Senior Policy Analyst

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments (CSG) 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 Senior Policy Analyst provides senior-level policy expertise and independent project contributions within the Impact pillar and participation in Engagement and Innovation pillar activities. Individuals in this role manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight, provide policy advice and analysis that the field and project team rely on, and lead delivery of assigned project deliverables in close coordination with practitioners and agency leaders.

This role operates with meaningful independence, facilitating strategic meetings as a recognized policy or practice expert and develops communications that translate complex analysis into clear narratives for a range of audiences. The Senior Policy Analyst brings forward new ideas that support a project's strategic direction and builds a growing reputation as a subject-matter and field expert.

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

Location: NYC metro area preferred (hybrid); remote candidates will also be considered.

What you'll do:

• Independently manages multiple priorities and competing deadlines with minimal oversight.
• Provides policy advice and analysis that reflects senior-level subject-matter knowledge relied on by the field and the project team.
• Contributes to the development of at least one policy area, from initial application through programmatic work, including engaging leaders across all three areas of government and the field.
• Leads delivery of assigned project deliverables in close communication with practitioners and agency leaders.
• Facilitates strategic meetings with key stakeholders as a recognized policy or practice expert.
• Develops communications - presentations, tools, briefs, and reports - that translate data into clear narratives for a range of audiences.
• Brings forward new ideas that support a project's strategic direction, in alignment with pillar and strategy leadership.
• Applies leadership and a justice-focused lens to strengthen relationships and project outcomes.
• Builds a growing reputation as a subject-matter and field expert.

What you'll bring:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent education and training.
• Ability to independently manage and navigate multiple priorities with minimal oversight to meet deadlines
• Ability to actively provide and drive new project ideas that contribute to the strategic direction and goals in alignment with division leadership
• Advanced knowledge of the research literature, policy landscape, current challenges and best practices in criminal justice and/or other related policy areas (behavioral health, housing, employment, etc)
• Demonstrated success with policy formulation, analysis, advocacy, research or the like
• Demonstrated experience as the leading policy/practice expert in facilitating strategic meetings with key stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience as a meeting facilitator for different stakeholders (may include state/local officials and/or peer organizations in the field)
• Demonstrated experience successfully project managing one or more projects
• Ability to document project activities in project management systems, funding reports and reporting systems, and other systems as needed for project management and compliance
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.

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)

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 $65,000 to $105,000. 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).