Program Associate, Elections and Government 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, the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program works to improve the administration of our elections so that they are free, fair, and accessible for all voters; reform campaign finance and amplify the voices of everyday people in politics; combat election disinformation and political violence that often disproportionately harm voters, election workers, and candidates of color and other political minorities; and put forward solutions to ensure that government institutions have the capacity to meet contemporary challenges, among other goals. This work aims to bring the ideal of representative self-government closer to reality by eliminating barriers to full and equal political participation, countering racial and other discrimination in our electoral and political systems, and striving to ensure that public policy and institutions are effective and reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich democracy. 

We seek a full-time Program Associate who will be responsible for performing administrative, research, and operational duties that are central to the program’s ability to achieve key goals. This individual will report to the Directors of the Elections and Government Program and will work under the supervision of/in collaboration with other senior and mid-level program staff. 

Note: The Brennan Center operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees currently required to work in the office a minimum of three days per week. The schedule and number of in-office required days is subject to change. This position is based in our Washington, D.C. office. It will require occasional travel. 

Responsibilities: 

• Manage scheduling, expense reports and invoices, travel arrangements, and team events and logistics, and provide other logistical support for day-to-day program operations, with accuracy and timeliness.  

• Support smooth and timely execution of deliverables by planning, tracking, prioritizing, and providing progress reports on tasks and projects. 

• Provide administrative and other support for research publications, federal and state advocacy, litigation, and other projects. 

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

• Collect and synthesize information to draft memos, talking points and presentations, board reports, correspondence, and other communications. 

• Communicate with external stakeholders, including government officials, allies, donors, and journalists. 

• Help to coordinate inter-department initiatives with the Communications and Development teams, in addition to other programs within the organization. 

• Research and summarize legal, academic, and news sources; citation and fact-checking; writing and proofreading to support preparation of articles, speeches, reports, and organizational materials, with opportunities for named authorship. 

• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned. 

• Work collaboratively, respectfully, and productively with colleagues at all levels of the organization. 
   

Experience and qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree and at least one year of work experience are required. 

• Careful attention to detail, accuracy, timeliness, and organization 

• Drive and ability to take initiative, anticipate needs and solve problems, and complete tasks and projects with a high degree of focus and independence  

• Strong ability to manage time and successfully multi-task in a deadline-driven environment 

• Excellent writing, fact-checking, and proofreading skills 

• Strong ability to conduct and accurately summarize legal, academic, and news-based research 

• Experience and interest in politics, government, research, nonprofit administration, or a related field  

• Enthusiasm to learn and support the work of the Elections and Government Program, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

• A high degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and tact 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the desire and ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues within and external to the organization. 

• A growth mindset that seeks and applies constructive feedback.  

• Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

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. 

Deadline 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found. 

Application Instructions 
To apply, visit >>LINK HERE<<.  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) one writing sample (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three references. Please feel welcome to include on your resume any work experience you believe helps demonstrate your fit for the role, even if it does not seem directly relevant (e.g., cashier, restaurant host, etc.). If applicable, include internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples.     

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Program Associate, Elections and Government Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. 

Compensation and Benefits: 
This is a scaled position. The salary 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.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.

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