Lead Counsel, Policy (3 Full-Time Openings

Lead Counsel, Policy | JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Lead Counsel, Policy
Team:
Policy

Location:

New York City

Employment Type:

Full-time
FLSA Classification:
Exempt

Start Date:

ASAP
Hiring Manager:
Chief Policy Officer

REFORM, founded in the wake of the #Free Meek movement, is committed to transforming supervision throughout the United States by changing laws, systems, and culture. The organization is working to replace America’s criminal justice system with a restorative approach that is fair, accountable, and invested in rehabilitation. Our goal is for people to reenter society with dignity, create meaningful pathways to work, and equip them with the tools to succeed all while making families and communities safer and stronger.

REFORM Alliance operates as both a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization, allowing us to drive meaningful criminal justice reform through a combination of charitable initiatives and advocacy efforts.

REFORM is hiring three Lead Counsel, Policy roles to translate its mission into actionable policy aimed at transforming the criminal justice system, particularly probation and parole practices. As co-equal members of the Policy team, each Lead Policy Counsel will conduct legal and policy research, draft legislation and policy materials, and engage directly with lawmakers, agency officials, and coalition partners to advance REFORM's legislative and policy agenda.

By navigating complex political and legal environments and building bipartisan support, Lead Counsel, Policy will help position REFORM as a leading voice in criminal justice reform, advancing a more equitable and humane system.

This role sits on the Policy team and reports directly to the Managing Director, Policy. The three Lead Counsel, Policy positions are undifferentiated and co-equal; assignments across jurisdictions and work streams will be allocated by the Managing Director, Policy based on organizational need. Lead Counsel, Policy will own the legal research and bill/regulatory drafting that inform REFORM's legislative and policy positions, in close coordination with the Managing Director, Policy and the Chief Policy Officer.

• Draft and review legislation, amendments, and policy proposals in collaboration with the Chief Policy Officer, Managing Director, Policy, and fellow Lead Counsel, Policy.
• Engage in advocacy efforts, representing REFORM in meetings with lawmakers, agency officials, and coalition partners, and participate in negotiations related to REFORM's legislation under the guidance and direction of the Managing Director, Policy
• Prepare talking points, testimony, and other materials for legislative hearings and public forums.
• Participate in legislative interim activity, attend legislative hearings, offer informed testimony, and participate in policy-related work groups, coalitions, and meetings.
• Provide regular updates to Policy leadership on the progress of legislative initiatives, including any challenges or opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Implementation team and relevant stakeholders to track progress and ensure that passed legislation is implemented as originally intended.
• In coordination with Policy leadership, collaborate with the Marketing / Communications team to ensure that policy initiatives are accurately and effectively communicated to the public and media.

• Conduct in-depth legal and policy research and analysis on issues relevant to criminal justice reform and the specific needs of jurisdictions under REFORM's purview.
• Develop and draft policy memos, briefs, and reports to support advocacy efforts and guide strategic decisions.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels, providing timely updates and insights to Policy leadership and the Executive Leadership Team.

• Attend coalition and stakeholder meetings convened by the Community Engagement/organizing team, which holds and manages REFORM's coalition and community relationships, to stay aligned on messaging and policy goals.
• Identify…