Description

Johnson Justice Fellowship

Johnson Family Foundation (JFF) supports the development of healthy, vibrant, and just communities where individuals, families and the next generation of leaders can thrive. JFF funds programs to improve the health of our environment; promote equality and social progress; and support education and youth.

The purpose of this fellowship is to invest in rising leaders in New York City and to support their careers in public service. Our vision is to cultivate a network of experts, elected officials, and activists who will drive policy change and help improve government so that it better serves the public in New York State.

This is a two-year fellowship that will begin September 2025 and run into September 2027, in person. The program will have three distinct but connected tracks - one fellow in each track - (1) grassroots, (2) policy and advocacy, and (3) electoral. Fellows will receive a salary of $70,000 - $80,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, they will have access to robust networking and support from a mentor.

The application deadline is Monday, April 7, 2025.

About the host organizations:

Riders Alliance (grassroots track) is a grassroots organization led by bus and subway riders from across the city with a shared vision: a public transit system that works for every New Yorker, in every community. We fight for reliable, affordable, world-class public transit to build a more just and sustainable New York. Together, we hold our election officials accountable and take direct action to guarantee that riders have a powerful voice in the decisions that affect us. Since we formed in 2012, Riders Alliance has successfully lobbied for service improvements on bus and subway lines, won the Fair Fares program, which offers discounted fares to low-income New Yorkers, and helped pass the country's first-ever congestion pricing program. Learn more here: https://www.ridersalliance.org/.

New Economy Project (policy/ advocacy track) New Economy Project works with community groups to build an economy that works for all, rooted in cooperation, racial and neighborhood equity, and ecological sustainability. New Economy Project pursues lasting, transformational change by challenging unjust systems and corporations that harm communities and perpetuate inequality, and by advancing policies and democratically controlled institutions that foster economic cooperation and build community wealth.. Learn more here: https://www.neweconomynyc.org/.

New American Leaders (electoral track) believes that a strong democracy is an inclusive democracy. As the only national organization championing New Americans (first- and second-generation Americans and refugees) as crucial participants in the American political system, NAL provides resources that ensure New Americans can run, win, and lead. NAL accomplishes its mission by offering trainings, building partnerships and coalitions, engaging New American elected officials, and researching solutions to create a more inclusive democracy. Learn more here: https://newamericanleaders.org/.

For a sample job description, please go here: www.Jffnd.org/s/Sample-Johnson-Justice-Fellowship-Job-Description.pdf

Qualifications: We are seeking three individuals (one fellow per track) who excel at building relationships, are adaptable, and can navigate dynamic work environments. As a fellow, you will be part of a broad network of movement work in New York City. We are particularly looking for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to social justice in New York City, a strong equity lens, and the ability to engage in courageous conversations. The ideal candidates will be self-motivated, capable of managing time effectively, and able to see projects through to completion. Additionally, fellows should have at least three years of experience in the social justice sector or equivalent graduate level experience.

All applicants should have a deep understanding of the diverse communities, challenges, and opportunities that shape New York City's social and political landscape.

Please note: A portion of your time during the fellowship will be dedicated to a project that supports the organization you are placed with. The project is expected to evolve over time as your work progresses.

New American Leaders (electoral track): NAL is seeking a fellow to join a growing program team and support our regional and national initiatives. The Fellow will be responsible for assisting in planning local and national trainings, conducting state specific political and electoral background research, recruiting community leaders to run for office, and supporting NAL in candidate and alumni development. The Fellow will also help support regional programming with a focus on existing partnerships and future initiatives.

Commitment to serving immigrant communities and building a multiracial democracy; possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to the needs of undocumented and under-documented communities.
A working knowledge of political landscape, history of working in diverse settings, including low-income communities and communities of color.
Bachelor's degree of a minimum of 3-5 years of campaign and/or political organizing experience working with campaigns and/or progressive politics.
Strong leadership presence and persuasive communication skills, particularly in public speaking.
Self-motivated individuals skilled at managing time effectively and driving projects forward independently. Strong ability to prioritize, organize, and track multiple tasks and projects into accountable steps, and ensure accountability, timely follow-through, and adaptability to shifting priorities.
Meticulous attention to detail; strong record-keeping skills with a focus on accurate documentation, regular follow-up, and consistent follow-through to ensure progress and completion.
Effective people skills: ability to quickly build relationships, to listen to and persuade people, and to engage effectively around a common goal.

Riders Alliance (grassroots track): Riders Alliance is seeking a fellow to join our team of seasoned organizers to help expand our grassroots base building and member leadership development. The fellow will work directly in communities most reliant on public transit to engage transit riders in our campaigns for more affordable, reliable, and accessible buses and subways. Working closely with our organizing team, the fellow will be responsible for supporting the growth of our leader recruitment and engagement program, including ongoing trainings, community meetings, and designing new creative ways to engage riders in the fight for better public transit.

Minimum of 3 years in grassroots organizing where you have demonstrated success in developing leadership, and recruiting/ retaining members.
Excellent people skills: ability to quickly build relationships, to listen to and persuade people, and to engage people effectively around a common goal.
A record of organizing in diverse settings, including low-income communities and communities of color.
A strong leadership presence, persuasive communication skills, excellence in public speaking.
Willingness to travel to neighborhoods in all boroughs of New York City.
Familiarity with communities in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx and/or lived experience as a Brooklyn, Queens or Bronx transit rider.

New Economy Project (policy/ advocacy track): New Economy Project seeks a fellow to contribute to cutting-edge campaigns focused on advancing community land trusts, public banking, and other initiatives that address New York's affordability and inequality crises. The Fellow will work with New Economy Project's campaign organizers and coalition allies to advocate for state and local policies and public investment in NYC's growing cooperative economy. The Fellow will gain hands-on experience organizing rallies, press conferences, and community actions; conducting legislative briefings and meeting one-on-one with policymakers; developing community education and organizing materials; drafting op-eds, case studies, and policy briefs; and more.

A minimum of three years of experience related to organizing and/or advocacy, with a track record of success.
Demonstrated commitment to working for racial, economic and gender justice in New York City, and to building power of poor and working people.
Ability to work effectively with people across racial, gender, class and other identities.
Excellent writing and public speaking skills.
Excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Fluency in Spanish a plus.

If you read through this and are unsure if you meet all of the qualifications, we still encourage you to apply!

LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: https://www.jffnd.org/justicefellowship