KAP 2026-2027 - Criminal Justice & Drug Policy Analyst - Reason Foundation

The Koch Associate Program (KAP) is a career accelerator for early to mid-career professionals with a drive to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges in more effective, principled ways. KAP equips associates with the tools, mindsets, and community to succeed as social entrepreneurs—individuals excited to find new and better ways to break barriers and eliminate injustice. Associates spend one day each week engaging in experiential learning with Stand Together Fellowships and work at one of our many partner organizations the rest of the week. Our curriculum is designed to supercharge your development and equip you for long-term success as you seek to have an impact on the problems that prevent people from realizing their potential. About Reason Foundation Reason Foundation advances a free society by developing, applying, and promoting libertarian principles, including individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law. Reason Foundation produces respected, nonpartisan public policy research on a variety of issues and publishes the critically-acclaimed Reason magazine. Together, our top-tier think tank and political and cultural magazine reach a diverse, influential audience, advancing the values of choice, individual freedom, and limited government. Reason’s Criminal Justice Policy Team Reason Foundation envisions a justice system that is transparent, accountable, and reflective of its role to protect individual liberty and personal property; courts and police that ensure due process and the rule of law; and the elimination of victimless crimes to significantly reduce the number of police interactions and incarcerations. Our criminal justice policy team supports policymakers in pursuing reforms that bring the justice system closer to this vision. We do this through policy research, technical support, and thought leadership. We have a relentless focus on producing high-quality policy research and data-driven resources that meet the needs of state policymakers and other stakeholders. Reason’s Drug Policy Team Reason Foundation recognizes that drug abuse can be a destabilizing influence for many individuals. However, not all drug users become addicts or abusers and it’s possible to minimize the harms associated with abuse through access to treatment, counseling, and recovery services. Strict legal prohibition of drugs, by contrast, gives rise to a broad array of new societal dangers as individuals who participate in black markets have no legal recourse to resolve disputes and often resort to violence. Likewise, prohibition often exacerbates the problems faced by drug addicts as arrest records and other social stigma can prevent successful recovery by excluding these individuals from the workforce. Reason seeks to end the drug war and encourage recovery through data-driven policies aimed at reducing the harms associated with drug addiction. About the Opening We are looking to hire a Policy Analyst to help advance reforms that reframe the landscape around criminal justice and drug policy to focus public resources more effectively to meet society’s needs. This includes promoting policies of harm reduction and minimizing police encounters with individuals while also allowing police departments to focus their resources on combating serious crimes against persons and property. The role involves researching, summarizing, and analyzing state laws and legislation. Familiarity with either policy area is desirable. The ideal candidate is a team player with exceptional writing ability who is highly organized, willing to tackle large projects independently, detail-oriented, and has a high degree of integrity. In-office in Los Angeles or Washington, DC, or Virtual Anywhere in the US.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing proposed policy changes and reporting on benefits, drawbacks, and other findings to team members
• Collecting and sharing data and other pertinent information to team members in preparation for legislative testimony, legislative briefings, public speaking, events, and media appearances
• Assisting team members with policy research, including researching and summarizing various components of state and federal laws to support our policy research and implementation efforts
• Writing commentary and blog posts for Reason.org and other outlets
• Other duties as assigned
• Occasional travel might be required

Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial mindset and extremely resourceful
• Exceptional writing and communication skills and an ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-experts
• Working knowledge of state legislative processes and practices
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about the nuances of