Research Associate
The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing CSI’s research and policy initiatives, supporting CSI’s Research and Data, Policy, and Implementation Teams in developing evidence-based and data-driven insights to inform record clearance policies and reform efforts nationwide. Learn more and apply today.
About The Clean Slate Initiative:
Founded in 2019, The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) 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 & 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’s 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 Initiative’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; and
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.
Public Policy Director
The Public Policy Director is a critical leadership role at CSI. This person will shape and lead the organization’s policy strategies, ensuring that Clean Slate laws continue to grow in their impact across the U.S. Learn more and apply today.
DRG Talent is excited to partner with The Clean Slate Initiative in a search for a Public Policy Director
Events Manager
The Events Manager will be responsible for executing The Clean Slate Initiative’s events strategy, leveraging their creativity and experience to help our staff with event logistics and programming. Learn more and apply today.
About The Clean Slate Initiative:
Founded in 2019, The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) 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 VP of Marketing and Communications, the Events Manager will be responsible for executing the organization’s events strategy. The Events Manager will be encouraged to leverage their creativity and experience to help our staff with event logistics and programming. As a cross-functional member of the organization, you will collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team, Development Team, Programs Team, Operations Team, and Executive Leadership Team to deliver large and small-scale events that convene leaders in the criminal legal space and advance the organization’s goals in fundraising, capacity building, brand awareness, and staff learning and development.
Our 2025 Event Goals Include:
Capacity and Community Building: Our Annual Convening, a signature event hosting 300+ people over 3 days to learn about Clean Slate policy and advocacy, is aimed at building capacity and community among state leaders. In 2025, the event will be in its 4th year and is growing year over year. Manage and execute logistics for two (2) regional convenings for 50 directly impacted people, including securing space and managing travel, lodging, and food needs across guests.
Building Awareness: Participation in 3-5 large-scale conferences and convenings where we may sponsor or host a reception, a booth/informational table with activations, and/or participate in high-profile panels. The audiences for these events often include policymakers, high-profile nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, celebrities or influencers, and advocates from across the country. Manage sponsorship deliverables as needed.
Development and Fundraising: In collaboration with the Development staff, host 5-6 intimate networking and information-sharing events annually, that bring together our current and future donors. These are spread across the country and hosted in collaboration with supporters and influencers.
Staff Planning and Learning: In collaboration with operation’s and talent and culture staff, develop in-person staff meetings and learning trips.
Capacity Building and Advocacy: In support of our federal legislative agenda, host a fly-in lobby day on Capitol Hill hosting 100+ directly impacted leaders from around the country to advocate to Congressional members on behalf of Clean Slate. This event includes travel and lodging coordination, preparing branded materials, and other elements to enhance the advocate experience (i.e. reception or breakfast). Provide guidance/support to state partners with state-level lobby days as needed.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
Event Strategy Alignment
Working collaboratively with subject matter experts within the organization, develop a written strategy for each event.
Facilitating staff and, where needed, external partners, to identify what success and KPIs look like and sponsorship alignment.
Production Management
Manage all aspects of event production from developing runs of show, procurement of space, food, materials, vendors, and audiovisual in alignment with the event goals, theme, and budget.
Manage participation in other organizations’ events when these are high profile/involve the CEO, such as soliciting requirements, coordinating sponsorship deliverables, and managing vendors.
Vendor Relationships and Master Service Agreements
Manage all vendor relationships for small and large-scale events, including conducting RFPs, developing Statements of Work (SOWs), negotiating contracts, managing contracts and deliverables.
Collaborate closely with the Finance team to develop Master Service Agreements such that the organization realizes cost savings over time for repeat events or ongoing event-related activities such as hotels, travel, etc.
Conduct research to identify historically underrepresented vendors, including entities led by and/or staffed by people directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
Communication and Organization
Convene internal staff as needed per each event’s goals and ensure alignment and coordination.
Work directly with the VP of Marketing and Communications to support the CEO's vision for each event.
Serve as the primary project manager for all event-related activities, including managing internal timelines and ensuring timely and well-organized delivery.
Develop estimated event budgets and keep track of costs and expenses.
What You'll Need:
5+ years of experience leading the logistics of complex events, including for organizations with a social impact mission and events with attendees of 500+.
Ability to handle multiple deadlines and complete assignments with minimal supervision in a fast-paced workplace.
