The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan public policy and law institute that focuses on improving the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, to address the challenge of special interest money in our politics, to end mass incarceration, and to advance constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. A singular institution – part think tank, part public interest law firm, part advocacy group – the Brennan Center combines scholarship, legislative and legal advocacy, and communications to win meaningful, measurable change in the public sector. For more information about the Center, visit our website: http://www.brennancenter.org.

Position: This Fellowship attempts to bring to bear the voices of those with lived experience in our nation’s correctional facilities through writing, media and public events, or advising policy work.

How the Fellowship works:

• The position is a one-year, nonresident fellowship.
• The fellow will bring ideas and experience to the Brennan Center’s mission to end mass incarceration and expose the associated social and economic costs. Examples of policy issues for exploration during the fellowship year include reforms associated with services available during incarceration; challenges related to public health in prisons and jails; employment, housing, or education assistance upon re-entry; bail or parole; or other systemic issues.
• The work will include writing or media projects of the fellow’s choosing that align with the organization’s policy objectives. It may include: writing short articles and/or longform essays, participating in events (virtual and eventually in-person), and collaborating with staff on research and or policy reports.
• It is anticipated the fellow will spend roughly 10-15 hours per month on the aforementioned work. Fellow will receive a stipend of $20,000.

Qualifications: The prospective fellow must be committed to criminal justice policy reform, leveraging their lived experience with correctional facilities toward this end. Experience with writing and public speaking are required.

Applications: Applications must be submitted by Feb 28, 2021. No phone calls please. We will not contact applicants until after the deadline has passed. Please upload the following to https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/Me4P28Wk2F/Policy-Fellowship.

• Cover letter or statement of interest (no more than 1-2 pages) that outlines writing or public speaking experience and demonstrates commitment or interest in policy reform;
• Resume or a short work sample (writing or video from a public event);
• Contact information for two references.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes and hires applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities and sexual orientations, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and 

• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.