The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) seeks to hire a Policy Analyst focused on criminal justice reform issues in the state. The position will work collaboratively to improve lives and reduce racial and economic disparities through policies that reduce incarceration in Kentucky’s prisons and jails. Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to conduct data and policy analysis, produce research and communications, and conduct advocacy as well as a commitment to social, economic and racial justice.
Background
KCEP seeks to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians through research, education and advocacy on important policy issues facing the commonwealth. KCEP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization and a respected provider of solid information on the impact of policies on Kentucky communities. It strives for strategic, timely and analytically rigorous research as well as compelling, clear and accessible communications. KCEP seeks to influence public understanding and debate about state fiscal and economic issues and contribute to real, lasting improvements in policy. Founded in 2011, KCEP is affiliated with the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED).
The duties and responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include the following.
Policy Analysis
• Build expertise on justice issues through analysis of data, reports, legislation and regulations; scanning and tracking criminal justice developments in the state and around the country; and communicating with key experts and resources both in-state and nationally.
• Develop policy options, recommendations and legislative proposals.
• Identify, research and frame criminal justice policy issues and author policy briefs, reports, blogs, fact sheets, an online data tracker and other publications.
Communications and Public Education
• Work with communications staff to create compelling products including social media, press releases and op-eds.
• Prepare and deliver clear public presentations that help everyday Kentuckians understand and support justice reforms, and be a voice in the media on these issues as appropriate.
Coalition Building and Advocacy
• Build and maintain partnerships with other organizations working on criminal justice reform, including providing support to and collaborating with grassroots partners.
• Build relationships with a wide variety of leaders across the state to increase support for effective policy ideas.
• Participate in developing and implementing strategies to influence decision-makers and change criminal justice policy, including lobbying, testimony and media advocacy.
Administration and Team Support
• Carry out administrative tasks as needed, including related to KCEP mailings, events and other activities.
• Assist with keeping KCEP systems, such as our contact database, up to date.
• Support other staff work through peer review and feedback on draft reports and assistance with analysis as appropriate.
• Take a leadership role as appropriate in team projects.
• Assist with fundraising activities as needed including grant reports and proposals as well as individual donor work.
• Practice safety in all aspects of the job.
• Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
• Strongly articulated interest in and commitment to social, economic and racial justice.
• Bachelor's degree, all fields considered although background in a related field such as criminal justice, sociology, law, political science or public policy is a plus.
• Two years of experience in policy, advocacy or related work.
• Existing knowledge of criminal justice issues.
• Facility with data and strong analytical skills.
• Computer skills, including the ability to use spreadsheets to analyze data sets and word processing
• Ability to conduct policy analysis and build policy expertise.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work constructively in teams and build trusting relationships.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to write clearly for a general audience.
• Self-motivated, creative thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work.
• Manual dexterity needed to operate computer.
• Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
• Either insurability on MACED’s group vehicle policy or access to a reliable vehicle for regular trips.
NOTE: (travel is suspended and work-at-home procedures are in place during the COVID-19 emergency).
MACED/KCEP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that is diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender identity, age, religion, marital status, s*xual orientation, gender expression, abilities, veteran status and other qualities. We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially people who have first-hand experience with the criminal justice system, either from personal involvement or from working with justice-involved people.
Please e-mail your resume, contact information for three professional references and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to the contact email below. Application review will be on-going and continue until the position is filled. Interview process will be conducted according to public health guidelines during the COVID-19 emergency, including the likelihood of remote interviews. For more information about KCEP visit
www.kypolicy.org.
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Posted By: Cheer Leader
Friday, April 24th 2020 at 2:29PM
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