Jobs With Justice is a national network of local coalitions comprised of labor unions, worker centers, community, faith-based, and student organizations.  We work locally and nationally to reduce inequality by expanding opportunities for workers to organize and to bargain collectively. The national staff provides strategic support to nearly 40 autonomous local coalitions, builds networks on common issues, shapes public discourse and leads strategic campaigns to strengthen power for working people. Jobs With Justice is committed to winning real change for workers by leading campaigns that combine innovative communications strategies, solid research and policy advocacy, grassroots action, and coalition building.

The Research and Policy Department of Jobs With Justice produces research that supports campaigns to raise standards for workers and informs the public discourse on workers’ rights, and advocates for policies that seek to expand bargaining.

Position overview: 

The Research Assistant contributes essential support to the Research and Policy Department of Jobs With Justice, and plays a lead role in coordinating the Labor Research and Action Network (LRAN). The Research Assistant is supervised by the Research Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leads on producing original research products that support the mission of Jobs With Justice;
• Leads on improving communication and coordination between members of the Labor Research Action Network (LRAN), a project of the Jobs With Justice Education Fund;
• Executes work and campaign plans within staff teams to win significant victories that concretely improve workers’ lives;
• Provides support to research and policy initiatives of the department;
• Expands the organization’s understanding of critical work-related issues;
• Is a supportive and flexible member of the JWJ national team.

Detailed areas of work currently include:

• Producing original research products on a variety of work-related topics, which can involve arranging interviews, collecting new data sets, submitting FOIA requests, and working closely with JWJ local coalitions, unions, academics and other stakeholders.
• Performing literature reviews, managing data, and providing other research support for the projects of the Research and Policy Department.
• Conducting rapid response research as needs arise.
• Reviewing JWJ communications materials and speeches for factual accuracy.
• Scheduling and participating in LRAN meetings and identifying connections with key initiatives of the network.
• Leading LRAN social media and development of website content.
• Contributing to dynamic campaign teams and strategies, including supporting JWJ coalitions engaged in strategic campaigns.
• Documenting relevant communications, activities and outcomes.
• Collaborating broadly with JWJ staff to strengthen and win campaigns and strengthen local coalitions.
• Representing JwJ with allied organizations and broader movement efforts where needed.
• Performing administrative duties in support of the work of the Research and Policy Department.

Qualifications:

• One to two years of research experience and a Bachelor’s Degree
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, including historically underrepresented communities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a collective environment
• Self-motivated and strong work-planning, including good personal time management skills
• Must have a demonstrated commitment to building a social justice movement in a labor, community or student setting
• Experience with Jobs With Justice or Labor movement/worker organizing experience is a plus

This is a union-represented position

Salary: High 40s

Benefits: Generous benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, and retirement benefits.

Jobs With Justice Education Fund is an affirmative action employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, l/g/b/t/q individuals, those with disabilities, and those with working class backgrounds to apply.

To apply, please send resume, cover letter and writing sample to info (at) jwj.org. Be sure to put “Research Assistant” in the subject line.

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to personally acknowledge the receipt and status of each one. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please follow the job application instructions specific to the position you are applying for. No phone calls or direct solicitations please. Incomplete applications, or applications delivered by fax, mail, or in person will not be considered.