Policy Advisor, Justice Reinvestment Initiative

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 Justice Reinvestment Initiative, we have helped nearly 30 states use data to unpack factors that are 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, improving treatment, and more. Working as part of the State Initiatives Division, the policy advisor provides subject matter expertise and experience helping federal, state, and local governments research, develop, and implement policy and investment to achieve more effective criminal justice system outcomes. The policy advisor leads efforts to assess current policies, program, budgets, and practices and recommend changes that will increase public safety. The policy advisor leverages their expertise working in this arena to identify system gaps and develop strategic criminal justice and behavioral health policies and practices. This person will offer strategic counsel to organization management to drive the overall strategic approach to criminal justice improvements and influence important advancements to criminal justice policy and programs at the federal, state, and local levels. This position reports to the deputy division director of Justice Reinvestment, but works across other programs in the division and the organization. The policy advisor will be in regular communication with the CSG Justice Center Executive Director and Deputy Director, other division and deputy division directors, members of the CSG Justice Center Board of Directors, and funders. The position can require extensive travel.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the policy advisor include the following:

• Help states develop policies, programs, and practices to improve criminal justice and/or behavioral health systems.
• Conduct and lead evaluations and organizational assessments of policies, programs, and practices and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to agency policymakers, officials, and staff on policies, programs, and practices to improve criminal justice outcomes.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with federal, state, and local government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders to develop policies, programs, and practices.
• Deliver presentations on research and recommendations.
• Cultivate a network of policymakers, officials, staff, and criminal justice system stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels to support the improvement of policies, programs, and practices.
• Identify or create opportunities to develop policies, programs, and practices.
• Represent the organization and conduct presentations at national and regional conferences.
• Develop relationships with funders at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as with private foundations, that enable the CSG Justice Center to sustain and expand its work.
• Identify and prepare proposals to secure funding supporting this work.

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 ten years of work experience, or educational equivalency, in the fields of behavioral health and/or criminal justice, including four years of management or policy analysis experience in the fields of behavioral health and/or criminal justice
• At least five years of training and technical assistance, research, or policy analysis experience in criminal justice, mental health, and behavioral health as it relates to adult and juvenile justice or education equivalency in fields such as counseling, criminal justice, law, psychology, public health, or social work
• 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
• Expertise in translating complex ideas into concise and compelling written products and presentations and presenting to key stakeholders and policymakers
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, all of which have competing deadlines and require the cooperation of various people inside and outside the organization
• Proficiency in facilitating strategic meetings with high-level stakeholders
• Experience working with reticent stakeholders to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity and an ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Experience directly advising local systems on systems change
• 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.

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload your 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 $184,300 to $216,487. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $126,900. 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.