Senior Policy Analyst, Housing
Who we are:
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center [1] works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.
We're focused on three strategic goals:
- Break the cycle of incarceration.
- Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
- Use data to improve safety and justice.
When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees [2]-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states 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 [3] that guides our work.
Learn more about careers [4] at the CSG Justice Center.
How you'll fit in:
Working as part of the CSG Justice Center's Behavioral Health Division and under the supervision of the deputy program director for housing, the senior policy analyst will manage a portfolio of projects focused on helping communities nationwide address the housing needs of people leaving prisons and jails. This position will focus on developing and implementing a variety of technical assistance efforts to establish sustainable coordination between housing providers, criminal justice agencies, and other key partners such as behavioral health providers to improve reentry housing outcomes, as well as the development and dissemination of resources to share knowledge of best practices in this area. In addition to these key responsibilities, this position will also analyze relevant administrative policy, research, and legislation; coordinate with a team of expert consultants providing technical assistance; and coordinate and participate in politically sensitive meetings with high-ranking local, state, and federal officials, advocates, and other experts across the country. This position offers significant responsibility and an opportunity for growth to an individual seeking to advance a career in criminal justice policy with a cross-system, cross-disciplinary focus. Housing has become a top issue of focus for our federal, state, and local partners, as well as across the CSG Justice Center, and you would be joining our team at an exciting and impactful time.
What you'll do:
Specific responsibilities of the senior policy analyst include the following:
- Provide technical assistance to affordable housing providers, corrections and community supervision agencies, and other key partners to develop and implement strategies to address the housing needs of people leaving prisons and jails and improve reentry housing coordination and outcomes.
- Lead efforts to conceptualize and create technical assistance tools and products, including explanatory guides, planning tools and worksheets, data dashboards, analytic tools, and videos.
- Lead the conceptualization and development of written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and web articles, that concisely and clearly describe best practices in the area of reentry housing to practitioners and policymakers.
- Regularly develop and deliver presentations and peer learning opportunities to the field, including webinars, learning communities, and in-person meetings or conference sessions (when applicable and safe to do so).
- Independently monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas.
- Plan and participate in policy-focused meetings and events with high-ranking government officials, advocates, practitioners, and national experts.
- Research new funding opportunities, occasionally write sections of grant proposals, draft reports to funders, and serve as a resource to funding agencies.
- Stay abreast of new developments in policy and practice at the intersection of housing, criminal justice, and behavioral health, and share learnings with colleagues on a regular basis.
- Contribute to the development of CSG Justice Center website content and strategize with staff and technical consultants on ways to use the web to promote policy goals.
What you'll bring:
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
- Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
- At least five years of work experience in the fields of affordable housing development/management, homeless assistance, mental health/substance addiction, federal, state, or local government, Tribal Nations, criminal justice, or public policy analysis and/or educational equivalency in fields such as public policy, public administration, criminal justice, law, public health, or social work
- Experience working within the housing finance, development, property management, affordable housing, or homeless assistance systems
- Experience working directly with HUD-funded affordable housing providers strongly preferred
- Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and strong critical and strategic thinking skills
- Strong working knowledge of key federal affordable housing and homeless assistance programs, stakeholders, and best practices, particularly as applicable to working with people with justice involvement and behavioral health needs
- Experience with performance measurement, research/evaluation, and data analysis, particularly around affordable housing and homeless assistance programs
- Familiarity with cross-systems data matching and ability to provide technical assistance in this area is a plus
- Demonstrated knowledge of criminal justice and behavioral health policy and programs
- Ability to draw connections between seemingly disparate programs or projects and develop program and policy solutions that draw on the resources of multiple sectors and stakeholders
- Quick learner with demonstrated ability to work effectively in multiple settings and sectors
- Demonstrated success managing relationships with funders and/or external partners
- Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity, an ability to work independently and in a team setting, and a sense of humor
- Efficient, organized work style with an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines
- Willingness to travel, occasionally several times per month (when safe and appropriate)
How you apply:
If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you must upload the following elements with your application:
- Cover letter with salary expectations
- Resume
- Two writing samples
- At least three professional references
We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relative to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.
CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The NYC-based salary range for this position is $67,900 - $98,280. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $67,900. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.
Learn more about careers [5] at the CSG Justice Center.
We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.
CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.
