Innovation Fellow, Brennan Center Ventures

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them—in the courts, in Congress and the states, and the court of public opinion. Brennan Center Ventures is the organization’s new solutions accelerator to reimagine American democracy.

Position Overview

The Brennan Center for Justice seeks a highly motivated, collaborative, results-oriented Innovation Fellow to support development of priorities, relationships, and deliverables for Brennan Center Ventures. This position reports to the Chief Innovation Officer and resides in the Office of the President, working within cross-functional project teams and with the opportunity for regular interaction with policy and research experts, communications strategists, development professionals, and other key functions across the organization. The fellowship is full-time and limited to a six-month term with the possibility of renewal.

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City. This role will be in office 4 days per week with flexibility for the exceptionally qualified candidate who resides outside of a commutable distance.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and operationalize new and distinguishing opportunities for Brennan Center Ventures to produce solutions for strengthening and renewing aspects of American democracy.
• Analyze and convert individual and team exploration quickly, clearly, and accurately into actionable memos, PowerPoints, and presentations for a wide array of internal and external audiences.
• Cultivate and maintain external relationships, with approval, to expand learning and impact.
• Proactively contribute to efficient and effective project management and knowledge-sharing within project teams, cooperating with and helping to refine systems for meetings, documentation, task ownership, and production schedules.
• Uphold the Brennan Center’s mission and values and maintain the Center’s reputation for rigor, accuracy, nonpartisanship and related policies.

Key Qualifications

• MBA, MPA, or equivalent experience of at least three years, with focus on strategy and innovation in the areas of social impact, civic engagement, responsive democracy, or similar.
• A highly curious yet organized mind--creative yet methodical in exploring, documenting, and testing new ideas with efficiency.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to anticipating needs, challenges, and opportunities to advance institutional interests and find efficiencies.
• Passion for strengthening and reimagining our democracy.
• Strong working knowledge of at least some of the following areas: the challenge and potential of emerging tech for civic life (e.g., generative AI, social media, engagement with government), community engagement, government innovation, behavioral economics, political science.
• Exceptional discretion and sound judgment about public conduct based on experience working in a high-profile or high-stakes environment.
• Strong ability to quickly and accurately synthesize complex information relevant to the Brennan Center’s work.
• Exceptional growth mindset and dedication to delivering high-quality work, with strong ability to receive and effectively apply constructive feedback.
• Reliable, efficient, and organized, with strong time-management and project-management skills and the ability to thrive and produce in a fast-paced, sometimes unpredictable environment with competing deadlines.
• Generous team player—proactively seeking to help, optimistic in ambiguity, by default respectful of all colleagues and stakeholders no matter their position.
• Proficiency with workplace technology including Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, Zoom, and similar platforms.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.

To apply, visit >>LINK HERE<<. Please upload the following documents: (1) resume, (2) cover letter of maximum 500 words describing motivation and experience-based qualifications for this role, (3) 1-2 work samples that demonstrate ability to perform the work required of this role, and (4) names and titles of three references, at least two of whom have supervised the applicant, to be contacted if the applicant becomes a finalist. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered.

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Innovation Fellow” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position will be as an independent contractor to the Brennan Center and will be contracted through a third-party employment agency supporting the Brennan Center. You will be subject to the agency’s payment processes. The hourly range provided to the selected candidate will be between $52 - $60 per hour. Time off, health insurance and other benefits will be provided according to the agency’s policies and benefit plans, and in no event will the contractor be entitled to employee benefits through or otherwise be considered an employee of the Brennan Center.

Time off, health insurance and other benefits will be provided according to the agency’s policies and benefit plans, and in no event will the contractor be entitled to employee benefits through or otherwise be considered an employee of the Brennan Center.