Work Location: Anaheim, Sacramento, San Diego, or San Jose, Ca

Term: Temporary for one year from start date, Part-time (up to 29 hours per week).

Position Status: Non-exempt

Pay Range: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour commensurate with skills and experience

Reports to: Justice Reinvestment, Associate Manager

Requirements: Must have access to reliable transportation

Benefits: 40 sick/personal hours per calendar year, company-matched retirement plan, may qualify for paid holidays. Hybrid schedule is utilized temporarily.

About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations of California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.

About the Role:

The California chapter of CAIR (CAIR-CA) is looking for a passionate and talented individual to fill the Justice Reinvestment Research Fellow position. This position will work with the Justice Reinvestment, Associate Manager and with policy and advocacy staff across the state.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establishing CAIR-CA's Justice Reinvestment initiatives: Develop CAIR-CA's Justice Reinvestment Framework, working with all four CAIR-CA offices to identify and further establish regional advocacy efforts that support community needs and priorities, including safety, while avoiding discriminatory, Islamophobic, or securitized notions of the Muslim community.
• Institutionalizing knowledge of past campaigns: Work with the four CAIR-CA offices to document past campaigns challenging the securitization of Muslim communities by law enforcement to inform future policy, advocacy and coalition building priorities.
• Data collection and analysis: Identify the diverse needs and priorities of California's Muslim and AMEMSA community through data collection, analysis, research, and collaboration w. CAIR-CA's four offices to inform our JR policy work and framework.
• Budget analysis: Conduct statewide budget analysis to identify budget advocacy opportunities in programs that address the root causes of AMEMSA community needs through care-based support.
• Research and writing: Research and detail current law enforcement policies, programs and practices in the Greater Los Angeles, Sacramento, Central California, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area and statewide that use taxpayer funding to the detriment of the Muslim community in California.
• Draft reports: Summarize research in internal and public-facing reports and updates for various stakeholders including community partners, lawmakers, and allies.
• Collaborate with CAIR-CA's policy departments to develop legislative priorities: Work closely with statewide policy committee to identify statewide strategies and campaign goals to reach positive political outcomes on issues of justice reinvestment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in public policy, public administration, or the social sciences preferred. May also be a current graduate student in the aforementioned areas. Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties will also be considered;
• 2-3 years of experience in civil rights and social justice, public policy, community-based policy advocacy, and/or organizing;
• Demonstrated experience conducting and interpreting public policy research, including qualitative and/or quantitative research design, analysis, and writing on racial and economic justice public policy issues;
• Familiarity, knowledge or experience working with the American Muslim community on issues of policy or targeted outreach is required;
• Ability to conduct landscape analyses to identify federal and state policies and programs that negatively impact targeted groups;
• Occasional travel to regional offices and/or to meet with community members;
• Passion for CAIR-CA's mission and values;
• Growth mindset and ability to receive constructive feedback;
• Self-starting with an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Excellent personal accountability and follow-through;
• Can meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment;
• Funding for this position is available through June 2025 with potential for extension based on contract renewal and funding availability.

TO APPLY:  Submit cover letter, updated resume, writing sample, and three references.

CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.