CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Advocacy and Policy Strategist [ASD-57]
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION
National Political Advocacy Department, New York, NY

For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has been our nation’s guardian of liberty, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States.  Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people from government abuse and overreach. With more than a million members, activists, and supporters, the ACLU is a nationwide organization that fights tirelessly in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin.

The ACLU National Office seeks a full-time Advocacy and Policy Strategist to join its National Political Advocacy Department.  The duration of this position is one year with the possibility of an extension.

Overview:

The United States abolished imprisonment for civil debt nearly two centuries ago, and in 1983, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed that judges cannot jail people because they can’t afford court fines.  And yet, many states are doing just that—jailing poor people for failing to pay monetary penalties, including fines, fees, costs, and restitution imposed as part of criminal sentences.  The result—modern-day debtors’ prisons—imposes devastating human costs, wastes taxpayer money, and creates a two-tiered system of justice.

The ACLU has been challenging this troubling trend both inside and outside the courtroom. We strategically pursue litigation, legislation, and public education to end practices that jail people simply because of their poverty.  We seek a Strategist to join our team with a focus on these efforts.

ROLES and Responsibilities:

In partnership with colleagues from other Departments:

• Design and implement strategic plans to work with judges, court administrators, and professional legal associations to develop best practices, devise judicial and legal trainings and otherwise advocate for ending the practices that lead to modern-day debtor prisons.
• Work in collaboration with local and national partners to develop and execute strategic advocacy.
• Develop relationships with allies and other organizations to further advocacy goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

• A combination of  5-8 years’ experience in any of the areas below is preferred.
• Experience developing relationships with lawyers, judges, and court administrators.
• Basic understanding of legal principles and court proceedings.
• Familiarity with the legislative process.
• Experience building and maintaining coalitions.
• Organizing background and experience on advocacy campaigns strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and motivate teams and work effectively in a team environment in both a lead and support role.
• Outstanding writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to civil rights and civil liberties.

COMPENSATION

The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within the parameters of the ACLU compensation scale.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume and a relevant writing sample to:hrjobsNPAD@aclu.org – reference ASD-57/ACLU-W in the subject line. Please indicate in your cover letter where you learned of this career opportunity.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages 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, and veteran status.   

The ACLU undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact: hrjobsincl@aclu.org. Correspondence sent to this email address that is not related to requests for accommodations will not be reviewed. Applicants should follow the instructions above regarding how to apply.

The ACLU comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation are national organizations with the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The ACLU has two separate corporate entities in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU.”

To apply for any of these internships, please send a resume and cover letter to info@prattcenter.net with the internship you’re applying for in the subject line. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. 

 

Planning / Manufacturing Retention Intern
Hours: 14-21 hours, 2-3 days a week
Internship Dates: May 15-August 15​
Open To: Undergraduate or Graduate Students
Reports To: Josh Eichen, Planner/Manufacturing Retention Coordinator

This intern will work with Josh Eichen, Planner / Manufacturing Retention Coordinator, on a variety of fascinating projects ranging from land use policy and strategy to organic waste diversion from the food manufacturing sector.  This intern should have a broad interest in planning, be willing to conduct frequent site visits, engage and interact with a wide variety of stakeholders including business owners, and have a desire to learn about NYC!   Work may include:

• Collecting and analyzing primary and secondary economic data
• Land use analysis of zoning proposals
• Waste auditing and measurement
• Attending and participating in meetings
• Analytical writing
• Project management and coordination

Applicants with a sense of humor and Spanish language skills are encouraged to apply.

Energy Efficiency Intern
Hours: 14 hours, 2 days a week
Internship Dates: May 15-August 15​
Open To: Undergraduate or Graduate Students
Reports To: Rebekah Morris, Residential Retrofits Program Manager

This intern will work with Rebekah Morris, Residential Retrofits Program Manager, in the area of climate change mitigation through energy efficiency work in the residential sector. The work will include working on pilot initiatives that are testing new programmatic structures for encouraging energy efficiency for low and moderate income homeowners. Excellent communication skills, data management skills, prior outreach experience is a definite PLUS! Interest in environmental issues/climate change/sustainability is highly encouraged. Previous experience using design tools such as InDesign.

