Coordinator, School to Prison Pipeline Project

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is one of the nation's foremost defenders of civil liberties and civil rights. Founded in 1951 as the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the NYCLU is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization with eight offices and 48,000 members statewide.

The NYCLU seeks to hire a coordinator for the organization’s project on combating the School to Prison Pipeline. The School to Prison Pipeline describes a nationwide system of local, state and federal education and public safety policies that push students out of schools and into the criminal justice system. This system disproportionately impacts youth of color and youth with disabilities, especially through overpolicing of schools and overly harsh disciplinary policies.

The project coordinator will be based in our New York City office and will report to the NYCLU Advocacy Director.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Assist in coordination of the NYCLU’s organizing, policy and legislative work to reform education policy and end the overpolicing of New York City schools.
• Coordinate the work of the Student Safety Coalition, which is comprised of legal, policy, community based and academic organizations dedicated to ending the overpolicing of schools.
• Draft public education materials, such as reports and toolkits, on the School to Prison Pipeline.
• Conduct extensive public education, including “know your rights” presentations, on the School to Prison Pipeline.
• Lobby lawmakers and public officials.
• Strategize ways to mobilize NYCLU members and supporters to fight the School to Prison Pipeline.
• Organize public education events such as community forums, public hearings, news conferences, panel discussions, and trainings.
• Respond to requests for support and information from NYCLU chapters and the public.
• Coordinate youth-oriented projects and youth outreach efforts on the School to Prison Pipeline.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications:

• A passion for civil liberties and a commitment to organizing.
• A profound and well-articulated commitment to racial justice, education reform and police accountability.
• At least one year experience working with advocacy groups or community organizations on racial or social justice issues, or experience working in a school.
• Excellent writing, research and communication skills.
• Strong team-building and organizing skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs.
• Strong cultural competency.

How to Apply:

Applicants should email a cover letter (with salary requirements), resume, and writing samples by email to jobs@nyclu.org with “STPP Coordinator” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

The NYCLU is proud to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.