Special Assistant, Liberty and National Security Program

New York, NY

Full Time

Entry Level

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 national security policies. 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 Overview:
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 position is based at our headquarters in New York City.

Responsibilities:

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 or other staff as they arise, particularly in response to media requests, as well as assisting in amplifying the program’s social media reach.

Experience and Qualifications:

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

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 and demonstrated research capability

Interest in 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/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture. 

Position Start Date: June 2025

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 identified.

Application Instructions:
To apply, visit <<LINK HERE>> and upload (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) one writing sample (up to 10 pages and ideally one that demonstrates your analytical abilities), and (4) contact information for three supervisor 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: [email protected] with “Special Assistant, LNS Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.

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