Director of Policy

Summary Statement

Policy and systems reform is the bedrock on which the Delaware Center for Justice was founded over a century ago. Critical to the Director’s success will be the capacity to prioritize, collaborate, and engage advocacy partners/allies' aid while centering and translating the experiences of DCJ’s program clients and the larger justice-impacted community in all interactions.

The Director of Policy will:

• Foster relationships with lawmakers, the governor’s staff, agency officials, and community stakeholders on behalf of DCJ to further the organization’s policy priorities.
• Support the Executive Director to develop and leverage opportunities and strategic relationships in support of DCJ’s policy priorities.
• Serve as the co-chair (with a designated member of the Board of Directors) of DCJ’s Policy Committee. Related responsibilities include scheduling and leading in-person and virtual meetings; providing agendas and written materials three business days before meetings; maintaining a spreadsheet to track and report on legislation related to DCJ’s current and historical policy priorities; and other tasks as specified.
• Maximize scarce resources by thoughtfully categorizing our policy work as follows: 1) policy priorities where DCJ will lead; 2) policy priorities where DCJ will collaborate; 3) policy priorities where DCJ will amplify the work of others; and 4) policy priorities that do not require DCJ to take a stand or that exceed DCJ’s capacity to support.
• Draft and/or coordinate the drafting of new legislation, policies, and amendments to existing laws and policies.
• Represent DCJ and its policy work on task forces and coalitions; in public forums and on panels; via media outlets; and by providing public comment and testimony.
• Collaborate closely with DCJ’s programming team to ensure that client voices drive our policy work; with development to lend urgency to our case for support; and with communications to create assets for public consumption (webpage updates, policy briefings, news releases, emails, social and other media, and the like).
• Identify critical incidents that require DCJ’s immediate response, working swiftly and closely with Senior Management, the Director of Communications & Engagement, and the Policy Committee to develop an appropriate public response that aligns with DCJ’s mission and values.
• Build and maintain a strong coalition, starting with existing groups/initiatives that have worked on criminal legal systems reform, including but not limited to hosting regular meetings in each county to update community members on DCJ’s work.
• Develop positive relationships with potential partners and decision-makers including elected officials and those in law enforcement.
• Partner with Community Organizers to incorporate, center, and uplift voices from impacted communities, including doing community outreach events.
• Research successful reforms/models from other jurisdictions around the country and advocate for their implementation in Delaware.
• Organize lobby/action days as needed and appropriate at Legislative Hall.
• Develop the annual Visions of Justice Conference in conjunction with the DCJ Leadership Team.
• Other duties as specified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent, with policy advocacy and/or community organizing experience preferred. Experience organizing and working with policymakers is strongly preferred. · Demonstrated understanding of how to use policy analysis, research, lobbying, media, communications, organizing and mobilization, and alliance-building to influence the political agenda, with proven experience in engaging with and influencing decision-makers.
• Skill at leading others, including managing different personalities, working styles, and preferences.
• Basic computer skills, including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, as well as Zoom/Skype and other distance meeting resources; must possess a willingness to learn about and use new tools as they become available.
• Ability to multitask and work both independently and with supervision, on-site and remotely.
• Have immediate access to reliable transportation for job-related travel, including but not limited to regular trips to Legislative Hall, community meetings, and other events.
• Embrace an understanding of justice involvement that acknowledges the impact of institutional racism and the systemic oppression of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, women, and LGBTQ+ people; must share the belief that people can change in positive ways.
• Must embrace teamwork, have a strong work ethic, and be a self-starter with a positive attitude, with a good sense of humor.
• Superb organization skills, detail-oriented with strong follow-through, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong team building, organizing, writing, and other communication skills are essential.

Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity Employment Policy The Delaware Center for Justice, Inc. does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.