Drug Policy Alliance
Research Associate
The Department of Research and Academic Engagement (DRAE) works to bridge the divide between research and effective drug policies. We provide research support to our policy colleagues to ensure that we're promoting the most evidence-based policies; we mobilize academics to engage in policy advocacy and speak with the media; we work with academics to transform the drug research landscape by conducting policy-relevant research; and we host events where we platform the latest drug policy data and research. The Research Associate will help advance DRAE's work in supporting scholars in doing advocacy, convening experts from a range of disciplines to inform the field, and strengthening DPA's use of research and scholarship in developing and advancing its policy positions. Responsibilities include research, analysis, and writing; outreach and relationship building; event planning; tracking and disseminating research; and administrative support to the DRAE team. Key responsibilities include: Providing administrative support to DRAE (approximately 30% of the position). Analyzing and tracking drug policy research, responding to research requests from DPA staff and external partners, and working with the DRAE team to develop systems for synthesizing and disseminating research to DPA staff and partners. Working with the DRAE team and other staff to plan, coordinate, and host in-person and virtual meetings, conferences, and events. Developing materials for policymakers, community partners, staff, and the press, including issue briefs and research summaries. Collaborating with the Managing Director, other staff, and scholars to develop and implement new projects. Managing outreach and building relationships with researchers and scholars. Other duties as assigned. Skills and experience: Passion: Strong commitment to DPA's mission to end the war on drugs. Embrace harm reduction as a core value and principle of substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice. Experience: A bachelor's degree and at least two years' experience in research or a master's degree. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively
including exemplary writing skills and the ability to translate complex, scientific information, and research into easily accessible formats. Direct experience with drug policy, criminal legal reform, or harm reduction preferred. Skills: Excellent research and analysis skills. Ability to work collaboratively on a team and on group projects. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects on different timelines. Strong written and oral communication skills Ability to organize and prioritize among multiple projects in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Excellent attention to detail and ability to operate as a self-starter. Creating and maintaining relationships with diverse partners, including academics and researchers, community-based organizations, advocacy organizations, and people directly impacted by criminalization. High degree of proficiency with standard office applications such as Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Google workplace as well as social media platforms, such as X. Knowledge of Salesforce a plus. Outstanding interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor. A clear interest in evidence-based drug policy and for helping build a movement for equity, justice, and human rights. Familiarity with drug policy and a commitment to harm reduction philosophy and racial Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual salary range for this position is $65k to $69k, depending on the level of experience. Benefits for DPA staff include comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision), 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year, paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays. Location: This position is based in New York City. Some travel is required. Hours: Full-time, hybrid (2 days per week in person, 3 days per week remote), Mondays through Fridays, 10am to 6pm ET How to Apply: To apply, please submit the following: Your resume A letter of interest outlining how your qualifications meet the requirements. Equal Opportunity: Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.
The Department of Research and Academic Engagement (DRAE) works to bridge the divide between research and effective drug policies. We provide research support to our policy colleagues to ensure that we're promoting the most evidence-based policies; we mobilize academics to engage in policy advocacy and speak with the media; we work with academics to transform the drug research landscape by conducting policy-relevant research; and we host events where we platform the latest drug policy data and research. The Research Associate will help advance DRAE's work in supporting scholars in doing advocacy, convening experts from a range of disciplines to inform the field, and strengthening DPA's use of research and scholarship in developing and advancing its policy positions. Responsibilities include research, analysis, and writing; outreach and relationship building; event planning; tracking and disseminating research; and administrative support to the DRAE team. Key responsibilities include: Providing administrative support to DRAE (approximately 30% of the position). Analyzing and tracking drug policy research, responding to research requests from DPA staff and external partners, and working with the DRAE team to develop systems for synthesizing and disseminating research to DPA staff and partners. Working with the DRAE team and other staff to plan, coordinate, and host in-person and virtual meetings, conferences, and events. Developing materials for policymakers, community partners, staff, and the press, including issue briefs and research summaries. Collaborating with the Managing Director, other staff, and scholars to develop and implement new projects. Managing outreach and building relationships with researchers and scholars. Other duties as assigned. Skills and experience: Passion: Strong commitment to DPA's mission to end the war on drugs. Embrace harm reduction as a core value and principle of substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice. Experience: A bachelor's degree and at least two years' experience in research or a master's degree. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively
including exemplary writing skills and the ability to translate complex, scientific information, and research into easily accessible formats. Direct experience with drug policy, criminal legal reform, or harm reduction preferred. Skills: Excellent research and analysis skills. Ability to work collaboratively on a team and on group projects. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects on different timelines. Strong written and oral communication skills Ability to organize and prioritize among multiple projects in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Excellent attention to detail and ability to operate as a self-starter. Creating and maintaining relationships with diverse partners, including academics and researchers, community-based organizations, advocacy organizations, and people directly impacted by criminalization. High degree of proficiency with standard office applications such as Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Google workplace as well as social media platforms, such as X. Knowledge of Salesforce a plus. Outstanding interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor. A clear interest in evidence-based drug policy and for helping build a movement for equity, justice, and human rights. Familiarity with drug policy and a commitment to harm reduction philosophy and racial Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual salary range for this position is $65k to $69k, depending on the level of experience. Benefits for DPA staff include comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision), 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year, paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays. Location: This position is based in New York City. Some travel is required. Hours: Full-time, hybrid (2 days per week in person, 3 days per week remote), Mondays through Fridays, 10am to 6pm ET How to Apply: To apply, please submit the following: Your resume A letter of interest outlining how your qualifications meet the requirements. Equal Opportunity: Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.