Policy Analyst, Decarceration and Decriminalization

Doist; United States; Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) seeks a Policy Analyst focused on decarceration and democratic reform. You will design research strategies for state and federal policy analyses, develop evidence-based policy options, and educate policymakers through high-quality outreach.

Collaborate with federal/state teams, think tanks, and community partners to produce reports on reforms, track policy impact, and communicate complex data to diverse audiences while upholding SPLC values.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, with knowledge in criminal legal systems.
• Bachelor's Degree in public policy or related field.

Responsibilities

• Formulate the research strategy for democracy policy analysis at state and federal levels with high-quality data analyses.
• Produce high-impact publications (reports, white papers) on trends in the criminal legal system and evaluations of policy reforms.
• Collaborate with federal and state policy teams and internal partners to identify needs and implement work plans.
• Cultivate relationships with policymakers, researchers, and advocates to advance policy.
• Support legislative advocacy by tracking impact of policy proposals and interpreting research for policymakers.
• Provide real-time support to deliver accurate answers to policy questions.
• Collaborate with Communications to develop campaigns and serve as spokesperson when needed.
• Represent SPLC in fora with community groups and policymakers.
• Uphold JEDI principles by engaging diverse collaborators toward shared goals.

Skills

Public policy

Advocacy

Effective communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy or related field

Job description

The SPLC is seeking a Policy Analyst who is committed to reforming our criminal legal system! The SPLC Policy team works to advance the SPLC’s agenda with government officials, advocating policy, legal, and legislative recommendations in alignment with the SPLC’s Impact Statement. Reporting to the Policy Research Manager, The Policy Analyst for Decarceration and Decriminalization is dedicated to creating compelling assets that build the case for dismantling systems of mass incarceration that especially impact Black and Brown people, including the school-to-prison pipeline, sentencing and parole reform, and the targeting of immigrant populations. Working closely with the SPLC’s federal and state policy teams and other internal stakeholders, the Policy Analyst, Democracy and Decriminalization is responsible for conducting fact and policy research; producing excellent written policy research products, reviewing and analyzing data; and cultivating partnerships and collaborations with think tanks, academic institutions, and community partners to develop and advance policies to protect voting rights and expand democracy.

Who You Are Experienced.

• Demonstrated experience in public policy with knowledge and advocacy expertise on issues related to criminal legal systems.
• Effective Communicator. Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
• Thoughtful and analytical. Ability to formulate research strategies and analyze data.
• Efficient. Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment. Pivoting from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and the complete assignments.
• Collaborative. Demonstrated ability to work with internal departments, external organizations, and stakeholders to execute specific policy research strategies to advance the work of the policy department.

What You'll Do

• Formulate the research strategy for SPLC’s democracy policy analysis in our states and at the federal level, ensuring high-quality data analyses, development of evidence-based policy options, and effective public and policy-maker educational efforts aimed at changing state and federal law, policy and practice.
• Produce high-impact publications (reports, white papers, etc.) related to trends in the criminal legal system and evaluations of policy reforms.
• Collaborate with federal and state policy teams, the criminal legal system litigation team, Learning for Justice, the Intelligence Project, and other internal stakeholders to identify needs, develop strategies and implement work plans.
• Collaborate with the Research Manager and federal/state policy teams, cultivate productive relationships and communication with a wide range of constituencies interested in criminal justice policy, including policymakers, government officials, researchers and advocates.
• Support legislative advocacy by tracking and analyzing the impact of policy proposals and interpreting research and data for policymakers in coordination with other policy staff.
• Provide real time support to the SPLC’s policy team to deliver quick, accurate answers to emerging criminal legal system policy research questions.
• Collaborate with federal and state policy teams, the Communications Department, SPLC programs, and internal stakeholders to develop communication strategies around campaigns and serve as spokesperson upon request.
• Represent SPLC in various fora, including before community groups, policy makers, and agencies upon request.
• Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department’s goals.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role. Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, with a demonstrated knowledge in criminal legal systems, with a combination or experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and abilities required; and Bachelor's Degree in public policy or related field.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $102,637 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Where & How You'll Work

• Local Remote: Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

This position will report to the Policy Research Manager.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions. This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

Disclaimer: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.