Program Associate
US$77,000 – US$80,000 / yr base salary
Posted 7 Aug 2026
Advertised as “Program Associate, Sentencing Reform”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 3+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- Hybrid
| Base salary | US$77,000 – US$80,000 / yr |
|---|
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyCriminal Justice, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Work (or related)
Study levelMaster's
About the team:
Reducing extreme sentences is essential to a more just legal system, and the perspectives of crime survivors and system-impacted people should be central to that work. Over the past two years, the Sentencing Reform Initiative has built coalitions and advanced campaigns across multiple states to increase incarcerated people’s ability to earn time off of their sentences through rehabilitative behavior, allow judicial review of long sentences, end mandatory minimums, and create mechanisms for courts to consider survivors' experiences of abuse as a mitigating factor at sentencing. The project is now working to deepen legislative strategy and expand sentencing reform nationally.
As part of the Sentencing Initiative team, the Program Associate will help drive research, coalition building, and legislative support in select states.
About the role:
1. Project Support and Coordination
- Support the Program Manager and Director in developing strategy, tactics, and implementation across sites.
- Monitor targeted sentencing reform legislation across states.
- Coordinate logistics, scheduling, and follow-up for advocacy meetings, coalition calls, and legislative sessions.
- Plan and help staff convenings, briefings, roundtables, and trainings for coalition partners and stakeholders
- Collaborate with Vera's Advocacy and Partnerships, Communications, and Research teams to help move project strategy forward.
- Track progress against project targets and milestones, flagging issues to the Program Manager as they arise.
2. Advocacy, Materials Development, and Research Support
- Conduct research and draft background materials, talking points, one-pagers, and presentations on specific bills.
- Help plan and facilitate coalition meetings, advocacy days and workgroup discussions.
- Build and maintain relationships with partners in government, non-profit, policy, and advocacy spaces.
3. Leadership, Funder, and Partner Materials
- Draft materials, briefings, proposal sections, and reports for Vera leadership, funders, and prospective partners and sites.
- Compile information and materials for meetings with funders, leadership, and prospective partners or sites.
4. Team Support and Internal Collaboration
- Create agendas, update internal documentation, and support facilitation of team meetings.
- Mentor program assistants, analysts, and/or interns on tasks as needed.