Policy Analyst: Decarceration & Democracy Reform

Southern Poverty Law Center; Jackson (MS); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking a Policy Analyst focused on Decarceration and Decriminalization. The role conducts rigorous policy research, analyzes data, and develops evidence-based policy options to reform the criminal legal system and protect voting rights.

The analyst will work with federal/state policy teams and external partners to advance SPLC’s impact, equity, and anti-racist agenda, aligning with the organization’s mission and culture.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Formulate the research strategy for SPLC’s democracy policy analysis at state and federal levels, ensuring high-quality data analyses and evidence-based policy options.
• Produce high-impact publications (reports, white papers) related to trends in the criminal legal system and evaluations of policy reforms.
• Collaborate with federal and state policy teams, the litigation team, and internal stakeholders to identify needs and implement work plans.
• Cultivate productive relationships with policymakers, researchers and advocates to advance policy proposals and educate stakeholders.
• Provide real-time support to deliver accurate responses to emerging criminal legal system policy questions.
• Represent SPLC in various fora and develop communication strategies around campaigns.

Skills

Public policy experience

Advocacy expertise

Effective communicator

Analytical thinking

Collaborative

Criminal legal systems knowledge

Research skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy or related field

Job description

Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking a Policy Analyst focused on Decarceration and Decriminalization. The role conducts rigorous policy research, analyzes data, and develops evidence-based policy options to reform the criminal legal system and protect voting rights.

The analyst will work with federal/state policy teams and external partners to advance SPLC’s impact, equity, and anti-racist agenda, aligning with the organization’s mission and culture.