Policy Analyst

  • Full-time

Company Description

With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

What We Offer:

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.

Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?

Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

Benefits - We care about your well being.

 

Agency Description

The Police Advisory Commission (PAC) is charged with assessing the policy practices and customs of the Philadelphia Police Department.  The PAC advises the managing Director and the Police Commissioner on existing policy and proposed revisions with a focus on maximizing trust between the Police and the communities they serve.  

In June 2021, Mayor Kenney signed legislation to authorize the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) to become a new, independent civilian oversight agency. The CPOC will expand on the PAC’s capacity and authority, and PAC operations will continue as the transition to CPOC occurs. New staff will be hired into the PAC and will transition with their positions into the CPOC. For more information on the future operations of the CPOC, see the signed legislation here: https://phila.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=9467893&GUID=C6A211CE-2B2B-4E88-9228-0FE869592D03

 

Job Description

The Policy Analyst for the Police Advisory Commission will assist the commission in the assessment of the policy, practice and customs of the Philadelphia Police Department. This position reports to the Executive Director with wide latitude for independent judgement. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Act as project manager for large-scale commission projects that involve multiple government and non-government organizations.
  • Oversee and conduct after-action reviews for large-scale events, use of force incidents, and other policing-related occurrences.
  • Generate projects based on observed trends, current events, community engagement, policy reviews, and other means to help further the goals of the Commission.
  • Carry out projects through investigation, analysis, data review, research, delegation, and engagement with outside agencies and stakeholders as needed.
  • Maintain a record of investigations and policy reviews.
  • Interface with high-level police leadership to gather information and coordinate implementation of programs and policies
  • Attend all Commission meetings and provide information to the public as needed.
  • Draft and edit reports, studies, recommendations, and other Commission materials.
  • Attend community meetings, protests, and public events to stay apprised of police-community relations and monitor for opportunities to impact relevant policies.
  • Seek out and participate in professional groups and trainings to maintain awareness of best practices related to community-police relations, civilian oversight of police, and police reform nationally.
  • Develop, initiate, and maintain strategies and tactics to complete objectives and goals defined by the Commission and its mission.
  • Coordinate closely with the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director to carry out the functions of the Commission.
  • Engage the community to facilitate communication and understanding between the public and the police. 
  • Provide guidance to the Executive team, as needed, regarding best practices and trends in community-police relations and police reform nationally and locally. 
  • Help to maintain transparency between the Commission, the Police Department, elected officials, and the public.
  • Attend Police Department hearings and interviews to monitor complaint cases.
  • Assist in the preparation of an annual report setting out the Commission’s accomplishments, reports, and activities.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director. 

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Proven ability to design, implement, review, and track programs and long-term strategic plans  
  • Thorough understanding of and experience with the complex nature of community-police relations. 
  • Ability to manage a project from start to finish with focus, organization, persistence, and flexibility.
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to evaluate investigations to ensure fact-finding is thorough and conclusions are sound.
  • Strong writing and editing skills. Must be able to distill complex information for a general public audience.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform neutral and objective analyses of incidents, policies, and information.
  • Strong manager that sets clear expectations and reviews progress.
  • Strong coordination skills with the ability to work across multiple departments, stakeholder organizations, and the public to implement a policy or objective.
  • Excellent communication and listening skills, capable of influencing others and keeping others informed.
  • Values and encourages diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
  • Experience and fluency in MS Office software programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
  • Helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented; committed to building strong working relationships and a positive work environment. 
  • Receptive to feedback. 

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant combined education and/or experience in related field
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in community engagement, particularly in leadership or position of trust in the community
  • Experience with data collection and analysis strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with criminal justice procedures, investigative techniques, police-community relations, police procedures generally and procedures of the Philadelphia Police Department.
  • Significant experience working across governmental or non-governmental agencies to implement programs and policies.
  • Demonstrated project management experience.
  • Familiarity with public relations.
  • Practical understanding of research methods and developing and implementing policy.
  • Experience working with sensitive and confidential information.
  • Knowledge of Philadelphia and communities of Philadelphia a plus.

Additional Information

SALARY: $65,000 / year

 

Did you know?

●        We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

●        25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

●        We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

●        Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

●        Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

●        Generous retirement savings options are available

Please include a resume and cover letter and brief writing sample with your application.

*Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx