Program Associate, Sentencing Reform

Vera Institute of Justice•Brooklyn, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sentencing Reform Initiative is dedicated to reducing extreme sentences and centering the perspectives of crime survivors and system-impacted individuals. The initiative has successfully built coalitions and advanced campaigns in multiple states to enhance opportunities for incarcerated people to earn sentence reductions through rehabilitation, enable judicial review of lengthy sentences, abolish mandatory minimums, and establish mechanisms for courts to consider survivor experiences of abuse as mitigating factors during sentencing. The project is now focused on strengthening legislative strategies and expanding sentencing reform efforts nationwide. As a member of the Sentencing Initiative team, the Program Associate will play a key role in supporting research, coalition building, and legislative advocacy in selected states.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and three plus years of relevant experience. In lieu of the degree requirement, applicable work or life experience may be considered.
Strong research, writing, and organizational skills, with the 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 Haves

Coursework or a graduate degree in progress in public policy, social work, political science, criminal justice, or a related field; or equivalent work experience; or 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 is a plus.
Knowledge of sentencing laws and legislation is plus.

Responsibilities

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 Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams to advance project strategy.
Track progress against project targets and milestones, flagging issues to the Program Manager as they arise.
Conduct research and draft background materials, talking points, one-pagers, and presentations on specific bills.
Help plan and facilitate coalition meetings, advocacy days, and workgroup discussions.
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.
Compile information and materials for meetings with funders, leadership, and prospective partners or sites.
Create agendas, update internal documentation, and support facilitation of team meetings.
Mentor program assistants, analysts, and/or interns on tasks as needed.
Monitor relevant news coverage to stay informed about trends in the field.
Support logistical and event planning processes, as needed.
Take on additional responsibilities outside the core role, as needed, to keep project work moving as part of a small team.