Special Assistant, Election and Government Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program advance and defends core democratic values and includes projects dedicated to improving the administration of our elections so they are free and fair for all voters; building a more resilient and secure election infrastructure; combatting disinformation; and reducing the corrupting influence of money in politics. The program seeks to bring the ideal of representative self-government closer to reality by eliminating barriers to full and equal political participation, by countering racial discrimination in our electoral and political systems, and by striving to ensure that public policy and institutions represent and reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich democracy.

Position Overview:

We seek an energetic, motivated, well-organized individual to provide administrative support and research assistance to the Vice President of the Elections and Government Program and the Elections and Government Team. Working closely with the Vice President and Program Director, the Special Assistant will play a central role in the daily functioning of the program. They will help push key reform goals during this critical moment for our democracy, while also helping to keep the entire program organized and on-task. They may also assist other members of the program team as needed.

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.

Responsibilities:

Administrative support duties

• Support the Vice President on all aspects of program management, including organizing program meetings, creating systems to manage workflow, and monitoring departmental expenditures.
• Manage the Vice President’s schedule and calendar meetings, using the Microsoft Outlook calendar and Zoom.
• Make travel arrangements for the Vice President and other members of the team.
• Prepare expense reports in Concur.
• Provide general administrative support, including filing, drafting correspondence, answering and screening emails, organizing mailing lists, and planning team events.
• Upload content to the relevant program page on the Brennan Center website.
• Assist with hiring and supervision of interns.
• Take on special projects and other duties as assigned.

Research duties

• Provide research, drafting, fact-checking, proofreading, and footnoting assistance to support the preparation of written materials for internal and external audiences.
• Conduct time-sensitive research and information gathering to support program responses to breaking news or developing events.
• Take on other research and information gathering projects as needed.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience after college is strongly preferred. The position is also open to experienced administrative professionals.
• Excellent organizational skills, with ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks, follow institutional procedures, and meet deadlines.
• Scrupulous attention to detail.
• Strong ability to manage time and successfully multitask in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A high degree of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and judgment.
• Strong interpersonal skills coupled with an ability to build positive working relationships.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Contributes to an internal culture that is accessible and rooted in dignity and respect, consistent with the Brennan Center’s core values.
• Willingness to take on growing responsibilities, which may include learning new tasks, systems, and technology.
• Proficiency with key software programs, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Zoom, Concur, Salesforce, Datawrapper, and Document Cloud.
• Willingness and flexibility to work paid overtime when needed to meet important deadlines or complete urgent projects.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality requirements and discretion with sensitive information.
• Strong sense of teamwork, work ethic, and humility, along with the ability to maintain composure and sense of humor under deadline pressure.
• A passion for the Brennan Center’s mission and work.

Position Start Date: Summer 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.

Application Instructions

To apply, visit >>LINK HERE<<. Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) one writing sample (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three supervisor references. Please feel welcome to include on your resume any work experience you believe helps demonstrate your fit for the role, even if it does not seem directly relevant (e.g., cashier, restaurant host, etc.). If applicable, include internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples.

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Program Associate, Elections and Government Program” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $56,000 - $69,500 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from undergraduate school. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.