Program Assistant

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 Institute is seeking to hire a Program Assistant who can provide administrative and logistical support to the Programs Team, while working collaboratively with the entire staff to provide support as needed.

This is an exciting opportunity at a critical time to advance racial and social justice on behalf of New Jersey’s communities of color in the Institute’s three programmatic areas: (1) economic justice; (2) criminal justice reform; and (3) democracy and justice.

Using a holistic approach to address the unique and critical issues facing New Jersey’s communities of color, the Institute’s cutting-edge racial justice work advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative, achievable in the state and replicable across the nation.

Reports to: Law & Policy Director with additional support for Program Pillar Directors

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Managing the calendars and scheduling for the Law & Policy Director and Program Pillar Directors, including scheduling internal and external meetings, trouble-shooting schedule conflicts, and maintaining prompt communication with staff and partners
• Supporting the Administrative and Development Manager as a member of the administrative support team
• Coordinating and staffing conferences and meetings with collaborative partners, including scheduling large and small meetings, following up with partners, and arranging logistics for events
• Providing operational support to the Law & Policy Director and Program Pillar Directors, including communicating with partners involved in the Institute’s various initiatives and coalitions, reaching out to legislators, assisting with travel arrangements and expense reimbursements, and finalizing the details for their speaking engagements and other external events
• Facilitating project coordination between programs, operations, communications, and development staff
• Attending staff meetings, Programs Team meetings, other administrative meetings, and events
• Assisting with planning and helping to execute organizational and programmatic strategic planning
• Managing summer intern program in partnership with Senior Counsels and assisting with term interns as needed
• Conducting legislative tracking and alerting Program Pillar Directors when relevant bills are introduced
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications:

• Preference for a Bachelor’s Degree or at least two years of relevant work experience
• Ability to work effectively with diverse coalitions and community groups, particularly of color, and to work across political ideology, race, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and religion
• Passion for racial and social justice
• Excellent writing 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 sometimes high-pressure office
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as ability to learn and utilize program management software and tools
• Integrity, honesty and a balanced, non-partisan approach
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative context, both internally and externally, including a willingness to accept feedback, communicate openly, listen well, and learn from others
• Excellent judgment and follow through
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including tenacity and flexibility
  
  

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 $60,000- $70,000.

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 (full name, job title, phone number, and email address). Attach all required documents to this job posting.

For inquiries, please contact our recruitment team at [email protected], 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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