Program Associate, Judiciary Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.
The Brennan Center seeks a Program Associate to join the Center’s Judiciary Program, which works to realize a fair and inclusive judicial system that protects fundamental rights and democratic values and advances the rule of law. The Program Associate will work as part of a team to advance Supreme Court reform, bolster the protection of rights under state constitutions, and promote judicial independence and a fair, diverse, and equitable judicial system. This is an entry-level position that will provide support for Judiciary Program projects and operations.
Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.
Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative, logistics, and project management support for external events, convenings, meetings, and symposia. 

• Provide research, writing, fact-checking, and proofreading assistance to support preparation of articles, speeches, reports, op-eds, blog posts, and other organizational materials, with opportunities for named authorship.

• Collect, organize, and analyze data, including maintaining spreadsheets. 

• Organize internal meetings, including calendaring, distributing reference materials, timekeeping, note-taking, and following up with next steps.

• Manage scheduling, expense reports and invoices, travel arrangements, and team events and logistics.

• Collect and synthesize information and assist in drafting outlines, memos, talking points and presentations, correspondence, and other communications.

• Work with key internal stakeholders including attorneys, researchers, communications and development professionals, and other program associates.

• Take on special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Required. A bachelor’s degree (Because this is an entry-level position, we will not consider lawyers.)
Ideal. The ideal candidate will have some combination of the following experiences and qualifications. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications, and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills.

• Preference for 1-2 years’ work experience

• A passion for improving our democracy and courts

• Exceptional research, analytical, and writing skills

• Event planning or project management experience 

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, keen attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines

• A high-level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and judgment

• Openness to receiving and implementing feedback, and to accepting strategic direction from organizational management

• Comfort with taking initiative

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.
Applications:
Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified. To apply, please visit and upload the following application materials: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) two writing samples (up to 10 pages each), and (4) contact information for three references. If applicable, include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website.
Please, no phone calls or faxes. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Program Associate, Judiciary Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. 
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a scaled position. The range assigned for the scale is $56,000 - $69,500 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from undergraduate school. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.
In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.
Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.