Legal Research Specialist

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2020-12082
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research and Laboratory

Princeton University

Overview

The Legal/Policy Analyst assumes a leading role in redistricting and election policy nationwide. The incumbent will help work closely with reform organizations to understand and evaluate the implications of proposed reforms, laws, and litigation, focusing on PGP’s priority states. This work will include performing legal and legislative analysis, testifying at public hearings, drafting amicus briefs, and help advocates understand what’s likely to work. This position will provide public communication about these issues through newsletters, reports, one-pagers, and the Princeton Gerrymandering Project's 50-state reforms page.

This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal contingent upon performance and funding.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with reform organizations to understand and evaluate the implications of proposed reforms, laws, and litigation, focusing on PGP’s priority states. This work will include performing legal and legislative analysis, testifying at public hearings, drafting amicus briefs, etc.
• Provide rapid response during the 2021 redistricting process, including analysis of draft plans, construction of demonstration maps, and coordination with press organizations and citizen groups in a dozen key states.
• Provide public communication about these issues through newsletters, reports, one-pagers, op-eds, and other written pieces.
• Supervise interns, student workers, and other temporary support for the Legal/Policy team.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• J.D., M.P.A., or Ph.D in fields related to elections, voting rights, or civil rights.
• Commitment to democracy work and election reform.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and/or expertise in election law, voting rights, civil rights, or public policy with at least 1-2 years of experience in these fields.
  
• Experience doing legal and/or policy research, especially finding case law and reading statutory and constitutional language.
  
• Proven writing abilities for a wide range of audiences.
  
• Experience communicating with state-level organizations about law and policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An understanding of how underrepresentation impacts policy decisions in the U.S.
  
• Collaborative, with ability to work within a cross-functional, interdisciplinary team.
  
• Ability to think quantitatively or a willingness to learn the basics.
  
• Comfortable with or willing to learn how to use Adobe Creative Cloud products like InDesign and Photoshop.
  
• Experience with or are willing to learn about mapping or GIS software and/or coding languages.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

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