Work may include:

•  Outreach to homeowners via canvassing and/or direct community engagement efforts such as presenting at public meetings
• Support of program analysis through client data management
• Researching and designing educational materials to help inform homeowners on how to understand their utility bill
• Day-to-day program support which may include anything from emailing clients to posting ads on local blogs

GIS Intern
Hours: 14-21 hours, 2-3 days a week
Internship Dates: May 15-August 15​
Open To: Undergraduate or Graduate Students
Reports To: Sadra Shahab, GIS Specialist/Planner

• Extracting, cleaning, analyzing, and mapping US Census data
• Extracting and mapping data in support of industrial retention (e.g., getting data from
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, On the Map, ReferenceUSA, NETS, etc.) and transportation equity efforts
• Geocoding addresses using ArcGIS or NYC Department of City Planning’s Geosupport for various projects

Made In NYC (MINYC) Intern
Hours: 32 hours, 5 days a week
Internship Dates: May 15-August 15​
Open To:  Graduate Students
Reports To: Joanna Reynolds, Community Manager, Made in NYC

MINYC, an initiative of the Pratt Center, was created to support a vibrant manufacturing sector in New York City. (Local manufacturing creates employment opportunities for the city’s extraordinarily diverse workforce and gives the city much of its character and soul.) Pratt Center is working to increase awareness of manufacturing in NYC by developing the MINYC brand and related programmatic initiatives and by assisting companies in improving their marketing and capacity for growth. The MINYC Intern is responsible for assisting MINYC Community Manager Joanna Reynolds with all aspects of the initiative. Written and verbal communication skills are required. Interest in manufacturing retention and small business outreach is required. Website management, social media, database marketing, graphic design, mapping, and photography skills are a plus. Duties will include but not be limited to:

• Helping with communications tasks such as writing newsletters and posting on social media
• Outreach tasks such as contacting manufacturers to verify their membership information and improve their listings on our website, interviewing manufacturing businesses for the newsletter, and conducting factory site visits
• Collecting photos, video and other media from member manufacturers for inclusion on MINYC website
• Research tasks such as identifying new potential MINYC members for further outreach
• Organization tasks such as helping plan events and meetings for/about manufacturers

Economic Development Intern
Hours: 14 hours, 2 days a week
Internship Dates: May 15-August 15​
Open To:  Graduate Students
Reports To: Tanu Kumar Senior, Planner for Economic Development​

The Economic Development intern will work with Tanu Kumar and support Pratt Center’s policy, research, and advocacy work to advance equitable economic development in NYC, and nationally. The projects will include supporting a national research project focused on urban manufacturing, developing a toolkit for cities working to advance equity in their economic development initiatives, supporting a coalition’s efforts to advocate for zoning reforms in Industrial Business Zones in NYC, and other policy and programmatic work focused on identifying new opportunities and pathways for equitable economic growth. This will involve strong skills in quantitative and qualitative research, economic data analysis and report writing. An interest in equitable economic development strategies, and looking at national approaches. ​ This is a multi-disciplinary position that will involve:

•  Designing tools for collecting primary data, and analyzing primary and secondary economic data
•  Land use planning and analysis of zoning proposals
• Qualitative research to identify models and best practices from across the country
• Attending and participating in meetings
• Analytical writing
• Project management and coordination

​​

To apply for any of these internships, please send a resume and cover letter to info@prattcenter.net with the internship you’re applying for in the subject line. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. 

Organization

The New York Community Trust is seeking a full-time Program Associate for its Thriving Communities grant portfolio, which includes arts and culture, community development, and the environment. Established in 1924, The Trust is the community foundation for the New York area and one of the largest and oldest community foundations in the U.S. It has approximately $2.5 billion in assets from funds established by thousands of New Yorkers over the past 90 years. In addition to $120 million in designated and donor advised grants, it makes more than $40 million in competitive grants each year to ensure healthy lives, promising futures, and thriving communities throughout New York City. Grants support exemplary service provision, advocacy, and research to improve policy. For more information, please visit The Trust’s website.

