Who We AreThe Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is a nonprofit criminal justice organization that strives to build just government institutions and safe communities free from the scourge of racism, white supremacy, profit, and inequity that is pervasive in this country's legal systems. We are an "inside" lane organization that drives change at scale with ambitious public sector leaders who share our commitment to building anti-racist, reparative systems that deliver justice. We leverage our access to government to transform these systems and work collaboratively with stakeholders across many movements-including advocacy, grassroots, and grassroots organizations. Our role is to pilot solutions that are transformative and achievable, harness the power of evidence to drive effective policy and practice, and use advocacy and communications to change narratives and norms.Vera has a staff of almost 300 people and offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity-both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people's educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.Position summary: This person will serve as a liaison between federal agencies, Hill staff, and DC-based advocacy groups to establish and maintain strong relationships and advance Vera's legislative goals. This person will help draft hearing testimony targeted to legislators and federal agencies as well as partner with Vera staff to develop a federal policy agenda and priorities. Additionally, this role requires the presentation of Vera reports, research, and projects to a wide variety of DC stakeholders in both formal and informal settings. And keep staff prepared, informed, and engaged on federal advocacy efforts including drafting fact sheets, briefing materials-including background information, and talking points to prepare Vera staff for meetings or testimony.In this role, you will:Serve as a liaison between federal agencies, Hill staff, and DC-based advocacy groups to establish and maintain strong relationships and advance Vera's legislative goals.Play a lead role in managing key relationships in DC including arranging and attending meetings and correspondence with Hill and administration allies and coalition partners to represent Vera and advance Vera's priority issues. Track and relay legislative progress and relevant information on Vera's policy priorities to colleagues and partners in a timely, clear and action oriented format. Analyze and track pending legislation, executive orders, and regulations related to criminal justice and immigration; follow relevant Congressional committee hearings and mark-ups.Keep track of progress on Vera's priority issues in Congress and the administration and keep relevant Vera staff and partners informed. Analyze bills, executive orders and regulations related to Vera's priority issues.Help draft and develop hearing testimony targeted to legislators and federal agencies related to Vera's work. Play a lead role in drafting testimony and other written materials for a federal audience..Keep Vera staff prepared, informed, and engaged on federal advocacy efforts including drafting fact sheets, briefing materials-including background information and talking points to prepare Vera staff for meetings or testimony.Serve as a go to for Vera staff on issues and needs related to federal policy. Draft supporting materials to make sure Vera staff and partners are prepared for DC meetings and hearings.Partner with Vera staff to develop a federal policy agenda and priorities.Work with federal policy team and Vera initiative staff to develop and advance federal policy priorities. Serve as an expert and thought partner on strategies and tactics to advance Vera's policy priorities.Support, develop ideas, and organize Congressional briefings, meetings, and events involving high-level federal and non-governmental participants and stakeholders to highlight Vera's work.Pro actively engage in planning DC events, meetings, and other high value moments to advance Vera's policy priorities. What qualifications do you need?Required:A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience involving federal policy practice, with preferences for work in the criminal legal and immigration systems. Extensive knowledge of the Justice Ecosystem including local and federal policy related to criminal legal reform and immigration justice. Knowledgeable and experienced at researching and analyzing federal policy and legislation, familiarity with federal affairs functions, familiarity with the Senate and House Judiciary Committees and other committees of jurisdiction related to Vera's legislative agenda.Ability to engage broad networks and build partnerships on and off Capitol Hill to advance Vera's legislative agenda. Skilled communicator, collaborator, team player who takes initiative. A demonstrated commitment to racial justiceList of Required Software applications:Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar softwareApplications may also be faxed to:ATTN: Human Resources / Senior Federal Policy Associate, Advocacy and PartnershipsVera Institute of Justice34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232Fax: (212) 941-9407Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.As a federal contractor, and in order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (eg, an exemption) to this requirement.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 visitPowered by JazzHRgTGTmsQqXc