The Democracy and Justice Policy Analyst will specifically work to advance issues of voting rights restoration and a broader civic engagement for the formerly incarcerated. This person will help with policy and advocacy strategies and public education campaigns, in addition to leading coalitions of impacted persons, helping convene community meetings, and participating in conferences. Through this work, the Policy Analyst will cultivate relationships with leading community leaders, lawyers, government officials, academics, impacted persons and communities, and organizing/advocacy experts.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and conduct original research, reviews of existing research, and draft policy analysis, reports, letters, testimony, and advocacy materials pertaining to issues of democracy and justice and other issues, as appropriate, particularly as they affect communities of color and individuals and communities impacted by incarceration in New Jersey.
• Research and draft op-eds, online articles, opinion pieces, reports, testimony, and advocacy materials pertaining to legislation, proposed administrative rules and regulations, and government policies and practices affecting the Institute’s civic engagement work.
• Monitor local, state, and federal legislation and new developments and research in democracy and justice, especially those affecting communities of color and formerly and presently incarcerated individuals, and advise the team on these developments.
• Organize, supervise, and lead coalitions of impacted persons that advance the civic engagement and voting rights work of the Institute, such as by promoting voter registration drives and building a base of supporters for legislative advancement.
• Work with local, state, and national partner organizations and individuals to advance the Institute’s mission, engage on shared priorities, and exchange knowledge and information in support of the Institute’s programs and initiatives.
• Attend coalition meetings and conferences and participate in in-depth briefings pertaining to Institute priority issues.
• Develop and maintain relationships with impacted persons inside and outside of the prison system, including those who are currently incarcerated, those who are formerly incarcerated, and those who are out on parole or probation.
• Engage in public speaking, including with the media and at conferences for expert and lay audiences.
• Work in collaboration with Institute attorneys and staff, coalition members, and community partners on issue-based campaigns.
• Help organize policy roundtables and convenings exploring civic engagement issues.
• Work with Institute legal and programs team to develop and incubate policy and advocacy initiatives as prototypes.
• Assist with the integration of litigation, legislative initiatives, policy goals, public education, and targeted campaigns among the programs team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Formerly incarcerated.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse coalitions and community groups, and to work across political ideology, race, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, and religion.
• Passion for, and knowledge of, racial and social justice, and a familiarity with the work and mission of the Institute.
• Outstanding research, writing, and oral communication skills; superior attention to detail; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; good problem-solving skills and a positive, professional attitude with excellent judgment, flexibility, determination, and grace in a fast-paced office.
• Integrity, honesty, and a balanced, non-partisan approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative context and participate in teams, including a willingness to circulate widely, communicate openly, listen well, and learn from others.
• Excellent judgment and follow through.
• Ability to think creatively and develop new and innovative litigation, policy, and advocacy strategies

For more information on this job opportunity, click here.

Please email your cover letter, college transcripts, resume, two professional writing samples on which you are the primary author, and three professional references to recruitment@njisj.org. Please submit your application materials via Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. Include all attachments in a single email stating, in the subject line, “Democracy & Justice Policy Analyst.”

The Institute is seeking to hire a Program Assistant who can provide administrative and logistical
support to the Programs Team, while working collaboratively with the entire staff to provide
support as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the calendars and scheduling for the Law & Policy Director and Program Pillar
  Directors, including scheduling internal and external meetings, trouble-shooting schedule
  conflicts, and maintaining prompt communication with staff and partners.
• Coordinating and staffing conferences and meetings with collaborative partners, including
  scheduling large and small meetings, following up with partners, and arranging logistics for
  events.
• Providing operational support to the Law & Policy Director and Program Pillar Directors,
  including communicating with partners involved in the Institute’s various initiatives and
  coalitions, assisting with travel arrangements and expense reimbursements, and finalizing
  the details for their speaking engagements and other external events.
  Facilitate project coordination between programs, operations, communications, and
  development staff.
• Attend staff meetings, Programs Team meetings, other administrative meetings, and events.
  Assisting with the planning and helping to execute organizational and programmatic strategic
  planning.
• Assisting in preparation of grant proposals and reports.

For more information about the position, including the full list of responsibilities, please click here.

The Institute is seeking to hire an Executive Assistant to the President & CEO who will provide high-level administrative support to ensure the efficient operation of the executive office.

The Executive Assistant will be the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters pertaining to the President & CEO and will also support the Board of Trustees and provide office Support.

Using a holistic approach to address the unique and critical issues facing New Jersey’s communities of color, the Institute’s cutting-edge racial justice work advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable across the nation.   

President & CEO Support

• Oversee the day-to-day administrative and organizational needs of the President & CEO.
• Manage and maintain the executive’s schedule, including arranging meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements.
• Screen and prioritize incoming calls, emails, and correspondence, ensuring that urgent matters are addressed promptly.
• Respond to inquiries on behalf of the President & CEO.
• Prepare and organize documents, presentations, and reports for meetings and presentations.
• Coordinate and facilitate communication between the executive and internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct research and gather information to support the executive in decision-making and project management.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of meetings, including scheduling, agenda creation, and document distribution.
• Manage and maintain filing systems, both electronic and physical, ensuring that documents are organized and easily accessible.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Act as a liaison between the executive and other members of the organization, as well as external partners
• Provide administrative support, including expense tracking, invoice processing, and other ad hoc tasks as needed.

Trustee Board Governance: 

• Liaison to the Board of Trustees, Board Chair and Governance Chair. Manage governance, plan, and coordinate board and committee meetings. Track and communicate RSVPs.  

• Coordinate and plan board and committee meetings, tracking and communicating RSVPs. 

• Assemble documents for Board and Committee meetings. 

• Communicate with Committee Chairs and generate reports and materials. 

• Serve as Acting Secretary, recording Board and select Committee meeting minutes. 

Office Support: 

• Welcome visitors to the office, provide assistance as needed, and ensure they are directed to the appropriate meeting or individual. 

• Coordinate catering for meetings and events, including ordering lunch or refreshments, and ensuring dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated. 

• Schedule and coordinate meetings, including sending out invitations, booking meeting rooms, and arranging necessary equipment or materials. 

• Assist in the preparation of meeting materials, including agendas, presentations, and reports, and ensure they are distributed to attendees in advance. 

• Monitor and replenish office supplies, ensuring that necessary supplies are available for day-to-day operations. 

• Provide general administrative support to the president & CEO and other team members, including copying, scanning, and filing documents, as well as handling mail and other administrative tasks as needed. 

• Assist with special projects and ad hoc tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to support the organization as needed. 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an executive assistant role supporting C-level executives. 

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 

• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. 

• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with stakeholders. 

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. 

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and demands. 

• The ideal candidate will be a proactive, resourceful individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively support the President & CEO in achieving organizational goals. 

About the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice:   

The Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and we value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.   

Established in 1999 by Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein, the Institute’s cutting-edge racial and social justice advocacy seeks to empower people of color by building reparative systems that create wealth, transform justice and harness democratic power—from the ground up—in New Jersey.    

Known for our dynamic and independent advocacy aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant and healthy communities, we are committed to exposing and repairing the cracks of structural racism in our foundation that erupt into  earthquakes in communities of color. The Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable in communities across the nation.    

Please email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to recruitment@njisj.org.