Fall - Research Intern, Vera Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Vera's work in New Orleans began in 2006, when the City Council invited us to assess the criminal justice system and propose reforms as part of post‑Katrina recovery efforts. Since then, we have become a nexus for advancing evidence‑based reform and have demonstrated that change is not only possible but within reach. In partnership with people leading and working in the local justice system, city leaders, and community organizations, we are working to end unnecessary detention and develop innovative, collaborative projects that improve the delivery of justice in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.

Vera Louisiana is seeking a part‑time (10‑20 hours/week) fall Research Intern to provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state legislature. The Research Intern will be supervised primarily by the Senior Research Associate and will complete a variety of projects with other staff.

This internship will provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in applied social justice research, using research to advance advocacy goals, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.

• Research and Analysis
  • Support ongoing mixed methods research projects
  • Review, organize, and analyze publicly available datasets
  • Observe and take notes during interviews and focus groups
  • Build skills in applied research, written communication, and systemic analysis
• Partnership Support
  • Attend and take notes at coalition and partner organization meetings
  • Build verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Gain awareness about network of criminal legal system advocacy organizations and how data can support advocacy goals
• Advocacy
  • Prepare data to inform public policy advocacy
  • Build persuasive advocacy and communications skills
  • Gain knowledge about successful advocacy arguments and responses at a quick pace
• Administrative
  • Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise
  • Assist with scheduling meetings with internal and external partners
  • Gain experience in routine, professional responsibilities

• Required
  • Currently enrolled in graduate school in a public health or social science program (epidemiology, sociology, political science, etc.)
  • Interest in applied social justice research, particularly to advance policy reform and advocacy
  • Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Familiarity with collecting and/or analyzing qualitative data to identify themes
  • Familiarity with analyzing quantitative datasets to produce descriptive statistics
• Preferred
  • Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South
  • Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion
• Technical knowledge helpful for this role
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
  • Quantitative analysis software (e.g., SQL, SPSS, SAS, Stata)
  • Qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose)

The role will report to our New Orleans, Louisiana office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in‑office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Applicants will receive academic credit for the externship. For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to arrange and meet requirements.

Applicants are invited to submit a brief application including résumé and a cover letter. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen or virtual interview. Further steps may include an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.

Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered…