About the team:

Access to employment and housing is essential to success in reentry and post-release well-being, but both good jobs and stable housing can be elusive for people with conviction histories. The Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team is working to create pipelines into meaningful work and break down barriers to housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through legislative advocacy and technical assistance engagements. As part of the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential team, the Program Associate will help drive policy change, build coalitions, and provide technical assistance in selectjurisdictions to advance the Initiatives priorities.

About the role:

1. Technical Assistance and Advocacy

Work with the Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership team to develop state-based strategies to advance policy changes and provide technical assistance
Cultivate relationships with partners and stakeholders in Opening Doors and Unlocking Potentials states to implement strategies
Provide advocacy support to the lead of specific states, including meeting with policymakers, providing support in building and leading coalitions, and drafting advocacy documents
Lead meetings, conference calls, webinars, and site visits, and serve as a main point of contact for external partners
Work in tandem with the state leads and Opening Doors and Unlocking Potential leadership to collaborate with Veras Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams on the components of active and forthcoming state campaigns, troubleshooting as issues arise
Track and monitor relevant state and federal policies
Complete initial drafting of and finalize program and technical assistance materials, including work plans, agendas, presentations, recommendations, and guidance documents
Field questions from and devise solutions for stakeholders, including housing providers, employers, government partners, and direct service providers, on employment and housing challenges faced by justice-impacted people
Develop trainings or conduct policy analyses as components of broader projects

2. Write up/presentation of projects

Prepare information and/or lead background research and literature reviews for reports. Write up results and integrate into public-facing products including reports, advocacy documents, or other publications under the supervision of senior associates
As part of a team, provide technical assistance to partners and stakeholders, including preparation of public presentations, facilitation of meetings, and shared expertise
Co-author and co-develop content such as program reports, fundraising proposals, presentations, and blog posts.
Present on Veras work at conferences, on webinars, and other external events.
Present at internal Vera events (department meetings, brown bag discussions, etc.)

3. Team Support and Internal Collaboration

Create agendas, update internal documentation, support with facilitation of team meetings
Mentor program analysts and/or interns on tasks as needed
Monitor relevant news coverage of this work to stay informed about trends in the field
Support the logistical/event planning process, as needed
Support related research projects, as needed

What qualifications are we looking for?

Required:

A bachelors degree in political science, criminal justice, public policy, or other related field and 3 plus years of relevant experience. In lieu of a Bachelors degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.

Preferred:

Experience in reentry, workforce development, affordable housing, reentry housing, and/or homeless

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
Demonstrated interest in and/or knowledge of policy development, government, criminal justice and social justice for underserved populations
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
Knowledge of policy change processes is a plus
Knowledge of housing finance is a plus
Ability to travel around the country

Location:

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.

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation range for this position is $77,000 - $80,000. In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325.Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institutes total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. To learn more about Veras benefits offerings, .