Education & Criminal Justice Policy Analysts

The application deadline for these positions has passed. We are not currently accepting new job applications.

Oklahoma Policy Institute (OK Policy) is seeking two experienced and effective policy analysts to conduct research primarily related to issues of education policy or criminal justice policy, with a particular emphasis on how these policies affect low- and moderate-income Oklahomans.

Primary responsibilities of the education position will include:

• Conduct research and analysis of policy issues related to all stages of education, including early childhood education, K-12 education, and post-secondary education, particularly as related to fiscal and school funding issues and to impacts on low- and moderate-income Oklahomans;
• Collaborate with policy staff on other issues affecting Oklahoma children and families.

Primary responsibilities of the criminal justice position will include:

• Conduct research and analysis of policy issues related to criminal justice policy, processes, and environment, particularly as related to fiscal issues and to impacts on low- and moderate-income Oklahomans;
• Collaborate with OK Policy’s other policy staff and partners on criminal justice issues.

Primary responsibilities for both positions will include:

• Prepare, write, and disseminate high-quality research-based blog posts, issue briefs, fact sheets, opinion pieces, advocacy alerts, and other materials;
• Monitor and develop strategic responses to state and national policy developments;
• Prepare and conduct presentations and briefings for policymakers, community organizations, advocacy groups, and others in relevant issue areas;
• Assist in developing and operating issue-based campaigns.

Secondary responsibilities for both positions will include:

• Help plan and participate in OK Policy events;
• Participate in coalitions of key stakeholders and assist with OK Policy outreach and advocacy efforts in relevant issue areas;
• Attend conferences, trainings, and other professional development opportunities as available;
• Assist in developing the organization’s policy priorities;
• Assist in intern hiring and supervision, and oversee interns’ work over relevant issue areas;
• Assist with grant preparation and reporting as needed.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in education or criminal justice policy, sociology, public administration, public finance, economics, political science, or related field, or a professional degree;
• Significant work or academic experience conducting research on public policy issues;
• Familiarity with the Oklahoma policy environment, including public agencies, interest groups, and the state Legislature;
• Outstanding writing skills, including the ability to write effectively for diverse audiences;
• Strong research skills, familiarity with statistics and quantitative methods preferred;
• Experience organizing complex projects involving a diverse group of partners and stakeholders;
• Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one, in group settings, and in public presentations;
• Strong computer experience, including word processing, spreadsheets, project management tools, and social media.

This is a full-time position based in Tulsa. Candidates based outside of Tulsa who are unable to relocate may receive consideration and should be able to travel regularly to Tulsa. The starting salary range is expected to be $35,000-$47,500 commensurate with experience. OK Policy offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, retirement, and generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

To apply for these positions: Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples by close of business May 17 to jobs@okpolicy.org (indicate Policy Analyst in the subject line). All applicants will be considered for both positions unless applicants indicate otherwise. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position(s) and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Please also include your salary expectations. The two writing samples should total no more than 25 pages, preferably written for different audiences.

Oklahoma Policy Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that believes that Oklahoma can be a great state, one that ensures prosperity for all our citizens through good schools, good jobs, good health and strong communities. To make the best policy decisions that lead us to this better future, policymakers and citizens need reliable, factual information. We provide the facts and advocate for fair and responsible public policies. You can learn more about OK Policy at https://okpolicy.org.

OK Policy is fully committed to cultural diversity and equal employment opportunity. It is our procedure to make employment opportunities available to a wide-range of diverse individuals without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, HIV status, any condition defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or citizenship status.