Policy Advisor, JRI (Hybrid - NYC Metro Area)

at  Council of State Governments

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.

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.