Public Affairs Manager

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments 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:

The Justice Counts ^[5] public affairs manager will work as a core team member focused on building brand awareness for the program and designing campaigns to help scale the initiative from a pilot operating with a small number of criminal justice agencies to one with of thousands participating across the country. The public affairs manager will work closely with the program director and deputy program directors of Justice Counts to build and maintain a virtual newsroom to publicize Justice Counts efforts across the country, devise social media, blog, email marketing, and other virtual strategies to amplify key programmatic messages, and build a national marketing campaign to bolster support for the program. This role is highly creative and collaborative as part of a growing team across the Communications, Research, and State Initiatives divisions and a unique opportunity to build an unprecedented national program.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the Public Affairs Manager include the following:

Strategic communications: Develop and execute national and project-specific communications plans and strategies to effectively deliver the organization's message and support its members. Serve as a key contributor on efforts to elevate the CSG Justice Center's work and message.
Message development: Lead the writing and strategic development of talking points, media materials, and project-specific communications (media advisories, press releases, fact sheets, op-eds, etc.).
Stakeholder engagement: Serve as a point of contact to internal project teams, funders, and key partners on a variety of campaigns and initiatives. Assist with the planning of media events and other convening of government officials, funders, advocates, practitioners, and national experts.
Project management: Manage assigned projects from inception to completion including budgeting, deliverable planning, and reporting to ensure that all activities are coordinated, executed effectively, and completed on time and within budget.
Digital engagement: Work in concert with the Communications Division to better understand the organization's audiences and behavior. Strategically deploy digital tools and social platforms including interactive web tools, surveys, email marketing, social media campaigns, live streamed events, etc. to disseminate and amplify the CSG Justice Center's messages.
Collaboration: Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings. Serve as a liaison between Communications and other internal divisions to collaborate, exchange information, and advance the organization's mission.

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 5 years of work experience or educational equivalency in the fields of communications, journalism, public relations, or public affairs
Excellent research, writing, and editing skills
Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a clear, concise way
Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans, cultivating media coverage, and managing media inquiries
Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity, an ability to work independently and in a team setting, and a sense of humor
Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines
Familiarity with digital communications platforms such as graphic design, email marketing, video production, data visualizations, social media strategy, etc.
Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by CSG
Experience directly advising local systems on systems change

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

Cover letter
Resume
Writing sample
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 $75,660 - $90,636. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $70,300. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here ^[6].

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.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/3139153-17899 ^[7]