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• Policy Analyst, Maine Center for Economic Policy (Augusta, ME)
• Manager, State Data, Public Safety Performance Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts (Washington, DC)
• Senior Associate, State Data, Public Safety Performance Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts (Washington, DC)

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POLICY ANALYST
MAINE CENTER FOR ECONOMIC POLICY (Augusta, ME)

The Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) seeks a Policy Analyst to join its team of dedicated professionals and boost our capacity to deliver high quality research and analysis that informs public policy in Maine.

Overview
MECEP is an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts in-depth research and analysis of budget, tax, and economic issues. MECEP disseminates its analysis to policymakers, media, partner organizations, and engaged Mainers throughout the state. Our mission is to advance public policies that help all Maine people prosper in a strong, fair, and sustainable economy. Additional information about MECEP is available at www.mecep.org.

The Policy Analyst will produce timely, accessible, and reliable analysis on a range of policy issues affecting low- and moderate-income families and individuals, including, but not limited to, maintaining public investments in Maine's people and economy; developing a progressive tax system that targets relief where it is needed most; promoting access to education, health care, and livable wage jobs that foster long-term economic security; and advancing solutions that balance economic, social, and environmental concerns. The Policy Analyst will also play an important role working with MECEP's partners and helping the organization reach more people.

The Policy Analyst position is full-time and reports directly to the Executive Director. The position is based in Augusta, Maine.

Responsibilities
The Policy Analyst's core responsibilities include:

• Analyze fiscal, economic, and demographic data to support the formulation and evaluation of public policies and the understanding of key trends, issues, and opportunities;
• Stay abreast of state and federal policy proposals relevant to MECEP's mission and keep current on relevant local and national research;
• Produce a range of written materials including blog posts, op-eds, fact sheets, short reports, and longer research pieces based on credible research and analysis of priority issues;
• Work with other staff to help refine analysis, improve the accessibility and impact of MECEP products, and edit and fact check materials to ensure delivery of high quality, credible analysis;
• Contribute to the development of policy and communications priorities and identification of opportunities as a member of the MECEP team;
• Work with partners to support their analytic needs, identify and advance collaboration, and explore opportunities to achieve greater impact;
• Support efforts to respond to requests for information and technical assistance from policymakers and the media;
• Engage in outreach and advocacy as appropriate;
• Represent MECEP in various coalitions and committees as appropriate; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the Policy Analyst position possesses:

• A commitment to economic and social justice in Maine;
• A desire to explore ideas, test assumptions, and advance solutions collaboratively based on sound information and analysis;
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including a working knowledge of PC-based word processing, spreadsheet, and statistical software;
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly to a range of audiences, both in writing and through public speaking;
• A bachelor's or advanced degree in public policy, economics, finance, statistics, or a related field (individuals who will graduate in May or June of 2012 are eligible to apply);
• Prior experience in policy analysis and research, including familiarity with local, state, and federal data sources and legislative processes, preferably in Maine;
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team, to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and pivot as needed, and to complete assigned projects under time constraints;
• A commitment to continuous professional and organizational improvement including the ability to give and receive constructive feedback particularly on written products;
• The capacity to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with an array of individuals and organizations interested advancing shared prosperity in Maine, including elected officials, legislative and executive branch staff, journalists, the leadership and membership of other policy organizations, and the general public, and;
• An understanding of how to use new media to advance MECEP's mission.

Compensation
MECEP offers a competitive compensation package, including salary commensurate with experience, employer-provided health insurance, generous retirement benefits, and paid vacation.

Application
Send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, writing sample, and supplemental writing exercise response (see below) to jward@mecep.org. Candidates may also submit materials to: MECEP, attn: Policy Analyst Search, PO Box 437, Augusta, Maine 04332.

Position open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will start to be reviewed on February 13, 2012. MECEP is an equal opportunity employer.

Required Supplemental Writing Exercise
To be considered, applicants must submit a sample blog post (no more than 400 words) on the topic of "Livable Wages." The purpose of the blog should be to discuss and highlight the importance of Livable Wages.

