Public Affairs Manager

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that combines the power of a membership association, representing state officials in all three branches of government, with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities. We help achieve those results by

• Bringing people together from both sides of the aisle to foster collaboration;
• Driving the criminal justice field forward with original research;
• Building momentum for policy change at the state and local levels; and
• Providing expert assistance to translate the latest research into policy and practice.

The CSG Justice Center is one of the most robust criminal justice organizations in the country, composed of approximately 120 employees with decades of experience in law enforcement, community corrections, court administration, housing, mental health and addiction services, state prisons, local jails, juvenile justice, education, workforce development, and victim advocacy. Staff here have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What bonds us together is a shared commitment to our mission, 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 Public Affairs Manager works with the Communications and External Affairs Division to provide strategic media relations, public affairs, and broader communications assistance to advance organization-wide initiatives. This role provides strategic leadership on key, high-profile organizational initiatives. The role offers a significant level of responsibility and opportunity for growth for an individual seeking to advance a career in communications and criminal justice policy.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the public affairs manager include the following:

• Strategic communications: Develop and execute national and project-specific communications plans and strategies to effectively deliver the organization's message and support its members. Serve as a key contributor on efforts to elevate the CSG Justice Center's work and message.
• Message development: Lead the writing and strategic development of talking points, media materials, and project-specific communications (media advisories, press releases, fact sheets, op-eds, etc.).
• Stakeholder engagement: Serve as a point of contact to internal project teams, funders, and key partners on a variety of campaigns and initiatives. Assist with the planning of media events and other convening of government officials, funders, advocates, practitioners, and national experts.
• Project management: Manage assigned projects from inception to completion including budgeting, deliverable planning, and reporting to ensure that all activities are coordinated, executed effectively, and completed on time and within budget.
• Digital engagement: Work in concert with the Communications Division to better understand the organization's audiences and behavior. Strategically deploy digital tools and social platforms including interactive web tools, surveys, email marketing, social media campaigns, live streamed events, etc.'to disseminate and amplify the CSG Justice Center's messages.
• Collaboration: Participate actively in staff discussions and strategic planning meetings. Serve as a liaison between Communications and other internal divisions to collaborate, exchange information, and advance the organization's mission.

What you'll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• At least 5 years of work experience in the fields of communications, journalism, public relations, or public affairs. Political campaign, government relations, and/or state government experience preferred.
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a clear, concise way
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications plans, cultivating media coverage, and managing media inquiries
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity, an ability to work independently and in a team setting, and a sense of humor
• Efficient, organized work style and an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms such as graphic design, email marketing, video production, data visualizations, social media strategy, etc.

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
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in New York, is $68,870 - $108,293. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.