Policy Analyst, Corrections and Reentry

The Council of State Governments Justice Center (CSG Justice Center) is a national nonprofit organization that provides practical, nonpartisan advice and evidence-based, consensus-driven strategies evidence, to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The CSG Justice Center works closely with legislative leaders, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocates, and others to develop consensus on often highly politicized criminal justice issues and to translate this consensus into comprehensive reports, policy briefs, state and federal legislation, model policies, and innovative programs. The CSG Justice Center not only develops written and web-based materials, but also provides on-the-ground technical assistance to policymakers and practitioners from multiple systems (corrections, behavioral health, housing, etc.) in state and local jurisdictions.

JOB TITLE: Policy Analyst, Corrections and Reentry

Department: Justice Center, Corrections and Reentry

Reports to: Corrections Project Manager

Location: Bethesda, MD or New York, NY

FLSA Status: Exempt

Type of Position: Full-time, Regular

Reporting to this Position: Program Assistants/Associates

JOB SUMMARY

The position provides intensive technical assistance to federal grantees engaged in strategies to reform their state and county correctional systems at both the system and programmatic levels. These reforms aim to increase the post-release success of incarcerated individuals and those on community supervision and thereby reduce recidivism and improve public safety. The grantees'state and local correctional agencies and units of government have received funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Second Chance Act of 2007. Awardees fall into one of three grant programs -- Statewide Recidivism Reduction (SRR), Smart Supervision, and Smart Reentry that would be supported by this position.

The position carries a caseload of grantees within one or more of the grant tracks that comprise the NRRC corrections portfolio. He /she works on multiple projects with a small team, and will focus on providing technical assistance'including guidance, feedback, and on-site facilitation'to corrections agencies and reentry service providers as they develop and implement comprehensive plans to reduce recidivism. The position will also work on products such as guides and webinars that share knowledge learned through technical assistance with the field at large.

This work requires navigating management, implementation, and policy challenges associated with statewide and specific jurisdictional system reform in criminal justice and prisoner reentry. The position will be responsible for in-depth analysis of relevant administrative policy, programmatic design and implementation, research, and occasionally, legislation. He or she will provide on-site, intensive technical assistance in state and local jurisdictions, sometimes leading a team of expert consultants; develop administrative policy options and advise agencies about related quality assurance and accountability practices; and coordinate and participate in politically sensitive meetings with high-ranking local, state, and federal officials, advocates, and other experts across the country.

The Policy Analyst position offers a significant level of responsibility and opportunity for an individual with an established career in criminal justice and reentry policy.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participating in technical assistance delivery, initially by supporting senior staff and/or consultants in coordinating, attending, and documenting site visits in jurisdictions across the country and eventually by leading technical assistance site visits;
• Developing written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and presentations that concisely and clearly describe complex analyses and policy options to policymakers;
• Collaborating with senior staff to develop long range strategies to guide the Justice Center's Corrections & Reentry work;
• Working with wide range of stakeholders focused on city/county government, , criminal justice technical assistance efforts;
• Monitoring timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas;
• Researching new funding opportunities and contributing to writing grant proposals;
• Contributing to the development of Justice Center website content and strategizing with staff and technical consultants on ways of using the web to promote policy goals;
• Planning and participating in policy-focused meetings of government officials, advocates, and national experts;
• Identifying and engaging new contacts in the field to serve as formal or informal project consultants or partners;
• Ensuring that senior staff and, where applicable, 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;
• Supervising program assistants and associates where appropriate;
• Participating actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and an analytical mind;
• Experience with performance measurement, research/evaluation, and data analysis;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Corrections & Reentry and criminal justice policy;
• Demonstrated experience in policy formulation, analysis, advocacy, research or the like;
• 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.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

At least four years of work experience in the field of corrections & reentry, local government, criminal justice, justice and/or local policy analysis; some preference for experience working with city or county policymakers.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

A college degree (required) and a graduate degree in a related field, such as law, criminal justice, or public policy (preferred).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently communicates with internal and external coworkers and customers.
• Frequently operates a computer to create policy briefs, memos, and presentations.
• Frequently remains in a stationary position to perform desk duties.
• Frequently works in a well-lit, tempered room.
• Occasionally moves throughout the office to communicate to coworkers.
• Seldom transports objects, such as files or paper boxes, with weight up to 25 pounds.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested individuals should upload the following elements (in PDF format) to: http://csg.applicantpro.com.

1. Cover letter specifying the location for which you are applying
2. Resume
3. One or two writing samples (preferably no more than three pages)
4. Names and contact information for references (at least three)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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