To view this job description on the MECEP website, click here.

MANAGER, STATE DATA (PUBLIC SAFETY PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
THE PEW CENTER ON THE STATES, THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS (Washington, DC)

Job ID: 2011-2798

Department: Pew Center on the States

Pew Center on the States
The Pew Center on the States (PCS), an internal operating division of The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues facing states. It researches emerging topics, develops 50-state comparisons, and highlights innovative approaches among states to complex problems. When the facts are clear, PCS advocates for nonpartisan, pragmatic solutions.

PCS makes use of the basic tools required to help states explore and advance effective policies, regardless of the issue: credible, timely, and user-friendly research; assessments of public support for change; strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to state decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders, and the public; the capacity to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground; and the ability to identify approaches that have proven successful elsewhere.

PCS staff have expertise in research, communications, and coalition building; those engaged in issue-specific projects have deep substantive expertise.

Project Description
The Public Safety Performance Project (PSPP) was launched in 2006 as an initiative of the Pew Center on the States. The project helps states advance fiscally sound, data-driven policies and practices in sentencing and corrections that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable and control costs. In 2012, PSPP will expand its portfolio to include work in the juvenile corrections system. For more information about this project, visit www.pewpublicsafety.org.

Position Overview
The Trusts is seeking to hire a project manager to supervise and conduct analyses of criminal and juvenile justice data in support of the Public Safety Performance Project's state assistance efforts. This newly created position is located in Washington, D.C. and reports to the PSPP Research Director.

Responsibilities:

• Design data collection instruments, protocols and processes for working with state and national corrections and court data.
• Manage and conduct state-level corrections and court data collection and analysis, and synthesizing data from multiple sources.
• Manage and conduct descriptive analyses of state corrections and court data. This includes preparing data for analysis and working with state partners to ensure the use of common definitions and accuracy in analysis and interpretation. Typical investigations include: drivers of the prison population, trends in admissions and releases to prison and correctional supervision, rates of technical violations of supervision, length of stay and recidivism.
• Produce simulations of policy impacts on state correctional populations. This includes developing a model for forecasting prison populations and estimating the impact of specific policy interventions.
• Prepare reports and deliver presentations for state policy makers, practitioners and stakeholders about the drivers of the state correctional population and the impact of policy interventions.
• Ensure that all data, reports, presentations and other materials adhere to the highest level of methodological rigor and have been verified in consultation with state officials.
• Review documents for PSPP staff engaged in state technical assistance for content and accuracy.
• Supervise at least one research staff member, fostering team cohesion and providing opportunities for skill building and professional advancement.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the project and external and internal partners, including the Pew Results First initiative.
• Cultivate productive relationships and communication with a wide range of constituencies interested in state criminal and justice corrections reform and states' fiscal health, including state policy makers, corrections officials, researchers and advocates.

Requirements:

• At least eight years' experience in criminal justice research and policy analysis, with demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following areas: sentencing, community corrections, prisons, courts, law enforcement, prosecution or criminal defense. Experience working with state policy makers, corrections officials, researchers and other justice system stakeholders is strongly preferred.
• Strong quantitative skills with experience in statistical and econometric modeling.
• Experience working with state adult and/or juvenile sentencing and correctional data (courts, probation, prison and parole).
• Experience developing rigorous, timely, and policy-relevant research, experience commissioning and managing such research, and disseminating it effectively to policymakers, the media and the public.
• Strong presentation skills, including construction of clean and compelling graphics and dynamic and engaging delivery style.
• A bachelor's degree is required and an advanced degree in public policy or other relevant field is strongly preferred. Experience with statistical software packages such as SPSS, SAS, Simul8 and/or STATA also preferred.
• Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including an ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Ability to think strategically and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects. Ability to establish a systematic course of action to ensure project completion.
• Acute political awareness and non-partisan perspective and approach. Demonstrated ability to build relationships among individuals and organizations with a range of interests and perspectives.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE, STATE DATA (PUBLIC SAFETY PERFORMANCE PROJECT)
THE PEW CENTER ON THE STATES, THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS (Washington, DC)

