Part-Time Research & Program Associate

Part-Time Research & Program Associate

Raise the Rail · Brooklyn, NY (Boerum Hill) · 2 days/week · $25–$32/hour

About Raise the Rail

Raise the Rail is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit working to prevent suicide by height through better building design. Barriers at height are one of the best-documented ways to prevent suicide, yet building codes still allow railings and windows that leave people exposed. We work on two fronts at once: changing the rules through building code proposals, regulation and legislation, and changing the culture through professional education for architects and outreach to schools and institutions.

We're small, ambitious and early-stage. Last month we co-hosted a continuing education roundtable with AIA New York at the Center for Architecture, and we're now preparing code change proposals for the 2030 International Building Code.

The role

We're looking for a smart, capable person to work directly with our founder, a licensed architect, about two days a week. This is a generalist role: research one day, a pitch email the next, and helping keep a small organization running throughout. What matters most is how you think and write. This role could suit a recent graduate eager to work on a real problem, someone returning to work or changing careers, or a retired professional who wants meaningful part-time work.

What you'll do

Research

• Research building codes, safety data and policy precedents to support our code reform work.
• Track what other cities and countries are doing, and turn findings into clear summaries, tables and briefs.
• Help prepare materials for code change proposals and policy discussions.

Outreach and programs

• Help develop our professional education program for architects and design professionals.
• Support outreach to independent schools, school associations, public health partners and professional organizations.
• Draft emails, follow up with contacts, and keep track of relationships.

Operations

• Keep files, calendars, contact lists and project trackers organized.
• Handle routine administrative work: scheduling, correspondence, meeting notes and board materials.
• Help with our website, newsletters and social media as needed.

Who you are

• You think clearly and write well. You can turn a messy pile of information into something people want to read.
• You're curious and self-directed. You ask good questions and go find the answers.
• You're happy to pitch in on whatever needs doing, from research to admin.
• You're organized and reliable, and comfortable with Google Workspace or similar tools.
• You have a bachelor's degree. Further study or work experience in public health, policy, planning, architecture, law, journalism, education or nonprofits is a plus.
• You care about the mission and can handle a serious subject with sensitivity.

Also valuable (not required)

• Experience with nonprofits, advocacy, event planning or community organizing.
• Comfort reading technical documents such as codes, standards or research papers.

Details

• Schedule: About 14–16 hours a week, spread over two days. Days are flexible, and we can work around school hours or class schedules.
• Location: In person in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
• Pay: $25–$32 per hour, depending on experience.
• Start date: November 30, 2026 or earlier.
• Status: Part-time, W-2 employee

To apply

Send a résumé and a short cover note through Idealist, plus a response of up to 150 words to the following:

Tell us about something you researched or dug into on your own, just because you were curious.

Applications must be received by Friday, November 6, 2026. We’ll review them as they come in, so early applications are encouraged.

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