Policy Associate, Washington, D.C.

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.

Working closely with other Brennan Center staff in Washington, D.C., the Policy Associate is responsible for advocacy, research, communications, and administrative support work that is central to advancing the Brennan Center’s federal policy objectives.

Note: Please review and follow application instructions at the end of the posting.

Note: This is a hybrid position. Staff are currently working from home 2 days a week. This position is based in Washington D.C.

Responsibilities:

• Research and draft memoranda, talking points, public remarks, and other materials to advance Brennan Center policy objectives.
• Monitor legislation, hearings, and other developments in relevant issue areas.
• Work with coalition partners and other external stakeholders under supervision of other D.C. staff.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking Brennan Center meetings and correspondence with members of Congress and the Administration.
• Support D.C.-focused communications work, including maintaining selected pages on the Brennan Center’s website related to federal advocacy.
• Provide research and administrative/logistical support for committee testimony, Hill briefings and other public events, and high-level meetings.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Experience and qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant work experience are required.
• Must possess sound judgement, professionalism, integrity, discretion, and tact.
• Strong writing and research skills.
• Strong 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. 
• Ability to manage time and successfully multi-task in a deadline-driven environment.
• Openness to receiving and implementing feedback, and to accepting direction from organizational management.
• Enthusiasm to learn from and support the work of other Brennan Center staff. 
• 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.

Earliest Start Date: June 2022

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 https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/SqLR0Kwn47/Policy-Associate-Washington-DC-Hybrid.  Please upload as one document the following application materials: resume, cover letter, writing sample (up to 10 pages), and contact information for three references. If applicable, include internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples.  Also, identify where you saw this ad. 

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 “Policy Associate, Washington, D.C.” 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, D.C. 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 and hires applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities and sexual orientations, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• 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.