The confidence and ability to assert influence in ensuring deadlines are met and leadership stays on track regarding essential deliverables.
Deep project management experience with both cross-functional internal teams and external partners. Familiarity with/willingness to learn project management tools.
Impeccable organization; you are highly detail-oriented and someone who gets a real sense of satisfaction from producing polished work and managing smooth and orderly processes.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion. You're always asking: "whose voice is not at the table?" You have experience working with diverse teams and successfully navigating cross-cultural communication in both local and global contexts, and you deeply value creating a workplace that is supportive of difference.
Who You Are:
A Collaborative Leader: You build strong relationships with your team and other departments, ensuring seamless data integration across the organization.
Resourceful and Adaptable: You’re at ease with ambiguity and rapid change. You possess a positive attitude and identify creative solutions to obstacles. You can juggle many important responsibilities at once and you’re rigorous about prioritizing.
A Humble Teammate: Nothing is beneath or above you. You are quick to always lend a hand or two! You are able to earn influence without authority and naturally seek to support small projects or large strategic goals.
Data-Driven: You are passionate about using data to inform strategies, measure success, and make improvements.
A Details Lover: You are meticulous about the quality of everything you put into the world. Even on the 37th slide, you ensure the font size and background color are on point.
Innovative: You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and are comfortable with leading change.
Travel Expectations:
Travel to all CSI-sponsored events the week of the event to be onsite for vendor coordination and execution and day-of management. We anticipate 17-20% travel expectations, with the majority being on the East Coast, given the frequency of events in Washington, D.C.
Compensation and 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 volunteer 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 $89,000 to $95,000 per year. The final salary within this range will be determined based on candidate's 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. Due to the majority of the team being based on the East Coast, priority consideration will be given to candidates located on the East Coast. A hybrid or in-office work location will be discussed for candidates in proximity to our Orlando office.
The Application Process:
The Clean Slate Initiative has engaged Equitable Hiring Group to support this hiring process. To apply, please click the “Apply Now” button below.
Individuals who apply by Wednesday, November 13th, will be given priority; therefore, we encourage you to submit yours soon!
When you apply, we kindly ask you to remove your schools from your resume. There is no need to reformat your resume and leave your degree as is; simplify it to “B.A. Economics,” for example. Just remember to remove any undergraduate and graduate school name references where possible. This “bias-reduced” process is aimed at opening this opportunity to more candidates, reviewing applicants on performance assessments instead of resume proxies (e.g., where you went to school).
This evaluation process will follow practices shown to reduce bias in decision-making and may be different from other application processes you have experienced.
Tentative Timeline:
Early November: Selected candidates asked to complete short answer questions
Mid-November: Video interview with The Clean Slate Initiative Staff
Late November: Finalist candidates will be asked to complete a paid, timed, trial assignment
Early December: Finalists will participate in a multi-team member panel interview
Candidate references will also be checked at this step
Mid-December: Offer extended
If you have any questions about the opportunity, please email abe@equitablehiringgroup.com.
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.
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 abe@equitablehiringgroup.com or human resources at HR@cleanslateinitiative.org.
Other Employment Standards:
Applicants for employment in the United States must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.
Development Manager, Operations & Stewardship
The Development Manager, Operations & Stewardship, will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of development strategies (including major donor research, database maintenance, and acknowledgments). Learn more and apply today.
About The Clean Slate Initiative:
Founded in 2019, The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) is a national bipartisan organization advancing policies to automate and expand eligibility for record clearance. One in three Americans lives with a past arrest or conviction record that limits their ability to find work, continue their education, obtain a professional license, or fully participate in family and civic life.
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 and offers our expertise on what works: intelligent policy design, an eye toward implementation, and campaign strategies that center 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 Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of development strategies (including major donor research, database maintenance, and acknowledgments). As a cross-functional member of the organization, you will collaborate with the Marketing and Development Staff, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief of Staff to deliver on the organization’s fundraising goals. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, communicative, creative, and organized. Your attention to detail also gives way to high emotional EQ as you pick up on the small things, knowing that it goes a long way to be personable and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
Project Management and Delivery
Project manage timely completion of all foundation deadlines, regular donor/prospect communications, and donor engagement activities, including gathering information from internal stakeholders.
Manage and further build out the donor acknowledgment process.
Project manage and collaborate across the organization to execute all donor engagement and outreach activities.
