Policy Analyst, Decarceration and Decriminalization

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is seeking a Policy Analyst dedicated to reforming the criminal legal system. The Policy team advances SPLC’s agenda with government officials, advocating policy, legal, and legislative recommendations aligned with the organization’s Impact Statement.

About the Role

The Policy Analyst for Decarceration and Decriminalization will create compelling assets to dismantle systems of mass incarceration, particularly those impacting Black and Brown communities. This includes addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, sentencing and parole reform, and the targeting of immigrant populations. The role involves close collaboration with SPLC’s federal and state policy teams, as well as other internal stakeholders, to conduct research, produce policy products, analyze data, and cultivate partnerships with think tanks, academic institutions, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Formulate research strategies for SPLC’s democracy policy analysis at the state and federal levels, ensuring high-quality data analyses, evidence-based policy options, and effective public and policy-maker education efforts.
• Produce high-impact publications (reports, white papers, etc.) on trends in the criminal legal system and evaluations of policy reforms.
• Collaborate with federal and state policy teams, the criminal legal system litigation team, Learning for Justice, the Intelligence Project, and other internal stakeholders to identify needs, develop strategies, and implement work plans.
• Cultivate productive relationships with policymakers, government officials, researchers, and advocates interested in criminal justice policy.
• Support legislative advocacy by tracking and analyzing the impact of policy proposals and interpreting research and data for policymakers.
• Provide real-time support to the SPLC’s policy team to deliver quick, accurate answers to emerging criminal legal system policy research questions.
• Collaborate with federal and state policy teams, the Communications Department, SPLC programs, and internal stakeholders to develop communication strategies around campaigns and serve as a spokesperson upon request.
• Represent SPLC in various forums, including before community groups, policymakers, and agencies.
• Uphold SPLC’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners to deliver impactful work aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy, with demonstrated knowledge of criminal legal systems, through a combination of experience, education, and training.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy or a related field.

Skills

• Experienced: Demonstrated expertise in public policy and advocacy related to criminal legal systems.
• Effective Communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Thoughtful and Analytical: Ability to formulate research strategies and analyze data.
• Efficient: Ability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment and pivot between assignments.
• Collaborative: Proven ability to work with internal departments, external organizations, and stakeholders to execute policy research strategies.
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to SPLC’s mission, vision, and values, including justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racist principles.

Pay

This is an exempt role with a minimum starting salary of $102,637 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits are available to SPLC staff. Click here to view the full benefits package.

Schedule

This role offers the following work designation options:

• Local Remote: Work remotely but attend work-related activities at SPLC offices or in states where SPLC operates.
• Telework: Work at an SPLC office at least three days per week, with the option to work remotely for up to two days per week.

This position reports to the Policy Research Manager.