Program Assistant, First Amendment Clinic

Cornell University • New York, NY

21d • $28 - $38 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell Law School is seeking a Program Assistant to support the important work of its First Amendment Clinic (FA Clinic), which trains students while defending free expression and press freedoms nationwide. The Clinic performs its work on behalf of community news outlets and journalists as part of its groundbreaking Local Journalism Project. In this role, you’ll be an external-facing ambassador for the clinic’s work. You’ll coordinate outreach to clients, potential clients and alumni, lead communications and publicity, and support fundraising and grant reporting. Key responsibilities include organizing client trainings and seminars, drafting press releases and marketing content, updating the Clinic’s website, and tracking grant deliverables. You’ll also provide general administrative support to the Clinic’s robust litigation docket. We’re looking for a proactive, self-starter who is a detail-oriented professional with strong communication and organizational skills. Experience in outreach, communications, journalism, legal, or nonprofit/public interest work is a plus. Most of all, we value enthusiasm for the Clinic’s critical mission and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse community of students, faculty, clients, and alumni. If you are an outgoing self-starter who is interested in playing a role in protecting and defending free speech and a vibrant press, we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter. Join us and help advance meaningful work at the intersection of law and democracy. This gift funded position is for a two-year term. Employment through the intended term, as well as potential reappointment will be based on performance and funding availability. The position will be based in New York City. The successful candidate will be expected to work at the FA Clinic carrel located at Cornell Tech (Roosevelt Island) two days a week.

Requirements

• A resume and cover letter for full consideration
• Associate’s degree and 2-4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, along with organizational, planning, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work successfully under pressure in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting, handling multiple tasks with differing deadlines, and to prioritize work on projects happening simultaneously
• Must be a self-starter, able to handle high volumes of work during peak periods
• Resolve problems using sound judgment
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Westlaw, Lexis or other legal research databases, presentation, and electronic communications
• Comfort using technology, including social media, and willingness to learn new programs

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated interest in furthering free speech principles and supporting local journalism
• Spanish language proficiency
• Working knowledge of WordPress and Box
• Prior experience in communications or as a paralegal
• Experience with Cornell procurement and accounting systems

Responsibilities

• coordinate outreach to clients, potential clients and alumni
• lead communications and publicity
• support fundraising and grant reporting
• organizing client trainings and seminars
• drafting press releases and marketing content
• updating the Clinic’s website
• tracking grant deliverables
• provide general administrative support to the Clinic’s robust litigation docket

Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and onsite 2 days per week.
• The position is based in New York City, specifically, the First Amendment Clinic carrel at Cornell Tech (Roosevelt Island).
• The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholding for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside of New York State.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree