Policy and Campaign Specialist

Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) is a unique, 145-year-old nonprofit organization that provides direct care as well as research and consulting services within the areas of the Mental Health, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy fields. Our four divisions, Social Justice Services, Community Strategies, Behavioral Health, and the Crime and Justice Institute are recognized for their effectiveness and contributions to this important work.CRJ offers competitive pay and excellent benefits which include:Flexible Scheduling401k with company matchPaid Time Off (Vacation/Sick)Referral Bonus ProgramsEmployee perks, and much more!Job Purpose:This position will provide support to criminal justice legislative campaigns across various project teams. In this role employees will act as a specialized expert and help advance data-driven criminal justice work in state legislatures. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. This position is remote and requires frequent travel.Duties / Responsibilities:Support the development of complex criminal and/or youth justice technical projects with local, state, tribal and/or federal agencies.Develop offensive and defensive legislative strategies for data-driven pending criminal justice legislation.Develop a comprehensive understanding of political landscapes across several jurisdictions including political leadership, critical timelines, budget cycle, and political priorities.Build a coalition of stakeholders to support efforts of a political campaign that ranges from right of center and left of center groups to faith-based leaders, political leaders, unions, agrarian societies, and policy groups, among others.Collaborate with a communications team to develop a media strategy and deliverables for legislative campaigns including Op-Eds, Letters in Support, and Letters to the Editor, among others.Develop comprehensive understanding of complex legal processes and systems through close analysis of law, administrative rules and policy, and stakeholder interviews.Translate policy and practice recommendations into legislative language and work with state legislative staff in the bill drafting process.Explain complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences, including policy makers, stakeholders and CJI teammates, in conversation and in writing.Produce high-quality and clear written materials for a variety of audiences.Manage portions of work plans, including interim session schedules, timelines, deliverables, and project reporting requirements.Help create and maintain a culture in which staff are committed to implementing evidence-based practices and policies, with a particular emphasis on racially just outcomes, in criminal and/or juvenile justice systems or related fields to improve public safety outcomes.Knowledge / Skills / Experience Required:At least three to five years’ experience in criminal justice and/or youth justice research, policy and practice.At least three years of working with legislators directly or indirectly during a legislative session. Demonstrated skills in building coalitions of diverse stakeholder groups.Ability to explain complex information to a variety of audiences in several different formats.Ability to track legislation across several jurisdictions using tools such as Fiscal Note, Lexis Nexis, or others.Demonstrated strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize and summarize large amounts of information in a short time frame.Highly developed writing skills.Motivated and independent thinker.Possess high standards regarding work quality.Ability to coordinate and respond to multiple priorities with tight deadlines.Education:Advanced degree in related field preferred.Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in criminal justice and/or youth justice policy, administration, and research.CRJ’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)Our vision is to be an organization that demonstrates its commitment to eradicating systemic racism and other forms of oppression. We will hold each other accountable in addressing the norms and practices that advantage few and harm many.CRJ provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. CRJ complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every state in which CRJ has locations.

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