Policy Analyst Reentry 2030 (Remote)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities.

To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

The policy analyst in the Corrections and Reentry Division will work with a small team focusing on providing guidance and technical assistance to state, Tribal, and local agencies; nonprofits; and reentry service providers as they develop and implement comprehensive policy and practice changes to reduce recidivism. The policy analyst will also work on products, such as guides and webinars, that share knowledge learned through technical assistance with the field at large. The policy analyst will work on multiple projects but primarily on Reentry 2030, a national initiative to unite leaders across the country-at the state and local levels and across justice, workforce, health, and housing sectors-to improve reentry systems and support reintegration for people leaving prisons and jails or on community supervision. This position will report to the program director for Reentry 2030 in the Corrections and Reentry Division.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the policy analyst include the following:

• Coordinate and participate in fieldwide webinars, conferences, and training events on criminal justice reform and improving reentry policy and practice with government officials, advocates, funders, and national experts.
• Monitor timelines and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas.
• Ensure that senior staff and, where applicable, CSG Justice Center colleagues, consultants, or funders are aware of relevant project developments and that other work in the field is leveraged to advance project goals.
• Develop materials-including policy briefs, research memos, grant reports, presentations, and webpages-that concisely and clearly describe programmatic activities, challenges, innovations, and lessons for the field to policymakers, criminal justice practitioners, and funders.
• Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings.
• Identify new contacts and areas of interest in the field.
• Support and participate in technical assistance to state, Tribal, and local leaders; program administrators; and service providers across the country, including coordinating and researching virtual and in-person meetings, trainings and group learning sessions, and information requests.

What you'll bring:

• Demonstrated knowledge of corrections, community supervision, and community-based reentry practices and criminal justice policy
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and an analytical mind
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and relationship management
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and an ability to work both independently and with teams
• Demonstrated knowledge of health, housing, or economic mobility (including workforce development and education) policy and programs a plus
• At least three years of experience in technical assistance or policy analysis, in combination with work experience in criminal justice or reentry services
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
• Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently, manage multiple deadlines, and take initiative
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel (a cost offset is provided by the CSG Justice Center)
• Experience working on racial equity initiatives a plus
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• Willingness to travel, up to several times per year, to deliver technical assistance in states across the country

How you apply:

Please upload the following elements with your application (incomplete applications will not be considered):

• Cover letter
• Two writing samples, or one writing sample and one presentation deck
• At least three professional references
• Resume

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relative to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The NYC-based salary range for this position is $62,400 - $96,100. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $61,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.