Position Description

The Program Associate will work with a team of three program officers on efforts that:

• promote diversity in the arts; strengthen arts groups; develop talented and young minority and disadvantaged artists; improve arts education in the public schools; and strengthen arts advocacy.
• support preservation in low-income and minority communities and the boroughs outside of Manhattan, and restore historic places that represent significant and overlooked aspects of City history.
• build and sustain strong community and create economic opportunities for residents of low-income neighborhoods.
• ensure a representative political process and improve the function of government by encouraging voting, holding state and local government accountable, and promoting civic literacy for children and new immigrants.
• help New York become a climate-smart metropolis; create healthier, more livable communities, and protect urban ecologies.
• mitigate climate change; make disadvantaged and other communities more resilient to climate change; protect public health from the hazards of toxic chemicals and pollutants; and preserve biological diversity by establishing wildlife migration corridors and supporting connectivity on a national scale.
• improve the management capacity of nonprofits and strengthen the sector.

Initially, half of the Program Associate’s time will be spent administering the New York City Cultural Agenda Fund, a collaboration of seven foundations supporting cultural advocacy, policy, and equity in the City. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with new grant investigations, including reviewing and summarizing research on current topics and attending funder briefings and other information sessions;
• Assisting with docket preparation, including arranging site visits, gathering all necessary documents, and drafting internal memos for grant recommendations and declines;
• Monitoring grantee progress, including reviewing and summarizing grantee reports, liaising with grantees, and attending grantee events and programs; and
• Supporting activities specific to the New York City Cultural Agenda Fund, including writing grant proposals and reports to donor foundations, providing periodic updates to the Fund’s Advisory Committee, working with technical assistance consultants, writing blog posts, and organizing meetings with arts advocates, funders, and City officials.

Qualifications

Candidates should have clear and accurate writing skills, strong proofreading and research skills, good attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of New York City and the ability to get around the five boroughs. Candidates with experience and/or familiarity with arts, community development, and/or environmental nonprofits in the City are strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of work experience required.

Compensation is competitive with a generous benefits package. The New York Community Trust is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their resume, cover letter, and two brief writing samples (500-1500 words a piece). Please write in the subject line [Full Name] – PA Thriving Communities. Applications should be received at The Trust by 5:00 pm on May 2, 2016. Email application to Joan Reedy, at jmr@nyct-cfi.org. No phone calls regarding the positions will be accepted.

The Katal Center for Health, Equity, and Justice is a new organization with big ideas and bold, visionary goals. We’re focused on:

• Ending mass criminalization, mass incarceration, and the war on drugs.
• Promoting justice, equity, and community safety.
• Advancing health-based approaches to drug policy.
• Building leadership and organizing capacity of organizers, advocates, and community organizations.

We’re hiring.

We’re seeking an extraordinary, driven, entrepreneurial person to join Katal as our Justice Campaign Organizer. The Justice Campaign Organizer will work to transform New York City’s criminal justice system through the#CLOSErikers campaign – a coalition effort led by our partners at JustLeadershipUSA.

Responsibilities of the Justice Campaign Organizer include:

• Organizing: Identifying and developing leaders, conducting outreach, coordinating actions, and more.
• Advocacy: Coordinating Katal’s participation in public forums, coalition meetings, and conferences
• Communications: Conducting research, writing fact sheets, preparing press materials.
• Administration: Tasks as needed.

You might be the right person for this job if:

You like to work hard. You want to build something great. You love working as part of a team. You understand team strategies and objectives.

You pay attention to detail. You like solving problems. You love taking on difficult challenges. You are motivated to learn constantly and improve processes and skills.

You have at least three years experience as a community organizer or policy advocate, and you’re not afraid of new challenges with steep learning curves. You think well on your feet, don’t get flustered easily, and when things change, you know how to roll with the punches.

You communicate clearly. You’re a good listener. You know how to facilitate a productive meeting. You write well. You are comfortable communicating with people on the phone, in writing, or in person.

You are motivated and driven. You are committed to racial justice. You seek to grow, and you believe that anything you do is worth doing well.

What you need to know to apply:

This is full time, salaried position. You must live in the New York City Metropolitan area. Travel is part of the job. There will be work on some nights and weekends. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

The Justice Campaign Organizer reports to the Director of Strategy & Campaigns.

How to apply

To apply, please prepare the following application:

• A one-page cover letter that answers these questions:
  • Why do you want to join an organization committed to advancing health, equity, and justice?
  • What will you bring to Katal to help strengthen the organization?
  • What are your salary requirements?
• Your résumé
• A writing sample of no more than four pages (links to online examples are acceptable).

