Associate Counsel for Democracy & Justice

Associate Counsel for Democracy & Justice New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Newark, NJ

The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (the "Institute") is a cutting-edge racial justice organization that works 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. The Institute employs a broad range of advocacy tools to advance our ambitious racial and social justice agenda, including research, analysis and writing, public education, grassroots organizing, communications, development of pilot programs, legislative strategies and litigation. As was the case at our founding, this moment calls for racial and social justice advocacy inspired by the fierce urgency of now. In recent years, Jim Crow-like voter suppression has swept across America. The time is now for not only meaningful voting reform, but to also evaluate how we can transform civic engagement and expand democracy in New Jersey.

Using a holistic approach to address the unique and critical issues facing New Jersey’s 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. We continue to serve as a leading voice in designing, advocating for and implementing solutions to the systemic racism that has pervaded the Garden State and our nation. Overview The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (the “Institute”) is looking for a passionate, creative, and dynamic team player dedicated to racial and social justice to serve as an Associate Counsel in our Democracy & Justice pillar. The Associate Counsel will conduct legal research and writing, policy analysis, legal and legislative advocacy, and community-driven advocacy campaigns to help expand racial and social justice in New Jersey at a critical time in our history. The Institute’s Democracy & Justice pillar advocates for a progressive, policy-driven agenda to create and protect an inclusive and multiracial democracy without barriers in New Jersey; to provide a space for robust discussion with policy makers and elected officials, focused on racial and social justice issues; and to engage with, prepare, and educate voters to confidently participate in the democratic process. Over the coming years, the pillar will work on many initiatives to expand and build an inclusive, multiracial democracy in New Jersey, including, but not limited to: ensuring that voters, and especially voters of color, have equal access to a fair ballot; expanding the right to vote in elections, including to 16 and 17 year olds and those who are incarcerated; reducing barriers to participation, such as arbitrary voter registration deadlines, so that all eligible voters are able to cast a ballot; increasing civic education and engagement around voting and democracy; and exploring ways to incorporate voting rights protections into state law as federal voting rights protections continue to be threatened. The Associate Counsel will conduct research and policy analysis on issues related to voting rights and democracy and justice issues in New Jersey and will help develop and conduct advocacy and public education strategies to advance the Institute’s mission to make the promise of an inclusive and multiracial democracy real in the State. The Associate Counsel will report to the Institute’s Democracy & Justice Director. Our physical office is located in Newark, New Jersey. Although this position is hybrid, it will require travel throughout the state and occasional travel to national conferences, seminars, and events. The position may also require some speaking engagements and events outside of normal office hours (including on weekends).

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with the Democracy & Justice Director in supporting and developing proposals and strategies for legislation, regulations, and policy initiatives regarding democracy and justice reform.
• Research and draft policy analysis, position papers, reports, testimony, legal memoranda, letters, and advocacy materials pertaining to legislation, administrative rules and regulations, and state and local government policies affecting the Institute’s voting rights, democracy, and civic education and engagement work.
• Research and draft op-eds, online articles, and opinion pieces for different audiences.
• Work in coalition with partner organizations, stakeholders, and other community leaders to advance the Institute’s mission and voting, democracy, and civic education and engagement priorities, and serve as primary liaison with community-based organizations and coalitions.
• Aid in select litigation related to democracy issues in New Jersey, as requested, including conducting legal research on potential lawsuits and court motions and drafting and filing court documents.
• Join and lead organizing efforts, as needed, in service of the Pillar’s campaigns, including for public and community events, legislative outreach and hearings, public education and voter information and registration efforts, etc.
• Engage and work with groups and individuals from varied backgrounds, including partners, legislators, lobbyists, stakeholders, impacted individuals, community members, and local, state, and national advocates.
• Engage in public speaking, including with the media and at community events for both expert and lay audiences.
• Work in collaboration with Institute attorneys and staff, coalition members, and community partners on issue-based campaigns.
• Work with partner organizations and individuals to advance the Institute’s mission, engaging on shared priorities, and exchanging knowledge and information in support of the Institute’s programs and initiatives.
• Track national, state, and local developments in voting rights, democracy, and civic education and engagement research and policy.
• Model values of an inclusive and respectful workplace and foster the same in staff.
• Work across programs pillars, as needed, to collaborate on issues and campaigns relevant to democracy and justice and other areas of the Institute.

Minimum Requirements:

• Admission to New Jersey bar, or ability to waive in, and minimum of two years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• Experience in civil rights and social justice, public policy, legislative advocacy, community-based policy advocacy, and/or organizing preferred.
• Ability to build and work effectively with diverse coalitions and community groups and to work across political ideology, race, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.
• Passion for, and knowledge of, racial and social justice, and a familiarity with the work and mission of the Institute.
• Strong analytic capabilities and an ability to provide constitutional analysis of legislative and administrative policy.
• Outstanding legal research, legal and non-legal 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.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to self-direct and handle short-term and long-term projects.
• Ability to write and synthesize legal and policy writing for both legal and non-legal audiences.
• Some community or issue organizing experience encouraged.
• 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.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Tenacity, flexibility, resilience, positivity and high energy.
• Ability to think creatively and develop new and innovative policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.

Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with experience. This is a grant-funded position with an annual salary range of $95,000-$105,000.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Eligible from day one with 85% employer contribution.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Includes medical, commuter, and dependent care plans.
• Medical Reimbursement Plan.
• 401(k) Plan – Eligible after 90 days of employment with a 3% safe harbor contribution.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave.

Application Process: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, two professional writing samples (demonstrating different styles) for which you are the primary author, and three professional references. Attach all required documents to this job posting.

For inquiries, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@njisj.org, ensuring that you reference the specific position in your email.

About the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice: The Institute’s mission is to empower urban residents to realize and achieve their full potential. Established in 1999 by Alan V. and Amy Lowenstein, the Institute’s dynamic and independent advocacy is aimed at toppling load-bearing walls of structural inequality to create just, vibrant, and healthy urban communities. We employ a broad range of advocacy tools to advance our ambitious urban agenda, including research, analysis and writing, public education, grassroots organizing, communications, the development of pilot programs, legislative strategies, and Litigation.

• *The Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. ***

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