Empower Missouri
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 jobs@empowermissouri.org. Priority application deadline is September 6, 2024. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
