Policy Manager Stepping Up Youth

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.

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.

• Using data to drive action
• Strengthening crisis response and addressing violent crime
• Turning billions in new behavioral health resources into improved outcomes
• Growing the number of states committed to delivering reentry success by 2030

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…