Prison Policy Initiative Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prison Reform Policy Analyst, Criminal Law & Justice Center (7398U), BerkeleyLaw – #80122 (Berkeley), University of California – Berkeley, Berkeley, CA.

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Departmental Overview

The Criminal Law & Justice Center (CLJC) serves as a vital hub for advancing criminal justice reform, policy research, and practical legal advocacy. Through the commitment imprinted in our programs, we bridge academic research with real‑world impact, engaging in critical analysis of criminal justice policies while providing direct support to communities affected by the criminal legal system. Our work spans from supporting empirical research on indigent defense systems and access to justice to developing evidence‑based policy recommendations and fostering student engagement in criminal justice advocacy. The continued trust and support of our donors has been instrumental in enabling our mission and affirming the importance of our work in this field.

Position Summary

As a key member of CLJC's Prison Rape Elimination initiative, the Policy Analyst will coordinate comprehensive research efforts and manage the initiative's programmatic direction. This role will synthesize existing research on prisoner sexual abuse prevention, detection, and response, collaborate closely with research partners to identify knowledge gaps, and facilitate targeted investigations that build the evidence base for reform. The Policy Analyst will work extensively with advocacy organizations, academic researchers, and formerly incarcerated individuals to develop collaborative approaches that leverage diverse expertise while translating scholarly insights into actionable policy recommendations that can create meaningful change in correctional safety and the elimination of prison rape. Working under the management of the Executive Director and the Administrative Director, this role will implement research partnerships, coordinate multi‑stakeholder initiatives, and provide project coordination that strengthen CLJC's independent advocacy for effective reforms to prevent, detect, and respond to rape in prisons and other confinement settings.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 08/20/2025.

Responsibilities

• Conducts analytical studies on legislation, policies, programs, and issues related to sexual abuse prevention, detection, and response in correctional settings, including comparative analysis of approaches across different jurisdictions.
• Researches, monitors, and analyzes legislation, regulations, and policies at California, federal, and international levels related to correctional facility safety and sexual abuse prevention in confinement settings.
• Develops proposals and recommendations to guide programmatic direction for CLJC's Prison Rape Elimination initiative, including policy frameworks for institutional reform beyond existing approaches.
• Coordinates with external and internal partners, CDCR, advocacy organizations, and formerly incarcerated individuals to gather data and develop independent assessments of current practices and needed reforms in confinement settings.
• Researches and drafts complex proposals, reports, briefings, and legislative recommendations aimed at strengthening prevention, detection, investigations and response to sexual abuse in prisons, jails and other correctional settings.
• Develops scope of work, budgets, and progress reports for research projects, ensuring alignment with center objectives and funder requirements.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Supports the organization of conferences, workshops, and preparation of discussion papers related to respective initiative areas.

Required Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of carceral systems and criminal justice institutions.
• Strong background in criminal justice research, with expertise in carceral systems.
• Advanced policy analysis techniques and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in policy analysis and development.
• Ability to analyze, research and synthesize large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant policy recommendations.
• Track record of translating research into actionable policy recommendations.
• Understanding of institutional research compliance and ethics requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of research compliance and human subjects' protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work with sensitive data and vulnerable populations.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
• Ability to multi‑task with demanding timeframes in a dynamic policy environment and meet competing deadlines.
• Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals and analyses.
• Excellent project management and team coordination capabilities.
• Strong computer skills with ability to learn new software programs and computer systems.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively with individuals and groups from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect among all members of the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with and understand individuals from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in criminal justice policy, prison reform, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Background in both research methodology and policy analysis.
• Master's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $85,000.00 - $95,800.00.

• This is a 1‑year, full‑time (40 hours/week), contract appointment that is eligible for UC benefits with the possibility of extension, subject to funding.
• This is an exempt monthly‑paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 20% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities.