Senior Policy Analyst, Health Policy (Hybrid or 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:

Working as part of the CSG Justice Center's Behavioral Health Division, the senior policy analyst will lead a portfolio of projects focused on connecting people with health care before, during, and after involvement in the criminal justice system. This position will focus on developing and implementing a variety of technical assistance efforts for states, federal grantees, and others focused on improving connections to care for those involved with the criminal justice system. It will involve working with subject matter experts nationally and leadership within the Behavioral Health Division to develop and pursue strategic opportunities in this space, including coordinating with federal partners, national nonprofits, policymakers, practitioners, and people with direct experience navigating these systems. This will include writing, planning and facilitating conversations, and presenting. In addition, this position will also analyze relevant administrative policy, research, and legislation; coordinate with a team of expert consultants providing technical assistance; and coordinate and participate in politically sensitive meetings with high-ranking local, state, and federal officials, advocates, and other experts across the country. This position offers significant responsibility and an opportunity for growth to an individual seeking to advance a career in criminal justice and/or helath policy with a cross-system, cross-disciplinary focus. Health policy has become a top issue of focus for our federal, state, and local partners, as well as across the CSG Justice Center, and you would be joining our team at an exciting and impactful time.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the senior policy analyst include the following:

• Provide technical assistance to federal grantees, including state and local corrections agencies, law enforcement, courts, community corrections, and state and local health agencies, to develop and implement strategies to connect people to health coverage and care before, during, and after involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Lead efforts to conceptualize and create technical assistance tools and products, including explanatory guides, planning tools and worksheets, data dashboards, analytic tools, and videos.
• Lead the conceptualization and development of written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and web articles, that concisely and clearly describe best practices in the area of connections to health coverage and care to practitioners and policymakers.
• Regularly develop and deliver presentations and peer learning opportunities to the field, including webinars, learning communities, and in-person meetings/conference sessions (when applicable and safe to do so).
• Independently monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas.
• Plan and participate in policy-focused meetings and events with high-ranking government officials, advocates, practitioners, and national experts.
• Research new funding opportunities, occasionally write sections of grant proposals, draft reports to funders, and serve as a resource to funding agencies.
• Stay abreast of new developments in policy and practice at the intersection of health policy, criminal justice, and behavioral health, and share learnings with colleagues on a regular basis.
• Contribute to the development of CSG Justice Center website content and strategize with staff and technical consultants on ways to use the web 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 health policy, mental health/substance addiction, federal, state, or local government, Tribal nations, criminal justice, or public policy analysis and/or educational equivalency in fields such as public policy, public administration, criminal justice, law, public health, or social work
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and strong critical and strategic thinking skills
• Strong working knowledge of key federal health policy, including Medicaid, programs, stakeholders, and best practices, particularly as applicable to working with people with justice system involvement and behavioral health needs
• Familiarity with cross-systems data matching and ability to provide technical assistance in this area is a plus
• Demonstrated knowledge of criminal justice and behavioral health policy and programs
• Ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate programs or projects and develop program and policy solutions that draw on the resources of multiple sectors and stakeholders
• Quick learner with 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, an ability to work independently and in a team setting, and a sense of humor
• Efficient, organized work style, and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines
Willingness to travel, occasionally several times per month

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 with salary expectations
• 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.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

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.