Vera Institute

  • Brooklyn, NY


  • Training

  • Full-time
Who we are:

The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, envisions a society that respects the dignity of every person and safeguards justice for everyone. Vera is committed to securing equal justice, ending mass incarceration, and strengthening families and communities.

  • We study problems that impede human dignity and justice.
  • We pilot solutions that are at once transformative and achievable.
  • We engage diverse communities in informed debate.
  • And we harness the power of evidence to drive effective policy and practice.

We work with others who share our vision to tackle the most pressing injustices of our day-from mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the loss of public trust in law enforcement to the unmet needs of people who are vulnerable, marginalized, and harmed by crime and violence. Vera has offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Vera is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We hire employees that reflect our values: respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, and race equity. If you want to learn more about life at Vera click .

What You’ll Do:

The primary responsibilities of the intern will be to provide administrative and programmatic support to Vera’s Graduate Students of Color for Justice Initiative (GSOC) and other special projects at the intersection of program development, partnerships, and innovation. This intern will report to the Program Specialist, Executive Department, and work closely with the Executive Associate and Executive Coordinator. They will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with stakeholders across the Institute and can expect to gain meaningful experience in project management and cross team communications.

1. Program Administration – Staffing Vera’s Graduate Students of Color for Justice Initiative, a leadership program for graduate students interested in transforming the criminal legal and immigration systems, including

  • Organizing the annual Summer Justice Forum
  • Supporting the application and selection process for the next cohort
  • Brainstorming and developing tools and resources to build community within GSOC and support the professional development of its’ members
  • Supporting the logistics of the Summer Justice Scholar program

2. Operational Support

  • Supporting projects for the Vera leadership team, including drafting presentation materials, and providing research and team operational support
  • Assisting with other projects as they relate to innovation, scaling, and strategy
  • Supporting the logistics of the Summer Justice Scholar program

What qualifications you will need

Required:

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional program

Preferred:

  • Knowledge of and/or lived experience with criminal and immigration legal systems preferable
  • Commitment to racial equity and its intersections and experience engaging in conversations about race, equity, and inclusion
  • The ability to work both independently and with others effectively and efficiently
  • Strong writing and communications skills
  • Some experience or interest in program development, youth leadership, communications, or non-profit management.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Online submission in PDF format (through Vera’s career page) is preferred. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

ATTN: Human Resources / Summer Intern-Color of Justice Initiative

Vera Institute of Justice

34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Fax: (212) 941-9407

Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.

No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit

Vera Institute

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