The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (the “Institute”) is looking for a dynamic team player to serve as our Associate Counsel to implement a program of legal and policy advocacy to
expand racial and social justice in New Jersey.

This is an exciting opportunity, at a critical time in our history, to advance racial and social justice on behalf of New Jersey’s urban communities through the Institute’s Economic Mobility
Initiative. In this pillar, the Institute works to ensure equality of economic opportunity for residents in urban communities through building and strengthening systems that provide access
to wealth, including (1) meaningful employment that pays a living wage, (2) affordable, fair, and quality housing in safe and healthy neighborhoods, and (3) non-predatory credit.

Using a holistic approach to address the unique and critical issues facing New Jersey’s urban communities, the Institute advocates for systemic reform that is at once transformative,
achievable in the state, and replicable in communities across the nation.

Responsibilities

• Help execute programmatic functions and monitor implementation of the Institute’s vision for economic initiatives, including the integration of legislative initiatives, policy goals,
  public education, and targeted campaigns.
• Engage in public speaking and participate in public education activities to articulate the Institute’s views on a broad range of issues to the public and various stakeholder
  constituencies.
• Attend legal team meetings, and work closely with the entire legal team and Institute staff, particularly with the Senior Counsel, to realize Institute goals and advance the Economic
  Mobility body of work.
• Edit and review Institute policies, procedures, communications, and publications.
• Regularly write and edit various publications, especially op-eds, reports, and policy briefs.
• Assist in building strategic alliances with organizations and individuals to advance the Institute’s mission, engage on shared priorities, and exchange knowledge and information
  in support of the Institute’s programs and initiatives.
• Work with the communications team to integrate policy and legal advocacy with communications, including through public education materials, policy reports, white papers, talking points, op-eds, and press releases.
• Model values of an inclusive and respectful workplace and foster the same in the staff.

Qualifications:

• Law degree and at least five years of full-time work experience.
• A demonstrated ability to successfully executive large-scale and short and long-term projects, preferably advocacy and policy initiatives.
• 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, and knowledge of, racial and social justice, and a familiarity with the work and mission of the Institute.
• Preference for experience working at a policy or advocacy organization, or in government, particularly on economic justice issues, including housing, access to credit, and workforce
  and labor.
• Excellent research and 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.
• Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative context, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team approach, including a willingness to circulate widely, communicates openly, listen well, and learn from others.
• Excellent judgment and follow through.
• Willingness to travel throughout the state, and occasionally around the country, for conferences.

Compensation: 
This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes excellent benefits, including health, a 401(k) plan with an employer contribution, and generous vacation,
sick, and holiday leave. This is a grant funded position.

Applications:
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. Please email your cover letter, resume, professional writing sample on which you are the primary
author, and three professional references to recruitment@njisj.org. Please submit your application materials via Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. Include all attachments in a single email
stating, in the subject line, “Associate Counsel.”

About the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice:
The Institute is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive
culture.

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.