The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization located in four cities across the country with over 100 employees. We combine the power of a membership association, representing state officials in all three branches of government, with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities. Together, we achieve results by:

• Bringing people together from both sides of the aisle to foster collaboration,
• Driving the criminal justice field forward with original research,
• Providing expert assistance to translate the latest research into policy and practice, and
• Building momentum for policy change at the state and local level.

Our staff have decades of experience in criminal justice, mental health and substance addiction, corrections and reentry, finance, workforce development, media, and more. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. But what bonds us together is a shared commitment to our vision and mission, to a common set of values, and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

WHAT WE’RE DOING:

We are helping state policymakers across the country reduce spending on corrections and reinvest in strategies that reduce recidivism and increase public safety. Through our Justice Reinvestment program, we have helped nearly 30 states use data to unpack what’s driving trends in systems of safety and justice. We help policymakers then use that data to design and implement historic reforms that address pressing criminal justice challenges, and result in millions being reinvested in reducing recidivism and expanding community-based services and supports.

HOW YOU’LL FIT IN:

The Policy Analyst will lead a project team to deliver on-site, intensive technical assistance to deliver visionary and impactful change to state criminal justice systems. From identifying a state’s unique criminal justice challenges to passing significant reforms, the policy analyst position offers a significant level of responsibility and opportunity for impacting criminal justice policies and outcomes. Daily responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate all activities related to technical assistance delivery, including providing project support to senior staff and/or consultants, organizing and executing site visits and other external engagement work, and monitoring and communicating project progress to internal leadership, external stakeholders and project funders;
• Develop written products, including presentations, policy briefs, and research memos that concisely and clearly describe complex analyses and policy options to policymakers;
• Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings;
• Collaborate with senior staff to develop long range strategies to guide the CSG Justice Center’s Justice Reinvestment work;
• Monitor timelines, deliverables, and budgets to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas;
• Plan and participate in policy-focused meetings of high-ranking government officials, advocates, and national experts, and track all follow-up actions;
• 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 for the advancement of project goals; and
• Develop and expand a knowledge base on criminal justice system dynamics, prison population projections, and probation, parole, and corrections best practices in general and within the specifics of a particular project and apply that learning to project planning and recommendations. 

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with a diverse array of people from outside organizations;
• Excellent project management skills that demonstrate an efficient and organized work style, strong multi-tasking, an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines;
• An analytical mind and strong critical thinking skills;
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills;
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise way and to proactively and collaboratively communicate across teammates, to funders, external stakeholders and internal leadership;
• Willingness to travel, occasionally several times per month.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

At least 4 years of work experience in any of the following:

• Researching, analyzing, writing, or administering public policy;
• Technical/content expertise through work with legislatures and high-ranking government officials.
• Analyzing and using data to drive systems change

Work experience specifically in criminal justice, mental health, policy analysis or related discipline preferred.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree is required; a graduate degree is preferred.

HOW YOU APPLY:

If you’re interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application (incomplete applications will not be considered):

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Two writing samples (preferably no more than three pages), or one writing sample and one presentation deck (preferably no more than 5 slides)
4. Names and contact information for references (at least two)

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled)

CSG participates in E-Verify

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1074491-17899

Details at a glance

• On-site Location
• Full Time Schedule
• 4-Year Degree Required
• Professional

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life, Paid Holidays, Paid Personal Time, Paid Sick Time, Paid Parental Leave

How to Apply

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1074491-17899

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1074491-17899

Read less about how to apply

Location

New York, NY