Community Initiatives Manager

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 Red Hook Community Justice Center (the Justice Center) is the nation’s first multi-jurisdictional community court, hearing criminal, housing, and family matters under one roof with a single judge. The Justice Center’s mission is to solve community problems: strengthening families, empowering youth, preventing evictions, addressing crime when it occurs, and working to prevent crime before it takes place.  

The Center’s Youth and Community Initiatives department is seeking a Community Initiatives Manager to oversee the Center’s workforce development initiative dedicated to closing the employment and opportunity gaps that young adults, ages 16-30 years old, currently face when entering the workforce. Level Up offers a personalized approach, offering one-on-one support to system-involved individuals who encounter unique challenges hindering sustained employment. Beyond traditional career readiness assistance, Level Up extends its reach to provide tailored services, including educational and financial support, ensuring participants receive comprehensive aid in their journey toward meaningful employment.  

Reporting to the Director of Youth and Community Initiatives, the Community Initiatives Manager will be responsible for overseeing the program’s operations, managing various administrative tasks, ensuring grant requirements are fulfilled and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders including the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. 

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Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program Management:

• Work in partnership with the Director of Youth and Community Initiatives to oversee program operations of the YCI department, including the daily oversight of the Level Up and other seasonal youth and young adult programs;
• Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve program goals and objectives;
• Review, revise and assist in the development of curricula and case management;
• Monitor and update program activities and performance metrics as needed;
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program activities, participant progress, and grant compliance; and
• Submit regular monthly reports to the YCI Director to capture pertinent program data.

Supervision:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and trainings to a team of two full-time staff members: Employment Specialist and Case Manager; and
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and individual growth.

Outreach and Recruitment:

• Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase program visibility and attract participants; 
• Cultivate partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, employers, and other stakeholders to expand recruitment efforts and access to resources; 
• Attend community events, meetings, and forums to promote the program and engage with potential participants and partners; and
• Create informational materials, such as one-pagers, brochures, and presentations, to communicate program offerings and impact.  

Stakeholder Engagement:  

• Collaborate with the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, the Brooklyn Probation office, Family Court, Department of Community Corrections and other relevant stakeholders to align program initiatives with community needs and priorities;
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and presentations to local schools, police precincts and community-based organizations to foster collaboration and communication among stakeholders; and
• Serve as a liaison between the program and external partners to facilitate information sharing and coordination of services.  

Grant Compliance:

• Ensure all grant deliverables are met in a timely manner and in accordance with grant requirements;
• Review and maintain up to date data collection on the Center’s JCA platform; and
• Prepare reports, documentation, and other materials as needed for grant reporting purposes. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree and at least 2-3 years of relevant experience required;
• Master's degree preferred;
• Experience managing workforce development programs or projects in a nonprofit, government, or community-based organization setting;
• Experience working with underserved and underrepresented populations;
• A minimum of 2 years of experience required supervising, leading and developing dynamic work teams;
• Excellent communication, written, organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and other relevant software applications; and
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary settings and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community. 

Position Type: Full time, On Site, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM.

Position Location: Brooklyn, New York. 

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $36.53 - $48.41 per hour, annually equivalent to $66,490 - $88,100 based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We 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.