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
COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Qualifications
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.