Policy Manager (Kansas area)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only nonpartisan association of the state officials serving all three branches of government in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. The Council of State Governments Justice Center helps leaders in every state design and implement solutions for complex justice system challenges and make communities safer and healthier. We deliver trusted data, practical strategies, and cross-systems collaboration to create second chances, reduce harm, and transform lives.

We're focused on four strategic priorities:

• Using data to drive action
• Strengthening crisis response and addressing violent crime
• Turning billions in new behavioral health resources into improved outcomes
• Growing the number of states committed to delivering reentry success by 2030

We have approximately 50 employees in states across the country who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

The Policy Manager provides project-level leadership, subject-matter guidance, and technical assistance in support of policy initiatives. Individuals in this role manage the day-to-day execution of one or more projects, contribute to the development of program strategy under the guidance of senior staff, and support the delivery of high-quality resources for policymakers, practitioners, and partners at the state, local, and Tribal levels. The Policy Manager brings strong subject-matter expertise, may supervise staff, and strengthens team culture through task direction and mentorship.

This role operates with meaningful independence and is responsible for advancing project goals by building relationships with government officials and practitioners, ensuring effective day-to-day project management, and completing project activities at high degrees of accuracy, timeliness, and positive impact. The Policy Manager contributes to project-level planning, builds subject-matter credibility in their area of focus, and represents the organization externally through presentations, written products, and stakeholder engagement.

At this time, the CSG Justice Center is seeking qualified candidates with familiarity in the intersection of justice, behavioral health, and housing for both adults and young people in Kansas. This role will be responsible for providing support to counties in Kansas and working with state leaders in Kansas on the Stepping Up Initiative and Stepping Up for Youth. Because this role is expected to frequently interact in person with Kansas stakeholders, candidates should be located either in Kansas or within proximity.

Funding: This position is externally funded. Employment is contingent upon funding availability.

Location: Remote candidates in the Kansas area preferred.

What you'll do:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Manage one or more projects, including planning, budgeting, risk and contract management, collaboration with senior staff on funder updates and reports, timelines, deliverables, and staff coordination.
• Contribute significantly to the development and success of assigned projects.
• Solicit, facilitate, and lead new project ideas from team members in support of the project's overall strategic direction, in coordination with team leadership.
• Identify and leverage internal and external opportunities that advance project priorities.

Field Expertise & Technical Assistance

• Independently identify appropriate local contacts and build support for engagement with the Stepping Up and Stepping Up for Youth TA Centers
• Independently conduct calls with assigned sites to identify and address technical assistance needs, including implementation of screening and assessment to access appropriate treatment, implementation best practices in areas of subject matter expertise, and project sustainability.
• Collaborate effectively with Research/Data Science staff to support data analysis for local and state sites, including collaboration on effective data collection and dashboard design.
• Develop written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and presentations, that clearly describe complex criminal justice analysis and policy options for policymakers.
• Develop communications, including presentations, tools, briefs, reports, and other forms of technical assistance.
• Represent the organization through project-related communications that advance understanding of policy issues.

Staff Supervision & Task Direction

• Identify, cultivate, and steward key project stakeholders and funders to advance emerging opportunities and launch new programs.
• Supervise and develop the skills of direct reports, where applicable, and provide direction for other division staff as needed.
• Provide task direction and support to staff in service of project deliverables, where applicable.

External Engagement & Relationship Building

• Provide relevant project updates that support external relationship-building opportunities.
• Identify and engage new contacts in the field, serving as formal or informal project consultants or partners.
• Collaborate with partners to design or refine innovative initiatives that advance shared goals, including developing and managing contracts for consultants (in collaboration with Finance and Operations).

Cross-Team Coordination & Organizational Contribution

• Participate fully in organizational project management and stakeholder engagement processes, including using contact and project management software as directed.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives, internal committees, or working groups to strengthen processes, knowledge sharing, and systems.

Impact, Quality Assurance & Accountability

• Ensure accuracy and quality for written products, tools, and presentations produced in support of the project.
• Ensure project adherence to timelines, deliverables, documentation standards, and funder requirements.
• Support evaluation of project impact and contribute to refinements that enhance effectiveness.

What you'll bring:

• Ability to supervise staff, clarify workloads, and develop the skills and competencies in staff's professional development goals
• Ability to engage, lead, and manage project teams to successfully deliver on project goals/deliverables
• Ability to solicit, facilitate and lead new project ideas from team members in support of the project's overall strategic direction with division leadership
• Ability to identify and leverage other internal and external projects that advance their project priorities
• Demonstrated success in developing strategic project plans that clarify project objectives, ensure alignment with organizational goals, applies the project's theory of change, and impacts the field
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing large projects across multiple teams/divisions and external partners
• Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience and/or equivalent educational achievements.

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume (this should include a comprehensive list of related professional, internship, and volunteer experience with applicable dates)
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

Compensation will be based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position in the Kansas area is $84,400 - $102,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (veterans/people with disabilities).