The policy analyst will work on multiple projects in the Community Initiatives portfolio, which includes assisting faith- and community-based organizations nationwide to develop and implement effective reentry strategies and programs, as well as supporting local and state systems to improve local (city, county, tribal) reentry outcomes. A significant portion of the portfolio is providing training and technical assistance to community-based organizations that have received Second Chance Act grants from the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to offering support to organizations providing a wide range of reentry services in their community, a main area of focus for this position will be technical assistance to reentry programs specifically serving young parents, children of incarcerated parents, and families.
In providing technical assistance, the policy analyst will be responsible for in-depth analysis of relevant administrative policy, program design and implementation, research, and, occasionally, legislation. Areas where programs often need assistance include: the development or improvement of agency and/or programmatic policies and procedures; quality assurance and accountability practices; implementing a risk-needs-responsivity model of assessment and service delivery; improving data collection, management, and sharing; and establishing a sustainability plan. The policy analyst will lead distance-based and on-site technical assistance to advise on these issues and more, offering recommendations in a timely manner and sometimes collaborating with expert consultants. The policy analyst will also work with a team to develop products such as webinars and reports that bring lessons learned in technical assistance to the reentry field at large.
This position offers a significant level of responsibility and opportunity for an individual with an established career in criminal justice and reentry.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities of the policy analyst include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Participate in and lead technical-assistance activities' including site visits, conference calls, and online trainings' with communities and jurisdictions across the country;
- Analyze program design and implementation, evaluation methods, and sustainability planning; and provide recommendations that are tailored for each community or jurisdiction;
- Develop a variety of resources for practitioners, policymakers, and funders, such as policy briefs, research memos, webinars, webpages, and conference presentations;
- Maintain and expand the organization's knowledge base on evidence-based and best practices in criminal justice, corrections, reentry, mentoring, and family-focused work;
- Serve as a thought leader and advisor on the strengths and needs of community-based reentry organizations and local reentry councils;
- Identify themes across the CSG Justice Center's diverse initiatives, and collaborate with other staff to connect ideas and approaches;
- Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas;
- Participate in policy-focused meetings of high-ranking government officials, advocates, and national experts;
- Develop and maintain relationships with key partners and consultants;
- Keep CSG Justice Center senior staff, colleagues, consultants, or funders informed of relevant project developments; and
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational trainings, reviewing professional publications, and establishing professional networks.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise way;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work independently and in a team setting;
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus and engage people in problem-solving and decision-making processes;
- Strong research, writing, and editing skills;
- High levels of curiosity and initiative to research information and understand the cultural and geographic differences between communities;
- Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines; and
- Willingness to travel, occasionally a few times per month.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life, Paid Holidays, Paid Personal Time, Paid Sick Time, Paid Parental Leave