Policy Director

The Campaign for Youth Justice, a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the practice of trying, sentencing, and incarcerating youth under the age of 18 in the adult criminal justice system, seeks a Policy Director responsible for managing policy development, conducting policy analysis and providing technical assistance to the Campaign’s state allies. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide technical assistance to state allies as well as write articles, fact sheets, policy papers, testimony, and policy briefs for the Campaign. In addition, the Policy Director will track, analyze, and summarize data, research, and state legislation and regulation about children in the adult criminal justice system.

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN FOR YOUTH JUSTICE

The Campaign works in partnership with state-based campaigns in a number of states. We serve as a clearinghouse of information on youth prosecuted as adults and make our tools and resources available to those interested in learning and taking action on an issue that personally affects them. We strongly believe that any movement must involve those who are most impacted by the laws and policies. Thus, we seek to empower those affected by encouraging them to use their voices and experiences to effect meaningful change. To learn more about the Campaign, visit www.campaignforyouthjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Responsible for managing policy development and creating policy materials for the Campaign, the Policy Director is a strategic thinker, problem solver, and a strong relationship-builder with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. This leadership role is based in Washington DC the Policy Director will be responsible for policy development. The ideal candidate for this position is excited about the potential to reform the juvenile justice system and brings their experience in state regulatory and legislative issues. The successful candidate is a driven, independent professional with strong communications, teamwork, and organizational skills with a strong interest in the work that we do.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical assistance on state law and policy to CFYJ’s state-based campaigns, including DC
• Track, analyze, and summarize data, research, and state legislation and regulation about children in the criminal justice system
• Track and report on law changes in states on reducing the prosecution of youth in adult criminal court and placement of youth in adult prisons and jails
• Respond to research and policy requests from CFYJ state partners and allies
• Write articles, fact sheets, policy papers, testimony, and policy briefs
• Prepare updates and comparative analyses on state laws, policies, and developments on trying and sentencing children in the adult criminal justice system
• Manage Advisory Council and Expert Bank
• Supervise Staff and Fellows
• Represent CFYJ at national events, conferences, and meetings as appropriate

Liaisons with

• CFYJ state partners and allies
• Government statisticians and members of the research community (e.g., Bureau of Justice statistics, National Center for Juvenile Justice)
• National juvenile justice groups

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: J.D.
• Experience (3+ years) on state regulatory or legislative issues on juvenile or criminal justice
• Demonstrated interest in juvenile justice issues and dedication to CFYJ mission
• Ability to be a thought leader and generate strategic campaign ideas
• Ability to analyze regulatory and legislative language and draft regulatory and legislative language
• Knowledge of state regulatory and legislative process
• Ability to collaborate successfully with a variety of stakeholders in the juvenile justice field
• Ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline
• Attention to detail and strong writing and editing skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• A proactive, creative, and flexible attitude

Application Instructions

Interested? Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample detailing your interests and abilities to the selection committee at infocfyj@cfyj.org

THE CAMPAIGN FOR YOUTH JUSTICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants who have been impacted by the juvenile justice system are highly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Research/Policy
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations