Program Associate, Sentencing Reform

Reducing extreme sentences is essential to a more just legal system, and the perspectives of crime survivors and system-impacted people should be central to that work.

Over the pasttwoyears, the Sentencing Reform Initiative  has built coalitions and advanced campaigns across multiple states to increaseincarcerated people’s ability to earn time off of theirsentencesthrough rehabilitative behavior,allowjudicialreview of long sentences, end mandatory minimums, and create mechanisms for courts to consider survivors' experiences of abuse as a mitigating factor  project is now working to deepen legislative strategy and expand sentencing reform nationally.

As part of the Sentencing Initiative team, the Program Associate will help drive research, coalition building, and legislative support in select states.

1. Project Support and Coordination

• Support the Program Manager and Director indevelopingstrategy, tactics, and implementation acrosssites.
• Coordinatelogistics, scheduling, and follow-up for advocacy meetings, coalition calls, and legislative sessions.
• Plan and help staff convenings, briefings, round tables, and trainings for coalition partners and stakeholders
• Collaborate with Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams to help move project strategy forward.
• Track progress against project targets and milestones, flagging issues to the Program Manager as they arise.

2. Advocacy,Materials Development, andResearch Support

• Conduct research and draft background materials, talking points, one-pagers, and presentations on specific bills.
• Helpplan and facilitate coalition meetings, advocacydaysand workgroup discussions.
• Build andmaintainrelationships with partners in government, non-profit, policy, and advocacy spaces.

3. Leadership, Funder, and Partner Materials

• 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.

4. Team Support and Internal Collaboration

• Create agendas, update internal documentation, and supportfacilitation 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 onadditionalresponsibilities outside the core role, as needed, to keep project work moving as part of a small team.

Required :

• Bachelor's degreeand three plusyears 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.

Preferred :

• 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 directlyimpactedby the criminal legal system.
• Experience ordemonstratedinterest in coalition work involving peopleimpactedby the criminal legal system and/or crime survivors.
• Experience ordemonstratedinterest in legislative advocacy campaigns.
• Event/convening planning experience, including logistics, agenda-setting, and materials, in both virtual and in-person settings.
• 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 andcommunicationsskills.
• Ability to work with people with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Knowledge of policy change processes is a plus.
• Knowledge ofsentencing laws and legislation isplus.

Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month. This role may require up to 15% of…