Senior Policy Analyst – Economic Mobility

The Council of State Governments Justice Center

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:

1. Break the cycle of incarceration.
2. Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
3. 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:

Senior Policy Analyst

The senior policy analyst will be part of a team that works on initiatives to support economic mobility for people with criminal records. The senior policy analyst will work on multiple projects, focusing primarily on providing technical assistance to federal grantees that are implementing reentry programs to improve education and employment outcomes for people leaving prisons and jails. This includes offering guidance and facilitating discussions with criminal justice agencies, nonprofits, and reentry service providers as they develop and implement educational, workforce development, and subsidized employment programs. The senior policy analyst may also work on policy initiatives to address collateral consequences and remove barriers to opportunities, as well as develop resources that share knowledge learned through technical assistance with the field at large.

What you’ll do:

Specific responsibilities of the senior policy analyst include the following:

1. Provide technical assistance to state, local, and Tribal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and service providers implementing reentry programs to improve education and employment outcomes, including leading monthly phone or video conference calls, facilitating virtual group learning sessions, and serving as a resource for guidance as needed between scheduled calls.
2. Provide on-site technical assistance (or site visits) when needed, including planning agendas, coordinating site visits among senior staff and consultants, or meeting with stakeholders independently.
3. Develop reports and resources – including policy briefs, research memos, presentations, and other policy tools – that concisely and clearly describe programmatic activities, challenges, innovations, and lessons for the field to policymakers, practitioners, and funders.
4. Coordinate and participate in webinars, conferences, and training events on criminal justice reform and improving reentry policy and practice with government officials, advocates, funders, and national experts.
5. Collaborate with senior staff to develop long-range strategies to guide the CSG Justice Center’s reentry and economic mobility work.
6. Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas.
7. Identify and engage new contacts in the field to serve as formal or informal project consultants or partners.
8. 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.
9. Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings.

What you’ll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• 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
• At least five years of technical assistance, project management, and policy analysis experience and/or education equivalency in the fields of criminal justice, reentry education, workforce development, public policy, public administration, nonprofit management, business, or law
• Knowledge of education and workforce development policies and programs for people on correctional or community supervision
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and an analytical mind
• Demonstrated success in engagement, facilitation, and relationship management
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and an ability to work both independently and with teams
• Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently, manage multiple deadlines, and take initiative
• Willingness to travel when needed, up to two times per month, to deliver technical assistance in states across the country (in accordance with federal and state COVID-19-related guidance)
• 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.

How you apply:

If you’re interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant 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 $67,900 – $98,280. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $67,900. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

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.