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:
Minimum Requirements:
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:
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.
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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…