We’re Hiring a Criminal Justice Policy Manager

Position Title: Criminal Justice Policy Manager

Reports to: Chief of Policy Staff

Position Summary: The Criminal Justice Policy Manager, under the direction of the Chief of Policy Staff, oversees a portfolio of criminal justice-related policy research and legislative advocacy for the organization. The Policy Manager also co-leads our Community Justice Coalition, composed of organizations working to reform our criminal legal system, which includes recruiting, training, and maintaining relationships with coalition members.  

Roles & Responsibilities:

Policy, Advocacy and Organizing

• Serve as a criminal justice policy expert for Empower Missouri, including keeping up-to-date on new data and policy recommendations.
• Amplify Empower Missouri’s power in the Missouri Capitol Building through cultivation of relationships with key legislative and executive branch elected officials and their staff members.
• Research evidence-based best practices on our priority issues and produce content that may be used on our communication platforms.
• Oversee a portfolio of criminal legal system policy issues, including:
  • Passing legislation to automate expungement of many criminal records.
  • Improving parole eligibility
  • Remove barriers to housing for previously incarcerated individuals
  • Establish a DOC Oversight Committee in pursuit of better conditions for residents and correctional officers alike.
• Co-lead our statewide Community Justice Coalition, including:
  • Keeping national partner relationships active and engaged
  • Using data from national partners in advocacy efforts across the state
  • Connecting with Missouri organizations who engage in criminal legal system work and/or re-entry services and steward them to be a part of the coalition
  • Convene calls and meetings of the coalition
  • Represent Empower Missouri at appropriate meetings or events related to criminal justice reform
• Attend national level meetings related to criminal justice reform

Organizational Stewardship

• Contributes to grant-writing and grant-reporting processes for proposals related to criminal justice reform and collaborates on additional grants as requested.
• Assist with fundraising & donor stewardship as requested
• Serve as a spokesperson to the media on issues related to criminal justice reform
• Work with policy & advocacy team to organize advocacy days at the capitol and our annual Anti-Poverty Advocacy Summit
• Supervise interns
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep knowledge of and passion for national and statewide criminal justice reform efforts
• Strong leadership, planning and organizational skills
• Excellent coalition-building and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and shift priorities as needed
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated research, analytical and problem-solving skills

Desired Education and Experience:

• Minimum of three years of public policy, advocacy, or organizing experience, preferably in Missouri
• Previous experience specifically working in criminal justice reform is highly preferred.
• Empower Missouri is open to a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds. Competency, passion, and experience are more important than formal education, although we certainly welcome those with formal education credentials to apply.
• Preference will be given to applicants with personal experiences with the criminal legal system.

Salary Range and Benefits: $50,000-$60,000 starting salary with annual opportunities for merit-based and cost-of-living raises; health, life, dental and vision insurance; generous PTO policy, paid holidays, and retirement plan

Location of Position: This position can be based anywhere in Missouri, with anticipated 30% travel in-state, particularly to Jefferson City.

To apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and list of three references to [email protected]. Priority application deadline is September 6, 2024. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.