Job ID: 2011-2799

Department: Pew Center on the States

Pew Center on the States
The Pew Center on the States (PCS), an internal operating division of The Pew Charitable Trusts, identifies and advances effective policy approaches to critical issues facing states. It researches emerging topics, develops 50-state comparisons, and highlights innovative approaches among states to complex problems. When the facts are clear, PCS advocates for nonpartisan, pragmatic solutions.

PCS makes use of the basic tools required to help states explore and advance effective policies, regardless of the issue: credible, timely, and user-friendly research; assessments of public support for change; strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to state decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders, and the public; the capacity to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground; and the ability to identify approaches that have proven successful elsewhere.

PCS staff have expertise in research, communications, and coalition building; those engaged in issue-specific projects have deep substantive expertise.

Project Description
The Public Safety Performance Project (PSPP) was launched in 2006 as an initiative of the Pew Center on the States. The project helps states advance fiscally sound, data-driven policies and practices in sentencing and corrections that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable and control costs. In 2012, PSPP will expand its portfolio to include work in the juvenile corrections system. For more information about this project, visit www.pewpublicsafety.org.

Position Overview
The Trusts is seeking to hire a senior associate to conduct analyses of criminal and juvenile justice data in support of the Public Safety Performance Project's state assistance efforts. This newly created position is located in Washington, D.C. and reports to a PSPP research manager.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the design of data collection instruments, protocols and processes for working with state and national corrections and court data.
• Perform state-level corrections and court data collection and analysis, and synthesizing data from multiple sources.
• Conduct descriptive analyses of state corrections and court data. This includes preparing data for analysis and working with state partners to ensure the use of common definitions and accuracy in analysis and interpretation. Typical investigations include: drivers of the prison population, trends in admissions and releases to prison and correctional supervision, rates of technical violations of supervision, length of stay and recidivism.
• Produce simulations of policy impacts on state correctional populations. This includes developing a model for forecasting prison populations and estimating the impact of specific policy interventions.
• Prepare reports and deliver presentations for state policy makers, practitioners and stakeholders about the drivers of the state correctional population and the impact of policy interventions.
• Ensure that all data, reports, presentations and other materials adhere to the highest level of methodological rigor and have been verified in consultation with state officials.
• Review documents for PSPP staff engaged in state technical assistance for content and accuracy.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the project and external and internal partners, including the Pew Results First initiative.

Requirements:

• At least four years' experience in criminal justice research and policy analysis, with demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following areas: sentencing, community corrections, prisons, courts, law enforcement, prosecution or criminal defense.
• Experience working with state policy makers, corrections officials, researchers and other justice system stakeholders is strongly preferred.
• Strong quantitative skills with experience in statistical and econometric modeling.
• Experience working with state adult and/or juvenile sentencing and correctional data (courts, probation, prison and parole).
• Experience developing rigorous, timely, and policy-relevant research, experience commissioning and managing such research, and disseminating it effectively to policymakers, the media and the public.
• Strong presentation skills, including construction of clean and compelling graphics and dynamic and engaging delivery style.
• A bachelor's degree is required and an advanced degree in public policy or other relevant field is strongly preferred. Experience with statistical software packages such as SPSS, SAS, Simul8 and/or STATA also preferred.
• Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including an ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Ability to think strategically and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects. Ability to establish a systematic course of action to ensure project completion.
• Acute political awareness and non-partisan perspective and approach. Demonstrated ability to build relationships among individuals and organizations with a range of interests and perspectives.

Travel
Approximately once or twice per month to states where the project is providing assistance.

Compensation
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including four weeks vacation, a generous 401(k) plan and flexible benefit options.

For OJP jobs of interest visit the OJP Web site.

Or visit the American Evaluation Association Career Center.