Submit your application package by email to jobs@katalcenter.org with the subject line: “First Name, Last Name – Justice Campaign Organizer”

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Only application packages received by email will be considered. We’ll contact you only if you’re under consideration, so please – don’t call to check on your submission.

Katal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in hiring people who have been impacted by the system of mass incarceration and the war on drugs.

The El Puente Williamsburg Leadership Center is a membership-based after-school youth and community development program that focuses on arts for social change, academic enrichment, and holistic leadership development for youth ages 13-19. El Puente runs several leadership centers and conducts advocacy, organizing and health and wellness activities for the community. This program focuses on the integration of a human rights consciousness and artistic development that allows its members to experience their creative potential while learning about social responsibility.

The Williamsburg Leadership Center is a membership program. El Puente’s membership model requires youth to commit to active participation within a structure designed to meet their varied developmental needs. Membership is the foundation of our mentoring and youth development programs, a process rooted in the organization’s mission to nurture and inspire leadership for peace and justice. The Assistant Director works with the Program Coordinator to oversee the facilitation of the Membership Process.

THE POSITION

As a staff member of El Puente, the Assistant Director is expected to uphold and work within the mission, philosophy and principles of the organization. The Assistant Director will report to the Program Director who oversees the Williamsburg Leadership Center and the Green Light District, El Puente’s 10-year community sustainability initiative. Therefore this Assistant Director will have a substantial role in developing and implementing program at WLC, with the guidance and support of the Program Director, and in partnership with the Education Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and facilitators.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development and Leadership

● Work with Program Director to develop and implement year-round community center programming: afterschool program (ages 13-19) and summer arts and leadership programs (ages 13-19) that reflect El Puente’s Mission and 12 Principles, fulfill contractual objectives, and are structured, age-appropriate, and project-based.

● Supervise, support, and provide regular feedback and assessment to two full time staff members (Program Coordinator and Education Coordinator) and approximately 10 part-time staff members, including facilitators and administrative staff.

● Along with the Program Director, work with staff to develop curricula for activities, workshops and community service projects related to the El Puente model of youth mentoring and leadership development, in areas such as health and wellness, academic enrichment, engagement in the arts, and social justice issues.

● Work with the Program Director to develop, schedule and/or facilitate professional development activities for staff.

● Co-lead the development and integration of El Puente’s Membership model for youth leadership development with the Program Coordinator.

● Work with the Education Coordinator to develop and maintain a comprehensive academic support program that includes tutoring, test prep (Regents, SAT, specialized exams), and college and career preparation.

Recruitment and External Relations

● Co-lead the design and implementation of a multi-faceted strategy for participant recruitment and outreach, to include: developing and maintaining partnerships with principals and staff at local schools; street and community outreach.

● Assist Program Director in developing and maintaining partnerships with local community, civic and cultural organizations who could potentially provide resources to the program.

● Work with the Program Director and staff from other El Puente Leadership Centers to develop and facilitate special activities and workshops.

Administration and Operations

● Work with the Program Coordinator to oversee and create administrative systems that meet the needs of the program (including participant filing systems, data entry, attendance records, contact lists).

● Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, organizational and funder policies/protocols.

● Share in rotating administrator-on-duty (AOD) responsibilities with three other staff, including overseeing program day-to-day operations, communications and safety practices, building operations, and close-out of building at the end of programming.

● Coordinate staff scheduling and make program adjustments, arrange for coverage or personally fill in when staff members are absent.

● Manage administrative correspondence (regular reports to funders, etc.) on behalf of the program.

● Attend all appropriate staff and team meetings, workshops, and events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience

● Minimum 2 years experience in a lead or supervisory role of a youth program (after-school, summer camp, etc.) with a focus on high school students

● Experience with using formal youth mentoring models/curricula

● Demonstrated experience in and commitment to community outreach, youth and community development, social justice issues and community organizing

● Experience designing and facilitating community service/development projects

● Experience working with a diverse staff and a diverse youth and family population

● Strong management, supervisory and facilitation skills

● Strong interpersonal skills and (spoken and written) communication skills

● Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple tasks independently, or with a team.

