Deputy Director, Policy and Special Initiatives

Job Description

Job Description

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 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Supervised Release Program (SRP) offers an alternative to jail by providing pre-trial supervision, case management, and voluntary social services to people at risk of pretrial detention. Program participants are monitored to ensure their appearance at court dates, compliance with mandated programming, as well as referrals to community-based programming such as job training, drug treatment, and mental health counseling. Following legislative changes in New York State that curtail the use of cash bail and pre-trial detention, the Center has seen dramatic growth in the population served through Supervised Release. The Center runs SRP operating sites in Brooklyn and Staten Island, with several locations throughout. 

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Training, the Deputy Director of Pretrial Policy supports the development, implementation, and oversight of policies, procedures, and training initiatives for the Supervised Release Program. This role plays a critical part in operationalizing policy, ensuring consistency across sites, and strengthening staff capacity through training and technical assistance. 

The Deputy Director works closely with program leadership, site staff, and system stakeholders to promote evidence-based practices, enhance program performance, and ensure alignment with court expectations and organizational priorities. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Support the development, review, and updating of program policies and procedures; 
• Assist in monitoring policy implementation across sites to ensure consistency and fidelity;
• Provide guidance to staff on policy interpretation and application in day-to-day operations; 
• Identify implementation challenges and recommend solutions and improvements; 
• Support the integration of evidence-based and best practices into program operations;
• Assist in the design and delivery of training curricula for new and existing staff; 
• Facilitate onboarding sessions and ongoing professional development trainings;
• Identify training needs through audits, staff feedback, and performance trends;
• Support partnerships with external experts and stakeholders to enhance training content; 
• Conduct file reviews, audits, and other quality assurance activities to assess compliance with policies and standards;
• Track and analyze findings to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement;
• Provide targeted technical assistance to sites to address performance issues;
• Support coordination between Supervised Release Program sites, departments and centralized Center support teams; 
• Assist in managing communication and consistency across Supervised Release Program sites; 
• Co-facilitate workgroups and cross-functional initiatives;
• Represent the Supervised Release Program at internal and external meetings, as needed;
• Assist in preparing materials for local, state, and national convenings and conferences;
• Support relationship-building with courts, service providers, and community partners;
• Contribute to data collection, tracking, and program evaluation efforts;
• Assist in preparing reports for leadership, funders, and stakeholders;
• Support grant writing and reporting activities;
• Support the Director in advancing special initiatives to improve program operations and service delivery;
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in criminal justice, public policy, law, or related field, and 4 years of relevant experience; 
• Supervisory experience preferred; 
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective and collaborative working relationships required;
• Strong knowledge of pretrial services, key stakeholders, and current issues and trends preferred;
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills required;
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills; 
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally-competent manner required; and
• Commitment to the Center's mission and values.

Position Type:  Full-time in-person work required; weekend and evening hours required, as needed. 

Position Location: Multiple sites across Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $95,000 - $120,000 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.

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