THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Center for Justice Innovation seeks a dedicated Workforce Development Manager for a 12-month temporary position to spearhead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive model aimed at supporting employees with lived experience and frontline responders to community violence incidents. This initiative will primarily focus on developing strategies for engagement, support, workforce sustainability and development within the context of individuals with lived experience working on community justice issues. The role will be overseen by the Managing Director of Business and Operations and Chief People Officer. This is a full-time, in-person temporary position requiring four days per week at CJI sites, with one remote work day per-week

• Research and develop a robust model to support community violence interrupters (CVI), frontline responders and direct service employees emphasizing their holistic well-being, professional and skills development and long-term sustainability within the field;
• Collaborate in model development within and throughout the Center including with the People Department, General Counsel, Finance and Office of the Chief of Staff;
• Host and facilitate internal and external working groups to build and refine model development;
• Pilot key components of the model with a select group of employees whose roles require lived experience, iterating based on feedback and outcomes to refine the model and approach;
• Design strategy to expand pilot to incorporate model to a broader workforce of employees with lived experience working on teams across the Center supporting work related courts, community, central supports, national initiatives and research;
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop organizational strategies for recruitment, onboarding, retention, professional development, and career progression specifically tailored to staff with lived experience;
• Design and implement education initiatives to share findings and best practices with the broader field, serving as a strategic support and development resource to local and national partners;
• Work with departments across the organization, such as research, development, and external affairs, to develop aspects of the model that would structure processes for tracking data, metrics and fundraising; and
• Develop a fundraising plan for implementation and sustainability.

Key Duties:

• Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses to inform the development of the model;
• Design framework for training programs and resources to enhance the skills and well-being of community violence interrupters and frontline responders;
• Deliver a clear and concise and attainable model that the Center can phase in implementation over a set timeline;
• Implement evaluation measures to assess the effectiveness and impact of the developed strategies and overall model;
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment and sustainability of the model beyond the pilot phase;
• Compile and analyze data to inform ongoing improvements and adjustments to the model;
• Outline potential strategies to secure short and long term funding opportunities for the mode; and
• Additional tasks, projects, and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (social work, public health, community development, etc.), or a Master's degree (MSW, MPP, MPA) or equivalent lived experience required;
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supporting employees with lived experience in the non-profit or government sectors;
• Proven experience in program development, particularly in areas related to community engagement, violence prevention, or workforce development;
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed practices and their application in community-based settings;
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead and coordinate multifaceted initiatives; and
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice; and
• Familiarity with community-based organizations and networks in the field of violence prevention is a plus.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and interest in this position. Additionally, if invited to interview candidates will be asked to provide examples of past relevant projects or initiatives you have led. Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Type: Full-time temporary for 12 months.

Position Location: Midtown, Manhattan with expected travel within the 5 boroughs, Newark, NJ and Syracuse, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $118,450 - $133,900 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.