Program Associate, Sentencing Reform

Reducing extreme sentences is essential to a more just legal system and the perspectives of crime survivors and system-impacted people should be central to that the pasttwoyears the SentencingReformInitiative has built coalitions and advanced campaigns across multiple states to increaseincarcerated peoples ability to earn time off of theirsentencesthrough rehabilitative behaviorallowjudicialreview of long sentences end mandatory minimums and create mechanisms for courts to consider survivors experiences of abuse as a mitigating factor at project is now working to deepen legislative strategy and expand sentencing reform nationally.

As part of the Sentencing Initiative team the Program Associate will help drive research coalition building and legislative support in select states.

1. Project Support and Coordination

• Support the Program Manager and Director indevelopingstrategy tactics and implementation acrosssites.
• Monitortargetedsentencing reform legislation across states.
• Coordinatelogistics scheduling and follow-up for advocacy meetings coalition calls and legislative sessions.
• Plan and help staff convenings briefings roundtables and trainings for coalition partners and stakeholders
• Collaboratewith Veras Advocacy and Partnerships Communications and Research teams to help move project strategy forward.
• Track progress against project targets and milestones flagging issues to the Program Manager as they arise.

2. AdvocacyMaterials Development andResearchSupport

• Conduct research and draft background materials talking points one-pagers and presentations on specific bills.
• Helpplan andfacilitate coalition meetings advocacydaysand workgroup discussions.
• Build andmaintainrelationships with partners in government non-profit policy and advocacy spaces.

3. Leadership Funder and Partner Materials

• Draft materials briefings proposal sections and reports for Vera leadership funders and prospective partners and sites.
• Compile information and materials for meetings with funders leadership and prospective partners or sites.

4. Team Support and Internal Collaboration

• Create agendas update internal documentation and supportfacilitation of team meetings.
• Mentor program assistants analysts and/or interns on tasks as needed.
• Monitor relevant news coverage to stay informed about trends in the field.
• Support logistical and event planning processes as needed.
• Take onadditionalresponsibilities outside the core role as needed to keep project work moving as part of a small team.

:

• Bachelors degreeand three plusyears of relevant 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.

Preferred:

• 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 directlyimpactedby the criminal legal system.
• Experience ordemonstratedinterest in coalition work involving peopleimpactedby the criminal legal system and/or crime survivors.
• Experience ordemonstratedinterest in legislative advocacy campaigns.
• Event/convening planning experience includinglogistics 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 andcommunicationsskills.
• 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 ofsentencing laws and legislation isplus.

Please note this 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. This role may require up to 15% of travel.

The compensation range for this position is $77000 - $80000.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 Institutes 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 $2000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work employer-funded retirement plan and flexible time.To learn more about Veras benefits offeringsclick here.

ATTN: People Place and Culture / JOBTITLE
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St Suite 4-2A Brooklyn NY 11232
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Please use only one method (online mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

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 includingwith regard toeducational background and justice system contact and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera please visit.