Program & Research Associate

Location: Queens, New York (In Person)

Position: Part-Time

Hours: 20 hours per week

Salary Range: $23,000 - $26,000 annually

Reports to: Senior Development & Research Coordinator 

About Adhikaar

Adhikaar, meaning “rights” in Nepali, is a women-led community and workers’ center based in Queens, New York. We provide direct services and organize low-income Nepali-speaking communities from South and Southeast Asia (Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tibet), and other impacted communities, to advance social justice and human rights.

Founded by working-class immigrant women, Adhikaar is rooted in grassroots leadership, collective action, and building community power. For over 20 years, we have been a trusted home (“maiti ghar”) for our community, supporting workers, advancing dignity, and fighting for systemic change.

Position Summary

The Program & Research Associate is a core member of Adhikaar’s team, supporting community-based Youth and Civic Engagement programs that build political education, leadership, and collective action among immigrant communities. This role is deeply relational and hands-on, combining program coordination, member outreach, storytelling, and data tracking to ensure our work is responsive, accountable, and impactful.

The ideal candidate is grounded in immigrant community experiences, highly organized, and motivated by movement-building. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced, grassroots environment and understand that strong systems, clear communication, and care for the community are essential to sustaining long-term change.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination & Community Engagement

• Support planning, coordination, and implementation of Youth and Civic Engagement programs rooted in political education and leadership development.

• Prepare agendas, materials, and logistics for meetings, training, and community gatherings; facilitate sessions when appropriate.

• Conduct consistent phone banking and follow-ups to maintain strong relationships with members and stay responsive to community needs.

• Provide in-person program support, including weekends (especially Sundays).

• Participate in coalitions, partnerships, and community spaces with integrity and accountability.

Storytelling, Communications & Movement Narrative

• Support the development of program materials, including flyers, short videos, graphics, and reports that reflect community's voice and dignity.

• Collect member stories, testimonials, photos, and videos, including translation and interpretation support when needed.

• Assist with content creation for social media, website updates, and public-facing communications that uplift community leadership.

• Support communications and documentation during live and virtual events.

Data, Learning & Accountability

• Collect, organize, and track program data for internal learning, evaluation, and funder reporting.

• Support monthly and quarterly program reports and deliverables tracking.

• Assist with story-based reporting that connects quantitative data to lived experience.

• Conduct donor research and prospecting.

• Provide administrative and programmatic support as needed to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

Required

• Deep alignment with Adhikaar’s mission, values, and immigrant-led, community-centered approach.

• Strong understanding of immigrant, working-class, and/or youth experiences in the U.S.

• Awareness of the current political and social landscape impacting immigrant communities.

• At least 1 year of experience in community organizing, grassroots nonprofits, or service-based work (volunteer experience welcomed).

• Strong communication, coordination, and follow-through skills.

• Ability to work independently while being accountable to a collective team process.

• Comfort working in-person with diverse immigrant communities.

• Proficiency in Google Drive, Canva, and basic digital tools for documentation and reporting.

• Must be 18 years or older.

• Must be eligible to work in the US.

Preferred

• Bilingual in Nepali and English.

• Additional language skills (Tibetan or Indigenous languages from the Nepali diaspora).

• Experience with data tracking, spreadsheets, or basic database systems.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and community-centered digital storytelling.

• Experience working in immigrant-led or worker-centered organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

Adhikaar offers a competitive and values-driven compensation package designed to support the long-term wellbeing, stability, and sustainability of our staff. The salary range for this role is $23,000 annually. In addition to salary, Adhikaar provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health FSA, commuter benefits, and a retirement plan with employer contribution, as well as statutory benefits including short-term disability. Staff also enjoy generous paid time off, paid holidays, floating holidays for cultural and religious observances, wellness days, sick and safe time, paid parental leave, and bereavement leave. In recognition of the long-term sustainability required for movement work, Adhikaar also offers sabbatical eligibility after long-term service, as well as professional development support and a phone reimbursement and commuter stipend. Our benefits reflect our belief that people doing justice-centered work deserve dignity, care, and the ability to build both meaningful careers and full lives.

Commitment to Equity

Adhikaar is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from working-class backgrounds. Lived experience is highly valued.

Application Process

To apply, send your resume with a cover letter with the subject: Program & Research Associate 2026 to hr@adhikaar.org  We are accepting applications on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of February 22, 2026.  The interview process will include at least one round of interview and reference checks. 

Resumes without cover letters will not be accepted. No phone calls, please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please regard your resume as having been received unless your email is bounced back. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.