, webinars, and site visits.
• Draft program and technical assistance materials.

Skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Strong research and writing skills

Excellent strategic, problem‑solving, and analytic skills

Strong interpersonal and communications skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, criminal justice, public policy, or related field

Job description

About the team

Access to employment and housing is essential to success in reentry and post‑release well‑being, but both good jobs and stable housing can be elusive for people with conviction histories. The Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team is working to create pipelines into meaningful work and break down barriers to housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through legislative advocacy and technical assistance engagements. As part of the team, the Program Associate will help drive policy change, build coalitions, and provide technical assistance in select jurisdictions to advance the Initiative’s priorities.

About the role

1. Technical Assistance and Advocacy

• Work with the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership team to develop state‑based strategies to advance policy changes and provide technical assistance
• Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders in Opening Doors’ and Unlocking Potential’s states to implement strategies
• Provide advocacy support to the lead of specific states, including meeting with policymakers, providing support in building and leading coalitions, and drafting advocacy documents
• Lead meetings, conference calls, webinars, and site visits, and serve as a main point of contact for external partners
• Work in tandem with the state leads and opening doors and unlocking potential leadership to collaborate with Vera’s Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams on the components of active and forthcoming state campaigns, troubleshooting as issues arise
• Track and monitor relevant state and federal policies
• Complete initial drafting of and finalize program and technical assistance materials, including work plans, agendas, presentations, recommendations, and guidance documents
• Field questions from and devise solutions for stakeholders, including housing providers, employers, government partners, and direct service providers, on employment and housing challenges faced by justice‑impacted people
• Develop training or conduct policy analyses as components of broader projects

2. Write‑up / presentation of projects

• Prepare information and/or lead background research and literature reviews for reports. Write up results and integrate into public‑facing products including reports, advocacy documents, or other publications under the supervision of senior associates
• As part of a team, provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, including preparation of public presentations, facilitation of meetings, and shared expertise
• Co‑author and co‑develop content such as program reports, fundraising proposals, presentations, and blog posts.
• Present on Vera’s work at conferences, webinars, and other external events.
• Present at internal Vera events (department meetings, “brown bag” discussions, etc.)

3. Team Support and Internal Collaboration

• Create agendas, update internal documentation, support with facilitation of team meetings
• Mentor program analysts and/or interns on tasks as needed
• Monitor relevant news coverage of this work to stay informed about trends in the field
• Support the logistical/event planning process, as needed
• Support related research projects, as needed

What qualifications are we looking for?

Required:

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, criminal justice, public policy, or other related field and 3 plus years of relevant experience. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.

Preferred:

• Experience in reentry, workforce development, affordable housing, reentry housing, and/or homeless

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you’ll bring

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of policy development, government, criminal justice and social justice for underserved populations
• 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 housing finance is a plus
• Ability to travel around the country

Location

The role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in‑office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $77,000 - $80,000. In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute’s total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff – both personally and professionally – is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well‑being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities, and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer‑funded retirement plan, and flexible time. To learn more about Vera’s benefits offerings.

Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.