POLICY & RESEARCH ANALYST
REIMAGINE JUSTICE & SAFETY
Los Angeles, CA*
Non-Exempt, Part-Time, Temporary Position
*(This is a work-from-home/in-office hybrid position.)
Who We Are
Catalyst California (formerly known as Advancement Project California) advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems. We partner with communities of color, conduct innovative research, develop policies for actionable change, and shift money and power back into our communities. Rooted in the historic struggle for racial and economic equality, Catalyst California envisions a world where systems are designed for justice and support equitable access to resources and opportunities for all Californians to thrive. Our primary programs are Educational Equity, Equity in Community Investments, Political Voice, and Reimagine Justice & Safety.
Position Summary
Catalyst California’s Reimagine Justice & Safety (RJS) program works to shrink the criminal legal system’s scope and shift its trajectory toward equity and care. It also aims to transform community safety so that all Californians are free from violence, feel safe, and have opportunities to thrive.
The Policy & Research Analyst (“Analyst”) will report to the Senior Manager of Reimagine Justice & Safety. The Analyst will support advocacy campaigns, public policy research, and coalition building. This is a one-year position.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Conducting research and analysis on criminal legal system and community safety issues;
• Advocating for racial- and economic equity-centered policy reforms that align with RJS’ long-term goals;
• Tracking and analyzing policies that concern police reform, prosecutorial reform, and community safety;
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including community-based organizations, and government officials and their staff;
• Drafting advocacy and communications materials (e.g., fact sheets, toolkits, memos, reports, and blog posts);
• Supporting meeting preparation and facilitation; and
• Provide ad hoc logistical support on a variety of matters.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Candidate Profile, Skills, and Abilities
• Sincere and demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial justice progress for the highest-need communities.
• Strong interpersonal communication, facilitation, and emotional intelligence skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to analyze complex information/data and policy issues.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including experience writing for a wide variety of target audiences.
• Self-starter, organized, analytical, and detail oriented.
• Ability to work in a small team setting.
• Ability to maintain a consistent, part-time work schedule.
• Strong project management skills.
• Flexibility to adjust and contribute to continually evolving work situations and changing priorities.
• Excellent computer skills, including strong internet research skills, proficiency with MS Office applications, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Zoom.
• Ability to occasionally travel locally and statewide.
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in public policy, law, or the social sciences preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties may be considered.
• At least 2-4 years of aggregate experience in civil rights and social justice, public policy, government, labor, community-based policy advocacy, or organizing (including summer or short-term internships).
• At least 1 year of experience working in the criminal justice reform field—particularly police reform, prosecutorial reform, or community safety at a state or local level. Working knowledge of the California and Los Angeles landscapes preferably.
• Experience working in close partnership with social justice community-based organizations.
• Experience building and maintaining coalitions composed of diverse stakeholders with shared interests in racial and economic equity.
Physical Requirements
• Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Salary
In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share that this position will be paid $32 per hour and typically require 24 hours of work per week Monday through Friday. This is a one-year position.
Benefits, Perks & Work Environment
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with an affordable employee contribution for spouses and/or dependents, including registered Domestic Partners.
• 403B retirement plan with employer matching benefits after 90 days.
• Flexible Spending Account for eligible employees to allocate pre-tax money throughout the year.
• Yearly professional development allowance and personalized professional development goals.
• 15 vacation days, 6 personal days, 8 sick days, and 2 weeks paid parental leave along with national and office holidays.
• Organizational and team wellness days to help build team cohesion and camaraderie.
• Opportunity to see the meaning and impact of your work at an organization that is actively building more equitable communities and systems across California.
• Opportunity to work in a flexible work culture that is sensitive to employee wellbeing and encourages work life balance.
• Opportunity to work in a company dedicated to pay equity and a diverse work culture.
To Apply
Please send an email with the subject title “RJS Policy Analyst Application” that includes an attached cover letter, resume, and a policy-related writing sample in one PDF attachment titled lastname_firstname_rjspolicyanalyst.pdf (e.g., McCorkle_Katrice_ rjspolicyanalyst.pdf) to:
Katrice McCorkle
Human Resources Senior Manager
hr@catalystcalifornia.org
Interview Process
• Phone interview with hiring manager
• Two panel interviews
• Writing exercise
• Reference checks
Catalyst California is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive staff team. We strongly encourage applicants who are people of color, LGBTQ, women, people with disabilities; and/or formerly incarcerated people.
