Policy Analyst, Justice Counts (Remote or Hybrid)

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 over 170 employees based in more than 30 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'll You'll fit in:

Justice Countsis a national, consensus-building initiative designed to help policymakers use criminal justice data to make better decisions that are more timely, less disjointed, and as useful as possible. Our unparalleled coalition of partners and advisors is urging leaders across the country to measure what matters and meet this moment with data-driven decisions. The policy analyst will join the team to achieve Justice Counts participation by 65 percent of all criminal justice agencies across the country. This work involves identifying key contacts, coordinating and conducting outreach, and signing on new states and agencies to adopt Justice Counts. Core responsibilities include deploying organizing strategies to build relationships with criminal justice leaders, implementing strong follow-up and follow-through with local Justice Counts requests for presentations and on-site outreach, and coordinating with other Justice Counts teams to ensure a seamless handoff from the recruitment phase to implementation and data publishing.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the policy analyst include the following:

• Develop and implement outreach and organizing strategies to engage criminal justice leaders in Justice Counts.
• Serve as a point person on a project and provide value to Justice Counts 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 that strengthens the project's external relationships and goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge in policy and fieldwork 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 the criminal justice field or a related field, such as counseling, criminal justice, law, , or social work or experience in political, grassroots, or community organizing campaigns or similar equivalent
• Experience mobilizing target audiences in issue-based or election campaigns or experience in sales
• 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, as well as 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 experience developing agendas for and participating in strategic meetings with key stakeholders
• Willingness to travel frequently (no more than twice a month) to deliver technical assistance on-site in states across the country
• Ability to work remotely with autonomy, understand technology, and be able to 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 the following elements with your application:

1. Resume
2. Response to 3 short answer questions

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 salary range for this position is $65,000- $89,000. 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.