Job Opportunities

SENIOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATE

(Part-Time), Center on Sentencing and Corrections—Los Angeles

The Vera Institute of Justice seeks a part-time senior associate based in Los Angeles to play a leading role in a two-year project focused on jail overcrowding in Los Angeles County.

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections (CSC) works with state and local partners to help them develop cost-effective strategies for protecting public safety. CSC accomplishes this by providing non-partisan technical assistance and research support to government officials and criminal justice professionals.                 

Position

This is an extraordinary opportunity to participate in an exciting project in Los Angeles County. CSC was recently awarded a contract by the county to conduct a comprehensive examination and analysis of the jail overcrowding problem in Los Angeles, identify recommendations for potential reforms, and work with high-level stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for implementing those reforms. Vera seeks a person with experience in policy reform and some background in research to work directly with the project director on these issues and to serve as the primary point of contact for our Los Angeles client.       

Responsibilities

The senior program associate’s primary responsibilities will consist of

*             managing and coordinating assistance to the client in Los Angeles;

*             researching and writing materials, including briefing and research memoranda;

*             conducting interviews and focus groups;

*             synthesizing large amounts of information in a concise and informative manner;

*             providing research support for a senior research associate, managing data collection and analysis on an as-needed basis;

*             preparing materials for meetings with criminal justice officials and other stakeholders; and

*             assisting in convening and facilitating meetings.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualities and skills:

*             A bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of work experience in research or policy reform; or a PhD or master’s degree in political science, criminal justice, criminology, or public policy; or a JD and at least four years of criminal justice work experience

*             Familiarity and capacity to work with and interpret statistical data

*             The ability to develop data collection tools such as interview questionnaires

*             Strong interpersonal and communications skills, public speaking ability, and research and writing skills

*             The ability and confidence to facilitate meetings of senior policymakers

*             The willingness and ability to work independently as well as with a team               

Salary and Schedule

Scheduled hours will be three days per week (approximately seven hours per day) at a part-time salary of $31,000 to $35,000, depending on experience. Excellent benefits available.          

Contact

Please send resume and cover letter by mail or e-mail to:

ATTN: CSC Senior Program Associate LA Recruitment

Hester Lyons

Director, Human Resources

Vera Institute of Justice

233 Broadway, 12th Floor

New York, NY 10279

Email: job.LA.srpa@vera.org