Senior Policy Analyst, Law Enforcement

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:

Working as part of the CSG Justice Center’s Behavioral Health Division and reporting directly to the project manager, the senior policy analyst will be responsible for providing technical assistance focused on police-mental health collaborations to enhance collaboration between behavioral health providers and law enforcement to divert individuals living with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system. The senior policy analyst will also be responsible for coordinating with experts contracted to assist with technical assistance and developing resources for the field. This position offers significant responsibility and an opportunity for growth to an individual seeking to advance a career in criminal justice policy with a focus on behavioral health.

What You’ll Do:

Specific responsibilities of the senior policy analyst include the following:

• Provide technical assistance to behavioral health providers and law enforcement agencies receiving federal grants.
• Coordinate, lead, and document site visits to support federal grantees in meeting their goals.
• Maintain regular communication with grantees and provide guidance and resources to assist them in meeting their program goals.
• Help develop and facilitate grantee training activities, such as webinars and online learning communities.
• Lead the conceptualization and development of written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and presentations, that concisely and clearly describe complex analyses and policy options to policymakers.
• Lead efforts to conceptualize and create technical assistance tools and products, including explanatory guides, planning tools and worksheets, data dashboards, analytic tools, and more.
• Independently monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas.
• Research new funding opportunities, occasionally write sections of grant proposals, draft reports to funders, and serve as a resource to funding agencies.
• Contribute to the development of CSG Justice Center website content and strategize with staff and technical consultants on ways of using the website to promote policy goals.

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 work experience in the fields of substance addiction; mental health; local government, state government, or Tribal nations; criminal justice; or local policy analysis and/or educational equivalency in a related field, such as behavioral health, law, public health, public policy, or social work.
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and strong critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with performance measurement, research/evaluation, and data analysis, particularly related to mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with national police-mental health collaboration models.
• Demonstrated knowledge of criminal justice, behavioral health, and health policy and programs.
• Ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate programs or projects.
• Quick learner with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in multiple settings and sectors.
• Demonstrated success managing relationships with funders and/or external partners.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity and an ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines.
• Willingness to travel several times per year.
• 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 must upload the following elements with your application:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two writing samples (preferably no more than three pages)
• 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.

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.

Learn more here