The Leitner Center for International Law and Justice at Fordham Law School (“Leitner Center”) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic full-time Program Assistant at its office in New York City to begin in June or July 2020.
The Leitner Center aims to contribute to the promotion of social justice around the world by encouraging knowledge of and respect for international law and international human rights standards in particular. The Center pursues this goal by sponsoring education, scholarship, and human rights advocacy, and facilitating collaboration among law students, scholars, and human rights defenders in the United States and abroad.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Assistant will report and provide support to the Executive Director of the Leitner Center, the Director of Special Projects at the Leitner Center, and the Director of the Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic at Fordham Law School. The Program Assistant will:
- Provide comprehensive day-to-day administrative support to the Leitner Center faculty and staff including scheduling, travel arrangements, filing, processing applications for student programs and fellowships and responding to requests for information; and
- Reports directly to the Executive Director of the Leitner Center and the Director of the Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic and provides comprehensive support for the Center;
- Research, prepare, edit, format and distribute documents such as memos, news releases, the Center newsletter, reports and web content;
- Provide writing, editing, and Bluebooking support to Center faculty for law review articles, academic journals, and advocacy reports;
- Collaborate with Human Rights Clinic faculty and students on human rights projects in partnership with social justice organizations;
- Plan and coordinate Center events, including speakers, meetings, and film and panel discussions, and provide administrative support to the Leitner Center’s annual Summer Human Rights Institute;
- Assist with donor cultivation and stewardship and provide grants management and finance administrative support, including by recording, processing, and maintaining financial records, as well as preparing materials for fundraising events;
- Serve as a primary point of contact for the Center and systematically track communications and track the status of requests and responses; manage the Center’s social media platforms and maintain its website in conjunction with an external webmaster, and provide design support for the website, promotional materials, reports, and other materials; and
- Other responsibilities as may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as government, international relations, human rights, or social sciences, is required.
Knowledge and Skills: This position calls for a self-starter who can prioritize with minimal supervision and handle numerous tasks simultaneously. The position is well-suited for a smart, motivated, organized recent college/ university graduate with strong internship, office, and/ or research experience. The Leitner Center will be considering the following factors in its search:
- Strong organization skills with meticulous attention to detail;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, and the creativity needed to conduct online research;
- Experience with event planning, community engagement, or organizing desirable;
- Proficiency in computer programs, including MS Office Applications required; experience with QuickBooks, content management programs and contact databases, InDesign, or other design software a plus;
- Native level fluency in English required; knowledge of or fluency in other languages a significant plus;
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team with staff and partners from diverse backgrounds in a positive, collaborative, and inclusive environment;
- Strong initiative and follow-through and the capacity to think creatively and strategically;
- Dedication to the Leitner Center’s mission and a desire to engage intellectually; and
- Verbal, written and interpersonal savvy, with superior judgment at all times; an easy spirit and strong sense of humor.
Additional details: Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits. The position will begin in June or July 2020.
Application instructions: Applicants should send the following documents in a single PDF file to leitnercenter@law.fordham.edu with “Program Assistant Candidate 2020” as the subject of the email:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and work in international human rights, administrative and research experience, and how the position will advance your professional goals;
- A resume / C.V.;
- A writing sample of no more than 10 single-spaced pages, unedited by others;
- An undergraduate transcript. which can be unofficial; and
- Contact information for three references
No calls, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
The Leitner Center for International Law and Justice is actively seeking a diverse applicant pool. Fordham University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
