Criminal Justice Policy Analyst
Criminal Justice Policy Analyst
Libertas Institute is an award-winning think tank in Utah with an 86% track record seeing its recommendations become law. We are exporting our policy victories to other states, and operate projects such as the acclaimed Tuttle Twins children’s books that are read by millions of people throughout the world.
Libertas Institute is seeking a motivated person to oversee its criminal justice research portfolio to increase its impact in Utah and across the country.
This position is full-time in-office in Lehi, Utah (work in office 2 days a week minimum).
You will be responsible for:
- Focusing Libertas’s criminal justice policy research on over-criminalization and its effects: decriminalizing mental illness, expungement, sentencing reform/reduction, reintroduction into society
- Conducting in-depth research and data studies to produce policy briefs, legislative summaries, and writing to be submitted to academic publications.
- Following and compiling outside research for use in op-eds, videos, one-pagers, press releases, and interviews that inform and persuade.
- Supporting outreach efforts to communicate Libertas’s policy portfolio to other groups and partners.
- Collaborating with partners, stakeholders, and legislators to bring policy reform proposals to the Utah Legislature
You will bring to the role your:
- Masters of Criminology or related degree preferred, but not required
- Minimum 1–2 years experience in policy research (or related work, such as working for a prosecutor’s or public defender’s office). Internships count as experience.
- Policy savvy and an ability to navigate diverse, nuanced ideologies. Libertas engages with individuals who hold a wide variety of beliefs.
- Excellent oral and written skills.
- An entrepreneurial, collaborative mindset.
- A firm belief in individual liberty.
- Ability to travel occasionally to conferences and policy events.
You will enjoy:
- Matching 403b retirement plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement
- Unlimited time off with a vacation benefit match program
- Flexible schedule
- Meal stipend and occasional work parties and outings
- Making a difference with an organization that is materially improving people’s lives
What Success Looks Like in this Role:
90 days:
- Establish and begin building a following on social media and other outlets as a leading voice on criminal justice reform in Utah
- Publish articles regularly on our site
- Integrate with your fellow policy team members, local partners and stakeholders here in Utah
6 months:
- Publish a policy brief covering a specific topic dealing with over-criminalization
- Publish two data study memos
- Begin offering policy solutions that can be advocated in Utah (and eventually around the country)
1 Year:
- Publish an in-depth data/research paper dealing with over-criminalization
- Help our government affairs team pass several reforms dealing with over-criminalization in Utah
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Résumé or equivalent
- Cover letter detailing your qualifications and your sincere interest in this position
- A writing sample related to criminal justice (maximum 750 words).
Applications should be submitted via email to michael@libertas.org.
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
