Career Opportunity: Director of Policy with The Ohio Justice & Policy Center in Columbus, Ohio

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of those impacted by the criminal legal system? Do you have a strong background in policy advocacy and a commitment to public interest work? Do you enjoy leading with purpose and collaborating with a dedicated team? If so, we want you to join our team!

As the Director of Policy, you will spearhead OJPC’s policy advocacy and lobbying initiatives. You will work closely with OJPC staff as the policy partner across all OJPC projects and initiatives. In addition, as the Director of Policy you will:

• Develop and lead the strategic processes to set and refine OJPC’s public policy agenda, incorporating input from key stakeholders and addressing federal, state, and local legislation, as well as administrative rules.
• Collaborate with OJPC staff and partners to implement policy advocacy and develop new strategies for policy issues.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with policymakers and government leaders, representing OJPC to criminal-justice-policy stakeholders at all levels.
• Keep staff informed of policy reform opportunities and collaborate to plan and execute responses relevant to their project areas.
• Work with grassroots organizing partners to ensure community accountability for OJPC’s policy agenda.
• Engage in public speaking for education and advocacy with various community groups and public bodies.
• Write internal memos and external advocacy documents to promote solutions to criminal-justice-policy problems.
• Devise and execute media and communications strategies for advocacy campaigns in coordination with the Communications Manager.
• Work with the Development Director and other staff to secure funding for policy advocacy.
• Manage the budget for policy advocacy and lobbying, ensuring compliance with IRS lobbying limits.
• Prepare and submit quarterly lobbying activity reports to relevant agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in public policy, law (J.D. or LL.M.), or a related field.
• 5+ years in a law firm, nonprofit law office, policy-advocacy organization, or governmental entity, including 2+ years leading legislative and policy-reform campaigns.
• Ability to register as a lobbyist in Ohio and local jurisdictions.
• Experience with criminal justice systems (personal, family, professional, etc.).
• Experience and training in addressing systemic racism.
• Experience working with racially, ethnically, geographically, and economically diverse populations.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with various audiences, including news media, policymakers, and grassroots activists.
• Fundraising experience, including assistance with securing foundation grants and major-gifts donors, appreciated. 
• Skills in team building, management, and community organizing.
• Project or organizational budget management experience.

OJPC is a nonprofit law firm with offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. We fight for equal justice and fair treatment in all stages of incarceration because every person deserves dignity after their conviction and freedom after their sentence. We offer a spectrum of free legal services, programs, and resources for people in all communities who lack essential support as they navigate the complexities of our criminal legal system. Learn more about OJPC’s mission by visiting:

https://ohiojpc.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-justice-&-policy-center/

Join our dedicated team and help drive transformative change for those who need it most. Your leadership and expertise can make a real difference in our community. Apply online today!

Employer is EOE/M/F/D/V. No third-party candidates please.