Policy Analyst - Public Safety - Justice & Immigration - Extra Help

The County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara is seeking a Policy Analyst to perform budget and policy analysis in public safety and justice areas, while also assisting constituents and coordinating outreach. This is an at-will, full-time extra-help role reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff.

Successful candidates will have strong communication, organizational, and analytical abilities, and be prepared to work evenings and weekends as needed. Spanish bilinguals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational proficiency: prioritize, multitask, meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and in a diverse team.
• Read and summarize complex information.
• Think creatively and articulate thoughts clearly, including in public settings.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal criminal justice systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and social media.

Responsibilities

• Policy Analysis — evaluate budgetary, legislative, and community impacts of criminal justice reform; prepare memos and talking points.
• Community Outreach — support meetings, coordinate stakeholder engagement, and develop content for newsletters and social channels.
• Constituent Services — respond to inquiries and facilitate communication with County departments.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Policy analysis

Budget analysis

Independent work

Public speaking

Criminal justice knowledge

Spanish language

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Docs

Social media platforms

Job description

The Policy Analyst is a full-time extra help position in the Office of County Supervisor Otto Lee, responsible for budget and policy analysis in the area public safety and justice. This position also involves providing constituent services, casework, and community outreach. The position of Policy Analyst is an at-will position reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff. Candidates who are bilingual in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

The County of Santa Clara government serves approximately 1.9 million residents. The Board of Supervisors consists of five members who are elected to four-year terms. Each supervisor represents a geographic district. Elected in November 2020, Supervisor Lee represents the Third District, which includes Alviso, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, and neighborhoods in North San Jose.

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and appointment would be on a contract “at-will” basis and is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing Supervisor and/or Chief of Staff and does not extend past the end of the Supervisor's or appointing authority's term. Candidates must be willing to work evenings and weekends on occasion, and as salaried employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

Salary Information

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This is an Extra-Help position without benefits, with the potential for conversion to a full-time, benefited position. The County offers a generous medical, dental, and vision benefits package. Retirement benefits are provided through CalPERS (the California Public Employees’ Retirement System). Paid holidays, as well as vacation and sick leave, are part of the compensation package.

Responsibilities for the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Policy Analysis — provide the Supervisor with strong policy analysis within the issue areas of responsibility, including evaluating budgetary, legislative and community impacts of criminal justice reform efforts, diversionary programs for criminal justice-involved individuals, and juvenile justice systems. Prepare the Supervisor for Board of Supervisors meetings and other bodies on which the Supervisor serves. Draft background memos, talking points, and provide staffing as needed.
• Community Outreach — provide staff support to the Supervisor at meetings and events, will coordinate and attend stakeholder meetings on behalf of the Supervisor, and develop positive working relationships with community members and department leaders. The Policy Analyst will also provide issue-area specific content for the Supervisor’s newsletter, social media, and website.
• Constituent Services and Casework Management — respond to constituents seeking help, including providing information and facilitating communication with County departments and agencies.

Any combination of training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise the Supervisor on matters of public policy, democratic processes, constituent service, or citizen involvement.

Required Licensing

Possession of a valid California Driver’s license is required.

Employment Eligibility

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country.

Required experience, knowledge, and skills for this position include

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational proficiency, including the abilities to prioritize, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team.
• Read and summarize a significant volume of complex information.
• Think creatively and articulate thoughts clearly, including in public settings.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal criminal justice systems and reform efforts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, and social media platforms.