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Racial Equity Strategist

City of Philadelphia

Racial Equity Strategist

Philadelphia, PA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description

    The Racial Equity Strategist for the Office of Criminal Justice manages the development and implementation of strategies aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system. The Strategist oversees research efforts to unpack the drivers of disparities within the criminal justice system, analyzes the impacts of reforms, and recommends strategic solutions. The Strategist serves as a liaison between the OCJ and citywide racial equity & reconciliation efforts to ensure alignment. The Strategist represents the City in national forums and convenings related to racial equity and criminal justice reform.

    The Racial Equity Strategist is tasked with providing leadership, subject-matter expertise, and support to the ongoing efforts to advance racial equity across the criminal justice system. The Strategist will play a key role in ensuring that all aspects of the reform effort are conducted with a focus on equity. The Racial Equity Strategist will report to the Director of the Office of Criminal Justice.

    The Racial Equity Strategist will oversee the planning, implementation, and tracking of specific projects, as well as the continued development of a cohesive strategy. The Racial Equity Strategist is responsible for supporting the collaborative work of the Racial and Ethnic Disparity Workgroup, Citywide Racial Equity & Reconciliation Initiatives, and the ongoing efforts of the individual criminal justice partner agencies to change policies and practices that will address drivers of racial inequality.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    The criminal justice system in Philadelphia is characterized by racial inequality. People of color now account for 92.1% of the jail population, but only 66% of the city’s population. While the jail population has gone down over 40% over the past five years, disparities have only worsened since the City committed to reform in 2015. In the context of a local and national reckoning with structural racism, combating these deep inequities is more important than ever. The urgency of this work is bolstered by the City’s overall prioritization of racial equity, including the formalization of the City’s Racial Equity Initiative through Executive Order No. 1-16, the formation of the Reconciliation Steering Committee, and more.

    To drive the racial equity work forward within the criminal justice system, the Racial Equity Strategist will be responsible for:

    Regular project management, implement the work and redesign and rethink, leadership, manage, effectuate research, some evaluation skills, experience managing researchers

    • Developing and managing the implementation of strategies to investigate and address racial and ethnic disparities, including a cross-system implicit bias training, Data Diagnostic, and initiative review series. (https://www.phila.gov/programs/philadelphia-safety-and-justice-challenge/reform-plan/).
    • Leading meetings of the Racial and Ethnic Disparity Workgroup and associated subgroups, as well as participating in other Safety and Justice Challenge Workgroups and Committees to ensure that racial disparities are being addressed across the reform effort.
    • Managing qualitative and quantitative research and analysis around drivers of disparities and using that information to recommend strategic solutions.
    • Translating data and research findings outcomes for non-research audiences; presenting findings in a way that ties research to actionable steps for practitioners.    
    • In collaboration with other stakeholders, reviewing and assessing existing policies, procedures, programs, and services of the local criminal justice system to identify opportunities to reduce barriers for different groups and promote racial equity at various decision points.
    • Collaborating with agency and community stakeholders to develop policies, procedures, programs, and services that address the over-incarceration of people of color and/or low-income individuals.
    • Translating broader goals and strategies around reducing racial and ethnic disparities and promoting racial equity into concrete policy and practice changes.
    • Leading conversations around racial equity for the Racial and Ethnic Disparities workgroup as well as other stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
    • Serving as a liaison between the OCJ and City-wide racial equity efforts and workgroups.
    • Representing the City of Philadelphia and the SJC Implementation Team on issues related to race and ethnicity and the criminal justice system at external events and meetings.
    • Performing any additional duties as described by the Office of Criminal Justice related to the objective of reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system and the management of SJC grants.

    COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

    • Strong working knowledge of racial equity and structural racism in the criminal legal system, including being comfortable and confident in speaking about these topics;
    • Skill and experience in facilitating difficult conversations on topics of race, ethnicity, racial and ethnic disparities, and racial equity;
    • Familiarity with current research and best practices related to advancing racial equity in government;
    • Ability to collaborate with all levels of government and with external partner agencies to establish consensus;
    • Passion for collaborating with community organizations, Philadelphia residents, and advocates to create systems change;
    • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions;
    • Experienced in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis;
    • Ability to translate data and research findings for practitioners, without jargon;
    • Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills;
    • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office;
    • Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills;
    • Experience establishing and implementing racial equity initiatives within large organizations;
    • Deep background knowledge about the history of race relations in Philadelphia preferred;
    • Prior experience with the criminal legal system preferred;
    • Knowledge of social science research and investigation methodology, its application to a variety of problems, and the methods employed in the collection of data and presentation of results preferred;
    • Knowledge of Tableau and data analyses software like R or SPSS preferred;
  • Qualifications

    Qualifications

    • Completion of an advanced degree at an accredited college or university in sociology, public policy, law, criminal justice, social work, public administration, or related field; or equivalent work experience; or relevant work or educational background and lived experience as a person directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
    • Five years of related working experience in a large jurisdiction preferred, including with community-based and advocacy groups.  
    • Experience establishing and implementing diversity or racial equity initiatives.
    • Individuals with lived experience in the criminal legal system are encouraged to apply.
    • High-level managerial skills including problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution are also required.
    • Experience with both digital and traditional communications.
    • Knowledge of Philadelphia and communities across the city required.
    • Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, delegate, and to create systems and processes.
    • Ability to regularly attend night and weekend events.
    • Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills; clearly communicate information, listen well and ask relevant questions.
    • Excellent judgment and analytical skills.
    • Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the formulation and recommendation of policy/programmatic positions OCJ;
    • Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others;
    • Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner;
    • Knowledge of office computer applications.
    • A resident of Philadelphia within 6 months.

    The City of Philadelphia is interested in hiring the best possible candidate. We recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and that many skill-sets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

    Additional Information

    SALARY RANGE: $70,000 - $75,000

    Closing Date: 08/02/2021

    Please submit a COVER LETTER, RESUME, and WRITING SAMPLE with your application to be considered. 

    Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six month’s completion of a successful six-month employee orientation period.

  • Industry
    Government Administration