● Computer skills, especially in MS Word, Excel and experience with and/or the ability to learn online database systems.

● Spanish proficiency preferred

HOW TO APPLY

Please send cover letter, resume, and two professional references to Sarita Daftary, sdaftary@elpuente.us, with the subject line “Assistant Director.”

AFSCME Local 3299 is a dynamic progressive labor union representing 23,000 Service and Patient Care workers at the University of California. We are a member-driven union with rank-and-file leadership, dedicated to building a strong union to fight for our jobs, families, patients and students.

The Director of Operations & Organizational Development will play a vital role in managing 3299’s infrastructure efforts including finance, operations, facilities management and human resource coordination. The Director of Operations & Organizational Development will also manage the Organizational Development Initiatives of the organization, helping move 3299 to realize its Mission and Vision. S/he will do that by supporting the on-going development of: 1) People, 2) Direction-Setting, 3) Organization, 4) Processes and Tools.

The Director of Operations & Organizational Development reports directly to the Executive Director. As 3299 is a growing organization, the candidate should have experience and investment in creating operating systems, contributing to all aspects of organizational management, working in challenging settings, and be comfortable in a dynamic work environment. The Director of Operations & Organizational Development will also be responsible for motivating, managing and developing staff members and members and requires excellent people skills.

Responsibilities

Organizational Development
Leadership Development/Education & Training

• Work with senior team and Training Committee to develop an on-going culture of education & training.
• Planning and executing member education/training in consultation with field coordinators & leads.
• Planning and executing staff education/training in consultation with ED and senior team.
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development.
• Development of statewide and local member and staff education program and curricula, including but not limited to: leadership development, member organizing, contract campaigns, new member/new leader orientation, basic know your rights/representation, conducting meetings, negotiations, arbitration/HEERA/PERB, effective communications, using effective research, electoral issues, coalition building and train-the-trainer.
• Creatively use various techniques and educational materials to create an environment for learning among a diverse group of staff and members.
• Work with member and staff leadership to identify needs, provide opportunities for education at every level. Must develop “train the trainer” curriculum to expand our training resources.
• Development and coordination of the Local’s annual statewide member leader conference including program development, workshops, and other areas as designated by the President.
• Coalition Building: Identify and develop working partnerships within organized labor, the adult education community and community organizations to expand our resources
• Work with elected member leadership and senior team in ongoing development and implementation of Local’s new vision strategic plan.
• Serve as staff liaison to Executive Board’s Education & Training Committee.

Executive Director Support

• Provide consultation and support in the following areas:
• Internal Management
• Strategic Plan
• Coordination among offices
• Year-end reports

Operations

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Finance/HR Department and Manager, Administrative Department and Manager, and Field Information/IT Department and Manager.
  • Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results.
  • Ensure that resources are used to the full capacity.
• Support Finance, Administrative, and Field Information Manager to accomplish goals and grow professionally.
• Work with Operations Managers/staff to develop and maintain operational systems such as accounting, facilities, supplies, payroll, communications and other infrastructure needs and to upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures; managing of budgets and financial reports; plan, coordinate, and execute the annual budget process & human resource systems.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Passion for 3299’s mission.
• Ability to think strategically and work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport and credibility with diverse demographic groups, and well as with professional, technical, administrative, and service workers.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, 3299’s Executive Board, and staff
• At least two years’ experience in development and delivery of training and education programs for union members and staff is required.
• At least three years’ experience in labor or non-profit organizations related to social and economic causes. Related experience will be given consideration.
• Ability to operate without day-to-day supervision, develop work plans and goals, and act with a great degree of discretion and independent judgment.
• A commitment to justice for working families, quality and affordable public higher education and quality patient care.
• A commitment to union democracy and supporting and developing members’ voices and leadership in their union.
• Excellent judgment & creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.

Additional Requirements:

• Extended day and overnight travel; frequent statewide travel is required.
• Willingness to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license, auto insurance with business coverage, and an automobile for business use.

AFSCME 3299’s members are a diverse group of workers reflecting all of California, and are mostly people of color and women. We are an equal opportunity employer, and encourage people of color and women to apply.

Competitive Salary, benefits and field package included.

Please send cover letter, resume and 3 references to: jobs@afscme3299.org