Policy Analyst - Criminal Justice

Budgets are moral documents that reflect a state’s values and priorities. In Louisiana, public officials have often prioritized locking people in jail or prison over making the types of investments that could keep them from ending up there in the first place. 

Invest in Louisiana (Invest) is seeking a Policy Analyst to research, analyze and advocate on state policies that affect the state’s criminal legal system. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong research, writing and interpersonal communications skills, and a deep interest in understanding the costs and consequences of mass incarceration. The successful candidate will work to promote social, racial and economic equity by conducting research, analyzing data, writing reports and blogs, and representing the organization in public forums.

Invest is an independent, 501c(3) nonprofit research and advocacy organization that monitors and reports on policies that affect low- to moderate-income Louisianans. We work collaboratively with communities and partner organizations to inform policy debates across a wide range of areas – including state budget, revenue, social and economic issues – with an eye to reducing poverty, promoting racial equity and widespread economic prosperity that allows all citizens to reach their highest potential.

Primary functions and tasks:

• Research and analyze the costs and funding of Louisiana’s criminal legal system and options for reform. Communicate that research in clear, compelling ways through reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, blog postings and public presentations.
• Represent Invest in Louisiana before constituency groups, policymakers and the news media through presentations, testimony, media interviews and other means.
• Monitor local, state, and federal policy issues and emerging trends in criminal justice reform.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, administrative staff, opinion leaders and allied community organizations. 
• Support the work of coalition partners on state and federal policy issues impacting the criminal justice system.
• Help foster and maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals with regards to diversity, which may include geography, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, gender or age. 

Secondary functions and tasks: 

• Assist in coordination and planning of meetings and events.
• Assist with developing communications strategy and messaging.

Required education, experience and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree at least three years’ experience in public policy, public finance, public administration or related fields. Relevant work experience may substitute for a degree. 
• Excellent writing ability and presentation skills.
• Data analysis skills, including proficiency with spreadsheets.
• Familiarity with legislative and/or budget processes at the state or federal level.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, solve problems and juggle multiple tasks.
• Strong commitment to applying a racial equity lens to policy work.

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for a degree. 
• Familiarity with Louisiana’s public policy environment. 
• Familiarity with the legislative process and how research, communications, and outreach work together to shape public policy.
• Skills in data visualization and mapping.

Additional information:

• This is a full-time position. 
• This is a bargaining-unit position in Invest in Louisiana’s staff union. 
• The salary range for this position is $66,000 - $72,000 per year, depending on experience and education. 
• Invest in Louisiana is a hybrid office with a mix of remote and in-person work. We also offer a generous benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, paid sick and vacation days, sabbatical leave and paid parental leave. 
• To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to jobs@investlouisiana.org by March 1, 2025, with “Policy Analyst - Criminal Justice” in the subject line.

Invest in Louisiana is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, religious or political affiliation, disability, and any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law.