The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to assist leaders in government and civil society examine justice policy and practice, and improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera has offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, and its projects and reform initiatives, typically conducted in partnership with local, state, or national officials, are located across the United States and around the world. Vera is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Vera seeks a smart, flexible, and enthusiastic intern to in its Policing Program. Vera’s policing work focuses broadly on increasing police legitimacy and public trust in law enforcement. You can read about Vera’s work on building bridges between police and communities here: https://www.vera.org/our-work/securing-equal-justice/building-bridges-between-police-and-communities

Responsibilities

The summer intern will work with program and research staff to advance projects within Vera’s Policing portfolio. The primary responsibilities of the intern will include research related to policing and other relevant topics. Detailed responsibilities will be discussed at the time of appointment and/or during the interview process, but may generally include:

• Conducting desk research and literature reviews on relevant policing topics;
• Assisting with writing reports, memoranda, proposals and policy briefs;
• Collecting and analyzing data;
• Assisting with the review, editing, and development of program materials;
• Researching potential funders and funding priorities; and
• Assisting with planning, preparing for, and taking notes at meetings, webinars, site visits, and conferences.
   

Qualifications

Vera’s Policing Program seeks an intern with the following qualities and skills:

• Commitment to Vera’s mission;
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of current criminal justice issues;
• Demonstrated experience and skill in conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research;
• Ability to show initiative, flexibility, and willingness to work on a variety of tasks and adapt to changing priorities;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, and reliable attention to detail;
• Ability to work with others effectively and efficiently;
• Strong writing skills; and
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.

The following are not required, but would be preferred:

• Background and previous experience in qualitative and/or quantitative methods;
• Experience and/or interest in survey research design, administration, and analysis;
• Interest and/or previous experience working on data visualization tools; and
• Previous experience working on or studying policing or rule of law issues.

Compensation

Applicants are encouraged to seek private funding or fellowships, and Vera will assist the student in meeting any requirements. Alternative compensation will be arranged for students who cannot make arrangements for outside funding.

How to apply

Please submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample. PDF format preferred. The deadline for applications is April 28, 2017. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until position is filled with preference given to those that applied by the deadline. 

No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Online application is preferred.

However, if necessary, materials may be mailed or faxed to

ATTN: Human Resources / Summer 2017 Policing Internship Recruitment

Vera Institute of Justice

233 Broadway, 12th Floor

New York, NY 10279

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 and its work, please visit www.vera.org.