Program Associate, Democracy Initiatives

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.  

Position Overview:

The Brennan Center seeks a Program Associate to join the Center’s Democracy Initiatives team, which launches and runs cutting-edge projects to defend and improve American democracy. Our current projects focus on two major issues: combating abuses of presidential power; and countering originalism and misuses of history in constitutional law, often in collaboration with the Brennan Center’s Historians Council on the Constitution. 

The Program Associate will be responsible for performing administrative, research, and operational duties that are central to our team’s ability to achieve our key goals. This individual will report to the Director of Democracy Initiatives and will work under the supervision of, and in collaboration with, other senior and mid-level program staff. This is a full-time position.

Individuals who have experience with history, political science, or related disciplines and an interest in pursuing a law degree might particularly excel in this role.

Note: This is an in-person position based at our headquarters in New York City.

Responsibilities:  

• Provide research, writing, fact-checking, and proofreading assistance to support preparation of articles, speeches, reports, op-eds, blog posts, and other organizational materials, with opportunities for named authorship. 

• Collect and synthesize information and assist in drafting outlines, memos, talking points and presentations, correspondence, and other communications. 

• Provide administrative, logistics, and project management support for external events, meetings, and convenings. Organize internal meetings, including calendaring, distributing reference materials, timekeeping, note-taking, and following up with next steps. 

• Manage scheduling, expense reports and invoices, travel arrangements, and team events and logistics. 

• Work with key internal stakeholders including attorneys, communications and development professionals, and other program associates.

• Take on special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:  

• A bachelor’s degree (Because this is an entry-level position, we will not consider lawyers)

• Preference for 1-2 years’ work experience

• An undergraduate or graduate background in history, political science, or related disciplines is a bonus

• A passion for defending and improving our democracy

• Exceptional writing, research, and analytical skills 

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, keen attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines

• Event planning or project management experience

• A high-level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and judgment

• Openness to receiving and implementing feedback, and to accepting strategic direction from organizational management 

• Comfort with taking initiative 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.    

If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Compensation and Benefits: 

This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $56,000 - $69,500 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from undergraduate school. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks. 

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320. 

Applications:

To apply visit <> and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in this role specifically, (2) resume, (3) two writing samples (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three references . If applicable, include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples. Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified.

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: View email address on click.appcast.io with “Program Associate, Democracy Initiatives” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  

This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $56,000 - $69,500 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from undergraduate school. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.   

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.   

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

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