Policy Analyst, SCE (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:

Through our State and Community Engagement program, we regularly connect with state and community leaders about pressing criminal justice challenges. This team is currently prioritizing getting the best data and resources on violent crime, clearance rates, and strategies to solve crime into the hands of state leaders in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as community leaders and advocates. The policy analyst will work as a core team member to provide outreach to our stakeholders and connect them to the many projects and programs at the CSG Justice Center to advance solutions to their specific criminal justice challenges. The policy analyst will be responsible for building relationships with local criminal justice leaders, implementing strong follow-up and follow-through as people respond to outreach and resources, and coordinating with internal policy, research, and communications teams to connect leaders to our programs and projects.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the policy analyst include the following:

• Analyze legislative and administrative policies and make recommendations through policy memos and briefs.
• Serve as a point person on a project and provide value to criminal justice stakeholders across the country.
• Support project deliverables and contribute to the advancements of project objectives.
• Ensure the successful delivery of project timelines, deliverables, monitoring, and cross-team collaboration.
• Prepare and lead meetings with high-level state and local policymakers, funders, practitioners, agency leadership, and federal officials.
• Draft and track internal and external stakeholder updates on project developments.
• May have ownership of some project deliverables or timelines.
• Consistently apply cultural competency and racial equity lens to programmatic work to strengthen the project's external relationships and goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge in policy and field work that provides quality project deliverables.
• Work effectively with relevant project stakeholders, audiences, and funders to advance the project and consistently ensure deliverables meet all requirements.

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
• Three years of work experience and/or equivalent education achievements in criminal justice or a related field, such as counseling, criminal justice, law, psychology, public health, or social work
• Experience working with officials in state or local government across various criminal justice or community systems
• Ability to develop, monitor, and deliver project-based timelines and reports
• Ability to communicate project objectives and the role each internal and external stakeholder plays in the project
• Ability to actively contribute ideas that support relevant project objectives and goals
• Demonstrated experience using knowledge of the criminal or juvenile justice system in policy formulation, analysis, advocacy, practice, research, or the like
• Demonstrated practice of developing agendas for and participating in strategic meetings with key stakeholders
• Willingness to travel frequently to deliver technical assistance on-site in states across the country
• Ability to work remotely with autonomy, understand technology, and communicate across platforms effectively
• 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.)
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and strong critical and strategic thinking
• 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

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload a resume with your application.

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 $65,475- $81,900. 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.

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.