Voting Rights Research Fellow

Organizational Overview

The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. The Sentencing Project engages in research and advocacy on sentencing and related issues, advocates for criminal justice policy and practice reform, and conducts broad-scale public education through media, online and other communications. Information about The Sentencing Project is available at www.sentencingproject.org.

Job Description and Responsibilities

The Sentencing Project (TSP) is seeking a self-motivated and high-performing part-time research fellow to provide research and writing support for approximately six months, ideally beginning in mid- to late January 2025. The position is best suited for someone who is currently working towards or has earned a graduate-level degree in social science, preferably criminal justice, criminology, or sociology.

In collaboration with our research team, a research fellow will contribute their expertise to TSP’s research mission in one or more of the following ways:

• Provide support on current and upcoming voting rights research projects. TSP’s research projects include voting during incarceration and felony disenfranchisement at the state-level. Tasks include, but are not limited to, providing research assistance, as well as editorial and writing support, on publications and assisting with any data collection, descriptive data analysis, and data management. A high degree of comfort with Excel is required.
• Update statistics and relevant research in voting rights publications. Tasks include, but are not limited to, conducting descriptive data analysis, data management, and synthesizing academic studies. A high degree of comfort with Excel is required.
• Conduct in-depth reviews of academic literature. Topics include, but are not limited to, felony disenfranchisement, voting and public safety, and voting while incarcerated.

This position requires strong analytical, writing, and organizational skills, a nuanced understanding of the criminal legal system, and a passion for reform. A research fellow should be detail-oriented in both research, writing, and editing as well as open to incorporating feedback and revisions into their work.

Compensation

This is a part-time position not to exceed 15 hours/week at a rate of $25/hr. The fellowship period ends in early June 2025. Fully remote work is possible for the right candidate, but preference is given to applicants residing in the DC metropolitan area. The Sentencing Project is a hybrid work environment.

Application Procedure

To apply, please submit the following materials to employment@sentencingproject.org by December 20, 2024 and address your email to “Application for Voting Rights Research Fellow”:

• A cover letter, which includes a discussion of your research skills and qualifications (e.g., level of familiarity with Excel, relevant training in various research methods);
• a resume or CV; and
• a short writing sample.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the December 20, 2024 deadline will not be reviewed.

The Sentencing Project values and prioritizes a diverse workforce and strongly encourages people of color to apply. We welcome applications that demonstrate experience, skill, and personal motivation. The Sentencing Project is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to cultural diversity and recruits without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, or prior convictions.