PositionPrison Reform Policy Analyst, Criminal Law & Justice Center (7398U), Berkeley Law - 80122 (San Francisco) | San Francisco, CA OverviewThe Criminal Law & Justice Center (CLJC) serves as a vital hub for advancing criminal justice reform, policy research, and practical legal advocacy. Our work bridges academic research with real-world impact, engaging in critical analysis of criminal justice policies and fostering student engagement in criminal justice advocacy. We seek applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to contribute to an inclusive, equity-focused community. Position SummaryAs 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 with research partners to identify knowledge gaps, and facilitate targeted investigations that build the evidence base for reform. The Policy Analyst will work with advocacy organizations, academic researchers, and formerly incarcerated individuals to develop collaborative approaches that translate scholarly insights into actionable policy recommendations to improve correctional safety and prevent prison rape. Under the supervision of the Executive Director and the Administrative Director, this role will implement research partnerships, coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives, and provide project coordination that strengthens CLJC's independent advocacy for effective reforms to prevent, detect, and respond to rape in prisons and other confinement settings. Application Review DateThe first review date for this job is 08/20/2025. Responsibilities
- Conduct analytical studies on legislation, policies, programs, and issues related to sexual abuse prevention, detection, and response in correctional settings, including comparative analysis across jurisdictions.
- Research, monitor, and analyze legislation, regulations, and policies at California, federal, and international levels related to correctional facility safety and sexual abuse prevention in confinement settings.
- Develop proposals and recommendations to guide programmatic direction for CLJC's Prison Rape Elimination initiative, including policy frameworks for institutional reform beyond existing approaches.
- Coordinate 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.
- Research and draft complex proposals, reports, briefings, and legislative recommendations to strengthen prevention, detection, investigations and response to sexual abuse in prisons, jails and other correctional settings.
- Develop scope of work, budgets, and progress reports for research projects, ensuring alignment with center objectives and funder requirements.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Support 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 confidentiality.
- Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes in a dynamic policy environment and meet competing deadlines.
- 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 with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment within the UC Berkeley community and its stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with 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 & BenefitsFor information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. The budgeted annual salary range for this position is $85,000.00 - $95,800.00. 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, subject to supervisor approval and department needs.
Conviction History BackgroundThis is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: Final candidate will be required to comply. #J-18808-Ljbffr