Job Title: Policy and Storytelling Associate

PVN ID: HC-2501-006647

Category: Research

Location: HUNTER COLLEGE

Job Description

General Description

The Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging at Hunter College is seeking a motivated and skilled Policy and Storytelling Associate to support our work advocating for formerly incarcerated older adults returning to their communities. This role combines qualitative research, multimedia storytelling, and policy advocacy to highlight and address the systemic barriers to successful reentry.

The Policy and Storytelling Associate will play a key role in conducting in-depth interviews, crafting compelling narratives, and creating impactful multimedia content to engage journalists, policymakers, and community leaders. Working closely with community partners, this position focuses on advancing Brookdale’s policy agenda to improve reentry outcomes and promote age-friendly policies. We welcome applicants with past incarceration history who are passionate about making a difference.

Other Duties

Key Responsibilities

Research and Information Gathering

Conduct in-depth interviews with older adults returning to the community, gathering qualitative data on their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Collect and organize information from published studies related to the various dimensions of aging (financial, physical, social, spiritual, cognitive, emotional) within the context of reentry.

Storytelling and Narrative Building

Lead the co-production of multimedia content, such as compelling videos and digital stories, to humanize the issues and increase visibility of the challenges faced by older adults coming out of prison. We are particularly interested in creating content that captures the attention of journalists and policy influencers.

Document and highlight effective interventions and collaborations among reentry service organizations.

Coordinate with community partners to share success stories and advocate collectively for systemic change.

Assist in producing written content such as reports, op-eds, white papers, issue briefs, and letters to policymakers to tell the stories of older adults navigating reentry.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or higher in journalism, public policy, social work, sociology, gerontology, criminal justice, or a related field. Equivalent experience in relevant areas is also considered.

At least 1-3 years of experience in qualitative research, multimedia storytelling, policy advocacy, or related work.

Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations, such as formerly incarcerated individuals or older adults, is highly valued.

Past incarceration history is welcomed, with a passion for advocating for reentry justice.

Skills

Research and Analytical Skills

Proficiency in conducting in-depth qualitative interviews and synthesizing findings into actionable insights.

Familiarity with the systemic challenges faced by older adults in reentry, including barriers related to housing, healthcare, employment, and social integration.

Storytelling and Communication

Exceptional storytelling skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including policymakers, journalists, and community members.

Experience producing multimedia content, such as videos, digital stories, and other visual media.

Strong writing skills to create engaging reports, op-eds, issue briefs, and other advocacy materials.

Advocacy and Collaboration

A demonstrated ability to collaborate with community partners, service providers, and other stakeholders to amplify voices and advocate for systemic change.

Knowledge of advocacy strategies and an understanding of how storytelling can be used as a tool for policy influence.

Technical and Creative Proficiency

Proficiency in content creation tools (e.g., video editing software, graphic design platforms) is highly desirable.

Comfortable using standard productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and social media platforms for outreach and engagement.

Personal Attributes

Strong interpersonal skills and empathy, with the ability to build trust and connect with individuals sharing personal stories.

A deep commitment to equity, social justice, and improving outcomes for older adults reentering society.

Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Considerations

Experience working with or within reentry programs, criminal justice organizations, or aging services is a significant plus.

Understanding of the policy landscape related to reentry, incarceration, and aging is preferred.

Bilingual abilities or cultural competence to engage with diverse communities effectively.

Additional Information

The Policy and Storytelling Associate will be employed by the Research Foundation of CUNY (RFCUNY) and will work with the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging.

Compensation and Duration

The position will pay $40 per hour for an average of 15 hours of work per week. The temporary position is expected to last 9 months, with an estimated start at the beginning of February and lasting to the end of October 2025.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume or CV . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RFCUNY Benefits RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

About the Research Foundation

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) was established as a not-for-profit educational corporation chartered by the State of New York in 1963. RFCUNY supports CUNY faculty and staff in identifying and obtaining external support (pre-award) from government and private sponsors and is responsible for the administration of all such funded programs (post-award).

RFCUNY stands between CUNY’s principal investigators (PIs) and the sponsors who support them and strives to fulfill its essential responsibilities to both groups. Working closely with individual PIs and Grants Officers on the campuses, RFCUNY oversees employment, accounting, audit, reporting, purchasing, and special responsibilities that include management of a planned giving program; liaison with governmental agencies and foundations; negotiation of agreements; facility construction and renovation; protection and commercialization of intellectual property; and compliance with applicable standards in research involving human subjects, animal care, environmental and radiological safety, and conflicts of interest.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Key Features

Department Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging

Status Part Time

Pay Range $40.00-$40.00

Hour(s) a week 15.00

Closing Date Mar 02, 2025 (Or Until Filled)

Bargaining Unit No

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