About The Clean Slate Initiative

Founded in 2019, the Clean Slate Initiative (CSI)The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free and expands who is eligible for clearance..

The Clean Slate Initiative’s vision is that people will no longer be defined by their records and will have the opportunity to contribute to their community, have a fair opportunity to work, get an education, and achieve their full potential. The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free and expand who is eligible for clearance. To date, twelve states have passed Clean Slate laws impacting more than 15 million people. The Clean State Initiative works with bipartisan leaders and organizations. It offers our expertise on what works: intelligent policy design, an eye toward implementation, and campaign strategies that center on lived experience. Along the way, we work to redefine the narrative around people with records, cutting through the bias and stigma to reorient the legal system to live up to the ideals of second chances. Learn more about our work here.

About The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Research and Data, the Research Associate will play a key role in advancing CSI’s research and policy initiatives. This role will support the Research and Data, Policy, and Implementation Teams in developing evidence-based and data-driven insights to inform record clearance policies and reform efforts nationwide. The Research Associate will conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze qualitative data, and synthesize research and data findings to create actionable recommendations for CSI’s advocacy campaigns and policy implementation strategies. 

Responsibilities and Tasks:

The Research Associate will work on timely projects that support the Research and Data, Policy, and Implementation Teams, including:  

Research and Analysis: 

• Conduct literature reviews regularly on criminal justice, labor market, housing, and other outcomes, and policy effectiveness related to record clearance and adjacent policies

• Synthesize academic research, policy reports, and other data sources to inform Clean Slate campaigns, highlighting findings pertinent to advancing racial equity in record clearance and the legal system more broadly.

• Assist in developing data-driven reports, including research and policy briefs, memos, summaries, and other publications for both internal and external audiences.

• Conduct desk research, policy, and data analyses to inform Clean Slate and stepping stone legislation (that is, legislation that puts a state on the path toward Clean Slate)

• Support the Director of Implementation by regularly analyzing states’ Clean Slate implementation, compiling evidence-based best practices, and conducting targeted research on specific questions as they arise related to implementation and notification efforts. 

• Conduct some qualitative research (e.g., key informant interviews, focus groups, etc.) as needed to inform The Clean Slate Initiative, research, policy, and implementation agendas.

Tracking and Knowledge Capture

• Maintain an up-to-date log/database of state and federal legislation related to Clean Slate’s goals and regularly share it with internal staff. This can include regularly monitoring proposed legislation using software such as FiscalNote. 

• Track relevant research reports and research that is in progress and bring synthesis and relevant information to internal decision-making.

• Create and maintain knowledge on details of the Clean Slate policy passed in each state, including any “fix” bills or amendments such that when specific questions are asked by external stakeholders (e.g., what is the waiting period in X state vs. Y state), we have an easily accessible internal knowledge bank to pull from 

• Track and document bespoke policy questions and answers asked of CSI team members so that we are building and documenting our internal knowledge 

• Support the creation of state “case studies” for external audiences by contributing policy-specific research and insights 

Writing and Communication: 

• Identify topics, conferences, and publication outlets that would be appropriate to disseminate The Clean Slate Initiatve’s policy analyses

• Draft white papers, policy briefs, blogs, memos, articles, analytic reports, and thought pieces that educate external stakeholders about record clearance laws.

• Disseminate research, policy, and implementation recommendations internally through oral and written communication methods.

Policy and Implementation Recommendations: 

• Work closely with the Public Policy Director to ensure research is aligned with ongoing advocacy needs and campaigns

• Participate in strategy meetings, offering insights based on research findings

• Inform organizational positions regarding the Clean Slate policy and implementation

Who you are:

• Knowledgeable about criminal legal system reform

• A meticulous researcher skilled in gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing complex information to inform strategic decisions

• You have a keen eye for detail and the ability to present clear, actionable insights; you contribute to innovative solutions and organizational success. 

• A clear and effective communicator with the ability to present complex research and policy findings in a way that is accessible and persuasive to diverse audiences, including policymakers, advocates, and external stakeholders

• Experience as a directly impacted person who has a first-hand experience with the criminal justice system or second-hand experiences through a family member or close loved one is valued

• Collaborative and oriented towards working with others inside and outside the organization

• Creative problem solver able to figure out solutions even when they are not readily apparent

What You’ll Need

• 3-5 years work experience in Public Policy, Political Science, Criminal Justice/Criminology, Sociology, or related fields. 

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex findings to a non-technical audience

• Strong research and writing skills

• Impeccably organized and detail-oriented

• Experience conducting literature reviews, synthesizing research, and writing reports, policy briefs, and memos

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Experience with qualitative research methods would be a plus

• Strong ability to work across multiple teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously 

Compensation, Benefits & Location

Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, a 4% employer match and 2% employer-paid contribution towards 401k retirement, pre-tax transportation benefits, and paid holidays, vacation, sick, and casual time off.

The Clean Slate Initiative is committed to transparent and fair compensation. The hiring range for this position is an annual salary range of $63,000 - $68,000 per year. The final salary within this range will be determined based on qualifications and relevant experience.  Once an offer is made, we do not negotiate the compensation package. 

This is a full-time position and is considered exempt for overtime purposes. This is a remote position, and we are location agnostic regarding where you are based in the US.  However, we will discuss a hybrid or in-office work location for candidates in proximity to our Orlando office.  You will need to:

• Work collaboratively with a team in various time zones

• Be close to a major airport with the ability to travel approximately 10% of the time

• Attend required quarterly onsite planning meetings in various locations

• Attend one all staff learning trip and our annual convening each year

The Clean Slate Initiative is a 501(c)(3) public entity that passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free and expand who is eligible for clearance. CSI is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. CSI’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working. 

How to Apply

We encourage all applicants to review our website to fully familiarize themselves with The Clean Slate Initiative before applying: cleanslateinitiative.org.  If you are interested in applying for this position, complete the application and attach your resume via our application portal. 

Questions about this job posting or the process should be directed to the CSI recruitment team  at careers@cleanslateinitiative.org.

Reasonable Accommodations

To center the safety and well-being of its employees, and In accordance with relevant federal, state, and local laws, The Clean Slate Initiative provides equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation to participate in the interview/hiring process, please contact human resources at HR@cleanslateinitiative.org.