Job description
Who we are:
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information, visit vera.org.
Vera has a staff of 230 people, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York and has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect, independence, collaboration, commitment, anti-racism, and equity—both in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in people’s educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.
About the team:
Vera’s work in New Orleans began in 2006, when the City Council invited us to assess the criminal justice system and propose reforms as part of post-Katrina recovery efforts. Since then, we have become a nexus for advancing evidence-based reform and have demonstrated that change is not only possible but within reach. In partnership with people leading and working in the local justice system, city leaders, and community organizations, we are working to end unnecessary detention and develop innovative, collaborative projects that improve the delivery of justice in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
About the role:
Vera Louisiana is seeking a part time (10-20 hours/week) fall semester Research Intern to provide a wide range of support for our ongoing projects, including advancing prosecution reform, jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact in multiple parishes and at the state legislature. The Research Intern will be supervised primarily by the Senior Research Associate and will complete a variety of projects with other staff. This internship will provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in applied social justice research, using research to advance advocacy goals, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.
This opportunity is unpaid. However, Vera Louisiana will certify hours and projects completed so that the intern can apply the experience toward course credit and/or internship/practicum requirements for graduation.
What you’ll do:
Research and analysis
- Support ongoing mixed methods research projects
- Review, organize, and analyze publicly available datasets
- Observe and take notes during interviews and focus groups
- Build skills in applied research, written communication, and systemic analysis
Partnership support
- Attend and take notes at coalition and partner organization meetings
- Build verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Gain awareness about network of criminal legal system advocacy organizations and how data can support advocacy goals
Advocacy
- Prepare data to inform public policy advocacy
- Build persuasive advocacy and communications skills
- Gain knowledge about successful advocacy arguments and responses at a quick pace
Administrative
- Provide support for planned events and other related responsibilities that may arise
- Assist with scheduling meetings with internal and external partners
- Gain experience in routine, professional responsibilities
What qualifications are we looking for?
- Currently enrolled in graduate school in a public health or social science program (e.g., epidemiology, sociology, political science, etc.)
- Interest in applied social justice research, particularly to advance policy reform and advocacy
- Ability to show initiative, ask questions, and adapt to changing priorities
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
- A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds
- Familiarity with analyzing quantitative datasets to produce descriptive statistics
- Familiarity with collecting and/or analyzing qualitative data to identify themes
Preferred:
- Demonstrated connection to Louisiana, New Orleans, or the Deep South
- Willingness to travel to Baton Rouge on occasion
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you’ll bring:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
- Quantitative analysis software (e.g., SQL, R, SPSS, SAS, Stata, etc)
- Quantitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, Dedoose, etc)
- Valid Driver’s License
Location:
Please note this role will report to our New Orleans, LA office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.
Schedule:
The intern should be available to 10 - 20 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between September 1, 2025 and December 12, 2025, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.
Compensation:
This opportunity is unpaid. However, Vera Louisiana will certify hours and projects completed so that the intern can apply the experience toward course credit and/or internship/practicum requirements for graduation.
How to apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / Fall 2025 - Vera Louisiana - Research Intern
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
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, please visit www.vera.org.
