Deputy Policy Director (Pennsylvania area)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments is the nation's only nonpartisan association of state officials serving all three branches of government in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The Council of State Governments Justice Center helps leaders in every state design and implement solutions for complex justice system challenges and make communities safer and healthier. We deliver trusted data, practical strategies, and cross-systems collaboration to create second chances, reduce harm, and transform lives.

We're focused on four strategic priorities:

• Using data to drive action
• Strengthening crisis response and addressing violent crime
• Turning billions in new behavioral health resources into improved outcomes
• Growing the number of states committed to delivering reentry success by 2030

We have approximately 50 employees in states across the country 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:

The Deputy Policy Director provides strategic leadership, expert guidance, and high-level technical assistance across a portfolio of policy initiatives. Individuals in this role shape initiative strategy; oversee the design and execution of complex, multi-year projects; and ensure the delivery of high-impact resources that support policymakers, practitioners, and partners at the state, local, and Tribal levels. The Deputy Policy Director brings deep subject-matter expertise, leads multiple teams or large project portfolios, supports fundraising and partnership development, and strengthens organizational culture through mentorship, task direction, and cross-team alignment.

This role operates with substantial autonomy and is responsible for advancing the organization's mission by cultivating relationships with senior officials, ensuring effective project management structures, and leading the completion of project activities with high degrees of accuracy, timeliness, and positive impact. The Deputy Policy Director contributes to long-range planning, serves as a thought leader in their policy area, and represents the organization externally through speaking, writing, and strategic engagement.

At this time, the CSG Justice Center is seeking qualified candidates with expertise at the intersection of justice and behavioral health for adults. This role will be responsible for providing support to counties and states on the Stepping Up Initiative, with a focus on Pennsylvania. Because this role is expected to frequently interact in person with Pennsylvania stakeholders, candidates should be located in Pennsylvania or within proximity.

Funding: This position is externally funded. Employment is contingent upon funding availability.

Location: Remote candidates in Pennsylvania or close proximity preferred.  

What you'll do:

Portfolio Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide strategic leadership for a portfolio of complex policy initiatives, ensuring projects advance organizational goals and meet the needs of partners across systems.
• Maintain ownership of larger initiatives, including project development, refinement of project goals, and alignment of strategy across teams.
• Identify emerging opportunities, policy trends, or field needs that inform project or initiative direction and long-term planning.

Advanced Field Expertise & High-Level Technical Assistance

• Engage credibly with grantees, government agencies, and justice system stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and agency leaders, to identify and prioritize areas of technical assistance that are needed and welcome; provide that assistance directly or connect grantees to the appropriate team member or consultant.
• Translate identified TTA needs into actionable responses, including policy analyses, programmatic guidance, training curricula, or written tools, tailored to the partner context and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Represent the organization through presentations, briefings, and external communications that advance the understanding of policy issues.

Staff Mentorship, Task Direction & Development

• Provide task direction, mentorship, and professional support to staff where applicable; may supervise direct reports depending on team structure.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture through modeling collaborative, productive approaches to the work.
• Lead or contribute to building a positive and inclusive organizational culture.

External Engagement, Partnerships & Stewardship

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders, advisory groups, senior government officials, and other external partners.
• Provide timely updates and insights that support relationship-building and demonstrate project impact.
• Collaborate with partners to design or refine innovative initiatives that advance shared goals.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Support or lead fundraising and business development efforts by cultivating funder relationships, identifying opportunities, and contributing to proposal development.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to align project concepts with funder interests and organizational priorities.

Cross-Team Coordination & Organizational Contribution

• Ensure coordination across staff and teams to support integrated and high-quality project execution.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives, internal committees, or working groups to strengthen processes, knowledge sharing, and systems.

Impact, Quality Assurance & Accountability

• Oversee the creation and quality of written products, tools, and presentations that influence policy and practice at scale.
• Ensure teams adhere to timelines, deliverables, documentation standards, and funder requirements.
• Evaluate project impact and recommend refinements that enhance effectiveness, impact, and sustainability

What you'll bring:

• Ability to develop, fund, and launch new projects aligned with organizational objectives.
• Ability to lead multiple, large, or complex project teams to advance project objectives.
• Deep subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to the policy team's work and ability to apply that expertise credibly with grantees, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Experience successfully managing multiple projects while providing mentorship and task direction to colleagues in support of shared project objectives.
• Experience aligning the interests of internal leadership, funders, and community partners to move strategic project initiatives forward.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience and/or equivalent educational achievements.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate work across teams or partners in a project leadership capacity.

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume (this should include a comprehensive list of related professional, internship, and volunteer experience with applicable dates)
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

Compensation will be based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position is $94,500 - $130,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (veterans/people with disabilities).