Data Operations and Policy Specialist

About SF Pretrial

The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals.

We work to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project (SF Pretrial) does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County.

Position Summary

The Data Operations and Policy Specialist will support strategic communications, coordinate data and grant reporting, manage database operations, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to training and onboarding processes across the organization. This position will play an important role in supporting SF Pretrial’s mission through data management, program evaluation, policy analysis, and strategic outreach efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director of Policy & Evaluation, this role offers an opportunity to grow communication and advocacy skills while contributing to critical criminal justice reform work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Database Operations and Data Reporting

• Maintain and update organizational database to ensure data accuracy and integrity
• Generate regular and adhoc reports for internal stakeholders, funders, and grant requirements
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure timely and accurate data entry
• Support the Reporting and Compliance Manager in preparing grant reports and deliverables
• Track and monitor reporting deadlines
• Compile data from multiple sources to support grant applications and renewal processes
• Assist with data quality assurance processes
• Support development of data collection protocols and reporting templates

Strategic Communications and Advocacy

• Lead development and execution of strategic communication campaigns to protect and advance SFPDP's mission and service model
• Develop compelling narratives and materials that communicate SFPDP's impact to key stakeholders, including elected officials, funders, and community partners
• Manage email communication campaigns targeting diverse audiences with tailored messaging
• Coordinate and implement social media strategy and maintain active presence across platforms
• Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, and advocacy materials based on organizational data and research
• Support senior leadership in preparing presentations and testimony for public forums, board meetings, and stakeholder convenings

External Relations and Thought Leadership

• Maintain and update website content to reflect organizational priorities, outcomes, and compliance requirements
• Manage relationships with media contacts and coordinate press inquiries
• Represent SFPDP's position in pretrial justice policy discussions and coalitions
• Monitor policy developments affecting pretrial services at local, state, and national levels
• Support development of research partnerships and collaborative policy initiatives
• Coordinate with Reporting and Compliance Manager to ensure accurate representation of organizational outcomes

Training Coordination and Staff Development

• Design and coordinate all-staff training sessions on organizational policies, procedures, and new initiatives
• Support new hire onboarding processes, including development of training materials and coordination of orientation sessions
• Partner with program departments to identify training needs and develop responsive curricula
• Maintain training documentation and materials library
• Track training completion and coordinate with department heads on staff development priorities

Data Translation and Storytelling

• Collaborate with Policy & Evaluation team to translate complex data findings into accessible formats for diverse audiences
• Develop data visualization materials, infographics, and executive summaries for external distribution
• Support preparation of outcome reports with focus on narrative framing and visual presentation
• Work with external evaluators to ensure SFPDP's story is accurately and compellingly represented in comparative analyses
• Collect media including client and staff interviews and stories, published information and photos

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Coordinate with program staff to gather client success stories and programmatic updates
• Partner with Reporting and Compliance Manager on grant-related communications and deliverables
• Support Finance and Programs departments in communicating about new initiatives and organizational changes
• Facilitate internal communications to ensure alignment on organizational messaging
• Perform other duties as directed, developed or assigned

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Policy, Public Administration, Journalism, or related field or;
• 3-5 years full-time experience closely related to this job description
• 2+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, advocacy, non-profit sector, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Experience with data management and data reporting
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Experience with social media management and digital communications platforms
• Ability to translate complex information into accessible content
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams
• Enthusiasm for social justice and criminal justice reform

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with grant reporting or compliance
• Familiarity with database systems
• Experience in nonprofit communications or advocacy
• Knowledge of criminal justice reform, pretrial services, or social justice issues
• Experience with website content management systems
• Familiarity with San Francisco’s landscape and local government
• Training facilitation or coordination experience
• Graphic design skills or familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva)
• Experience with email marketing platforms

Technical Requirements

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Proficiency with social media platforms and scheduling tools
• Strong data visualization and presentation skills
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) preferred
• Ability to quickly learn new communication and collaboration technologies

Background Checks and/or Licensing Requirements

Criminal Background check by the SF Sheriff’s Department for jail clearance and CLETS certification and reference checks.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimate 20% of time is spent on feet and 80% sitting at a desk.
• Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders.
• Occasional need to perform standing and walking activities.
• Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.
• Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screens. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.
• Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits Offered

• Remote working one day per week (after 60 days of successful onboarding)
• 4/10 work schedule - Remote work and 4/10 schedule arrangements may be adjusted based on departmental needs and operational requirements.
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life& AD&D insurance
• Flexible spending accounts: healthcare & dependent care
• Commuter benefits
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 23 Vacation days earned within the first year of employment
• 14 Observed Holidays
• 1 Floating Birthday Holiday