Fall 2024 Policy Clerk (Remote)
Position
National Center for Youth Law
The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) works to amplify youth power, dismantle racism and other structural inequities, and build just policies, practices, and culture in support of young people. Our efforts employ research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy strategies to advance justice in a way that fundamentally transforms our nation's approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every young person thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves.
The Work
The goal of the policy strategy work at NCYL is to facilitate strategic and coordinated legislation and policy initiatives, with internal and external stakeholders, and align with NCYL priorities among and across all NCYL teams (Child Welfare, Compassionate Systems, Collaborative Responses to Sexual Exploitation, Education, Health, Immigration, Justice and Equity, Youth Justice). This work is responsive to teams’ needs and requires a variety of approaches such as research, data analysis and collection, collaboration on strategic communications, and developing youth engagement.
Position
NCYL seeks one (1) policy-focused graduate student volunteer to support NCYL’s Policy Strategy function during fall 2024 on projects impacting historically marginalized children and youth.
Essential Functions
Research novel issues within youth law and policy
Analyze and interpret data related to youth systems
Develop, collect, and disseminate policy briefs and other resources to state and local stakeholders
Support legislative policy and/or budget campaigns
Participate in state and local coalitions and provide technical assistance to community partners
Collect and organize internal campaign information to build institutional knowledge
Track and analyze legislative trends
Support advancing policy initiatives across teams
Research novel issues within youth law and policy
Analyze and interpret data related to youth systems
Qualifications
Current graduate student, second year of graduate school or beyond
Ability to commit a minimum of 15 hours per week from approximately September through December 2024
Demonstrated understanding of NCYL’s mission and commitment to advocating for children and youth
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
At least one year of experience with and/or exposure to at least one of the following: communities of color; low-income communities; child- or youth-centered activities
Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete multiple projects
Excellent communication skills
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Location and Pay
This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers will be able to work remotely. As fall 2024 approaches, NCYL will continue to evaluate whether clerks can complete any portion of the clerkship in person.
How To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or until June 3, 2024. Applicants must submit the following:
Résumé (not including GPA);
Cover letter describing your particular interest in working for NCYL and commitment to NCYL’s mission; and
5–7-page writing sample of primary authorship that demonstrates policy or legislative analytical skills.
All students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The National Center for Youth Law is committed to bringing on clerks who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of our clients. Applicants who meet the above criteria with lived experience within any of our practice areas, including Black, Indigenous, or other people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply.
It is the policy of NCYL to provide equal employment opportunities to all Applicants (including Employees) regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classifications under federal, state, or local law.
NCYL’s Policy Strategy Function
The goal of the policy strategy work at NCYL is to facilitate strategic and coordinated legislation and policy initiatives, with internal and external stakeholders, and align with NCYL priorities among and across all NCYL teams.
