Program Associate, Sentencing Reform

The role

The Program Associate will drive research, coalition building, and legislative support in select states. This person will support the Program Manager and Director in developing strategy, tactics, and implementation across sites.

What you will do

• Support the Program Manager and Director in developing strategy, tactics, and implementation across sites.
• Monitor targeted sentencing reform legislation across states.
• Coordinate logistics, scheduling, and follow-up for advocacy meetings, coalition calls, and legislative sessions.
• Plan and help staff convenings, briefings, roundtables, and trainings for coalition partners and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams.
• Track progress against project targets and milestones.
• Conduct research and draft background materials, talking points, one-pagers, and presentations on specific bills.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners in government, non-profit, policy, and advocacy spaces.
• Draft materials, briefings, proposal sections, and reports for Vera leadership, funders, and prospective partners and sites.
• Mentor program assistants, analysts, and/or interns on tasks as needed.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and three plus years of relevant experience or applicable work or life experience.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a small-team environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Excellent strategic, problem-solving, and analytic skills.
• Experience and ability to manage multiple projects, committees, or work groups.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to work with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.

Nice to have

• Coursework or a graduate degree in progress in public policy, social work, political science, criminal justice, or a related field
• Equivalent work experience
• Relevant work, educational background, or lived experience as a person directly impacted by the criminal legal system
• Experience or demonstrated interest in coalition work involving people impacted by the criminal legal system and/or crime survivors
• Experience or demonstrated interest in legislative advocacy campaigns
• Event/convening planning experience, including logistics, agenda-setting, and materials, in both virtual and in-person settings
• Knowledge of policy change processes
• Knowledge of sentencing laws and legislation

Benefits

• Merit pay
• Generous paid time off
• Comprehensive health insurance plan
• Student loan repayment benefits
• Professional development training opportunities
• Up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
• Employer-funded retirement plan
• Flexible time

Before you apply

• Applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, interest and qualifications.
• Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details via a phone screen/form.
• Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.

About the company

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world.