Provide central coordination for development activities focused on high-net-worth individuals and their giving institutions.
Track and Manage all Data and Activities
Continuously develop the organization’s Salesforce development data so that it is accurate and actionable.
Track and maintain donor and prospect records, including outreach, interests and contributions.
Track communications with donors and prospects and present a pipeline that the CEO and COO can work to advance to meet our fundraising goals.
Create regular fundraising reports as needed so that the CEO, COO, and the Board are apprised of the organization’s fundraising position.
Writing and Communication
Write communications on behalf of the CEO to ensure ongoing relationships with donors and prospects.
Draft reports for grants awarded and collaborate with the COO to ensure mitigation of delivery risks.
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team to write content for donor and prospect communications and ensure a regular cadence of communications.
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Team, the CEO, and the COO to deliver donor and prospect webinars and events.
Organize and maintain an online library of donor outreach materials, solicitations, briefing memos, donor research, and other development materials.
Prospect Research
Compile materials for principal’s meetings and speaking engagements, including background information, packets, etc.
Identify high-value events for the CEO or other Executive Leadership Staff to attend.
We’re Looking for Someone Who Is:
A Relationship Builder: You thrive on meeting new people and like to foster relationships. You like learning what motivates people, what inspires their giving, and what makes them feel appreciated.
An Effective Writer: You write well and take pride in your ability to do so, especially when given the opportunity to communicate an idea, topic, or vision that you are passionate about.
Meticulous: You’re highly organized, with an eye for details, and excellent proofreading skills.
A Humble Teammate: Nothing is beneath or above you. You are quick to always lend a hand or two! You are able to earn influence without authority and naturally seek to support small projects or large strategic goals.
Organized: You’re a strong project manager, capable of driving multiple work streams toward deadlines and juggling changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Visual Creativity: You might not be a designer by training, but you have an eye for design and can create effective visual media.
A Bipartisan Collaborator. You’ve successfully worked across cultural and political lines on a dispersed team, and you have the ability to operate in complex situations. You can easily gain trust from team members and are known for supporting them to ensure they are set up for success. You proactively ask questions or find the answers.
What You'll Need:
5+ years of overall professional experience.
A strong interest in development, fundraising, and communications.
Ability to handle multiple deadlines and complete assignments with minimal supervision in a fast-paced workplace.
Excellent writing skills and ability to synthesize information and present it in a variety of formats and styles.
Ability to self-start and manage up, as well as communicate effectively across multiple teams and with multiple staff members in various locations around the country.
Experience with Salesforce is a strong plus.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion. You're always asking: "whose voice is not at the table?" You have experience working with diverse teams and successfully navigating cross-cultural communication in both local and global contexts, and you deeply value creating a workplace that is supportive of difference.
Compensation and 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 volunteer 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 $82,000 to $85,000 per year. The final salary within this range will be determined based on candidate's 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. Due to the majority of the team being based on the East Coast, priority consideration will be given to candidates located on the East Coast. A hybrid or in-office work location will be discussed for candidates in proximity to our Orlando office.
The Application Process:
The Clean Slate Initiative has engaged Equitable Hiring Group to support this hiring process. To apply, please click the “Apply Now” button below.
Individuals who apply by Tuesday, November 12th, will be given priority; therefore, we encourage you to submit yours soon!
When you apply, we kindly ask you to remove your schools from your resume. There is no need to reformat your resume and leave your degree as is; simplify it to “B.A. Economics,” for example. Just remember to remove any undergraduate and graduate school name references where possible. This “bias-reduced” process is aimed at opening this opportunity to more candidates, reviewing applicants on performance assessments instead of resume proxies (e.g., where you went to school).
This evaluation process will follow practices shown to reduce bias in decision-making and may be different from other application processes you have experienced.
Tentative Timeline:
Early November: Selected candidates asked to complete short answer questions
Mid-November: Video interview with The Clean Slate Initiative Staff
Late November: Finalist candidates will be asked to complete a paid, timed, trial assignment
Early December: Finalists will participate in a multi-team member panel interview
Candidate references will also be checked at this step
Mid-December: Offer extended
If you have any questions about the opportunity, please email abe@equitablehiringgroup.com.
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.
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 abe@equitablehiringgroup.com or human resources at HR@cleanslateinitiative.org.
Other Employment Standards:
Applicants for employment in the United States must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.
Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process.