The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only nonpartisan association of 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:
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.
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 who have experience and expertise with youth justice, behavioral health and related fields for youth. This role will provide support to counties in Kansas, as well as state leaders, on the Stepping Up for Youth Initiative. The goal of Stepping Up for Youth is to improve behavioral health outcomes for youth involved in or at-risk of being involved in the juvenile justice system. You can learn more about the initiative here.
Because this role is expected to frequently interact in person with Kansas stakeholders, candidates should be located either in Kansas or within proximity.
Specifically, this position will help manage the Stepping Up for Youth Technical Assistance Center statewide in Kansas. After a successful pilot with seven counties, the TA Center will continue to support these counties as well as expand to additional ones, including engaging and recruiting counties to participate, developing and implementing communities of practice, creating briefs and resources for sites, facilitating webinars, making peer-to-peer connections, and preparing high-performing sites to serve as peer mentors. The TA Center will continue to provide individual technical assistance to counties across a range of topics including strategic planning, cross-system collaboration, behavioral health screening, data and quality assurance, and implementation of evidence-based services, case management, and behavior management practices.
In addition, this position will support state-level cross-system state policy improvements to improve services, case management, and agency collaboration for youth involved or at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice, child welfare, and behavioral health systems. Finally, this position will also support expansion of Stepping Up for Youth nationally as opportunities for state and local partnerships arise and other cross-system state policy projects outside of Kansas focused on improving outcomes for youth.
Funding: This position is externally funded. Employment is contingent upon funding availability.
Location: Remote candidates in Kansas or close proximity preferred.
If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:
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 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).
Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.
