Special Assistant, Liberty & National Security Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. 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 Liberty and National Security Program works to advance effective national security policies that respect the rule of law and constitutional values. Our current program priorities include ensuring that Congress and the courts serve their constitutional role as a check on executive power in the area of national security; reforming emergency powers to strengthen safeguards against abuse; ending racial, religious, and ethnic profiling in counterterrorism policies; bolstering First and Fourth Amendment protections in the digital age; promoting targeted and effective responses to far-right violence; and enhancing transparency, oversight, and accountability for intelligence and law enforcement agencies. 

Position Summary: 

We seek an energetic, motivated, well-organized individual to provide the Co-Directors of the Liberty and National Security Program with administrative support, as well as occasional research assistance. The Special Assistant will work closely with the Co-Directors in all aspects of their roles at the Brennan Center and will play a central role in the daily functioning of the program. Although the most crucial work will be administrative, the Special Assistant may also be asked to undertake research.  

Note: This is a hybrid position based in New York. Staff are currently working remotely 2 days a week. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Supporting and working closely with Program Co-Directors on all aspects of program management, which include: 

• coordinating program and external meetings,  

• compiling and editing quarterly board reports,  

• planning and executing program events,  

• filing expense reports and other items,  

• drafting correspondence,  

• screening telephone calls and email, and  

• ensuring requests to the Directors are appropriately handled in a timely and professional manner.  

• Ensuring appropriate management systems for the program for its smooth functioning. 

• Managing the Program Co-Directors' schedule and travel arrangements. 

• Providing research, drafting, editing, and/or proofreading support for the Co-Directors' and staff’s public presentations, op-eds, articles, reports, and other writings. 

• Completing time-sensitive research or other requests for the Co-Directors as they arise, particularly in response to media requests, as well as assisting in amplifying the program’s social media reach. 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• A bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of work experience 

• Extreme attention to detail, as well as accuracy, timeliness, and organization 

• Drive and ability to take initiative, anticipate needs and solve problems 

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

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

• Interest in politics, research, and nonprofit management and the issues worked on by the Liberty and National Security Program 

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

• An openness to evolving responsibilities and a sense of humor are a must 

• An ability to build positive working relationships 

• 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 in/contribute to DEI initiatives or activities with respect to recruitment, retention, and workplace culture. 

Salary: This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $52,005 - $65,663 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. 

Application Instructions:

To apply, visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/5oRYHwJH1Z/Special-Assistant-LNS-Program. Please upload the following application materials: resume, cover letter, writing sample (up to 10 pages), and contact information for three references. Please include all work experience on your resume, even if it isn’t relevant to this position (i.e., cashier, host, etc.). If applicable, include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples.  

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

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.