Voting Rights Analyst
The Office of the New York State Attorney General is seeking a candidate with experience or interest in voting rights for a Voting Rights Analyst position in the Civil Rights Bureau. The role involves supporting preclearance reviews, investigations, and policy analysis to enforce the New York Voting Rights Act and protect against discrimination.
Responsibilities
- Collecting and analyzing complex facts and data on an expedited timeline to assess impacts to voters and communities
- Assisting with the intake of information from various channels including complaints, tips, referrals, independent research, and news and social media
- Completing field work, including canvassing for witnesses, scheduling and conducting witness interviews, and traveling to where misconduct may have occurred to obtain evidence
- Working collaboratively with VRS attorneys, data scientists, analysts, third-party experts, and other partners
- Managing a caseload of active investigations, both independently and in coordination with VRS attorneys
- Creating and maintaining databases and constructing complex database queries
- Developing, reviewing, and editing investigative plans and reports
- Discussing findings and recommendations with the Voting Rights Section Chief and VRS attorneys
- Processing documents to be turned over during discovery or in response to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests and preparing demonstrative exhibits
- Independently preparing responses to inquiries from a variety of stakeholders, including state and local government officials and community organizations, regarding the New York Voting Rights Act and OAG’s voting rights work generally
- Fostering productive relationships with community organizations, public officials, state and local agencies, and other stakeholders
- Attending and coordinating meetings, visits, and other outreach events
- Preparing fact sheets, talking points, educational resources, presentations, and other materials
- Remaining current on local and national news and state and federal legislation relating to voting rights and racial justice, including flagging emerging trends and issues for VRS staff
- Coordinating, as needed, with OAG’s Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Policy & Legislative teams to provide information and support for related priorities, initiatives, and outreach strategies
Skills
- A bachelor's degree is required
- Familiarity with public policy, racial justice, or voting rights through either work experience or course study
- Knowledge of database concepts and proficiency at maintaining and querying databases
- Excellent research, analytic, organization, communication (verbal and written), and presentation skills
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and self-directed with effective time management skills
- Adept at learning and assimilating new and complex information
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with all levels of OAG staff and external partners/stakeholders
- Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Westlaw, Lexis/Nexis, or similar research databases, conducting strategic internet searches, preserving webpages, and using presentation software such as PowerPoint
- Prior work experience with New York government or state or federal courts
- A connection to the organizations and coalitions currently working on voting rights and civil rights-related issues
- Data visualization and data analytic skills
- Prior experience using e-discovery platforms
- Proficiency in languages other than English
Benefits
- A comprehensive New York state benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, and family-friendly policies
- A robust Workplace Flexibilities Program with multiple options for employees, including telecommuting (up to two days per week) and alternative work schedules
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