Front Desk Receptionist

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 Receptionist/Administrative Assistant serves as the first point of contact for the headquarters office, providing front desk coverage and essential administrative support. Reporting to the Office Manager (HQ) this role ensures a welcoming and professional environment by managing visitor interactions, directing calls, coordinating mail, and office supplies, and assisting with scheduling and event logistics. Additionally, the position supports general office operations, helping maintain an organized and efficient workspace. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide primary support for the reception areas for the Center’s Manhattan Office at 520 8th Avenue – Welcome and greet visitors, ascertain their needs, answer basic questions, and direct them to the appropriate staff person or department;
• Provide high quality service and communication to all Center staff, guests, visitors, clients, stakeholders, participants;
• Answer and direct incoming telephone calls and email inquiries;
• Receive and sort all mail and packages. Place mail and packages at appropriate mailboxes and location;
• Assist with the submission of invoices into Coupa;
• Support office supply inventory management and distribution;
• Screen all visitors and ensure that visitors are identified and signed in;
• Assist with event planning, conference room set-up and break down and catering services when needed;
• Assist in any immediate crisis issues, utilize de-escalation skills, while collaborating with managers and leadership;
• Support with printing and distributing staff ID’s and secure passes;
• Support the Central Support teams with outgoing shipments and mail deliveries;
• Maintain visitor logs and ensure security protocols are followed;
• Assist with administrative tasks such as invoice processing and data entry;
• Provide administrative support for HQ staff as needed;
• Perform other duties assigned by management; and
• Additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma with 1-2 years of experience in a receptionist, front desk, administrative support, or office coordination role, demonstrating the ability to serve as the primary point of contact for a busy office; provide exceptional customer service; manage high-volume calls, visitor check-ins, office communications, mail, deliveries, and vendor interactions; balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; and represent the organization with professionalism while creating a welcoming, inclusive experience;
• Seeking an energetic, motivated, well-organized professional with top-notch communication skills;
• Ability to interact with all Center staff, guests, and project sites and therefore must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to synthesize and provide clear, precise, and helpful information to everyone; and
• The candidate should have excellent time management and problem-solving skills to manage multiple requests and tasks.

Position Type:  Temporary position for 3-6 months, Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Position Location:  Midtown Manhattan.

Compensation:  The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $35.11 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $63,900 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. Eligible employees may participate in our 403(b) retirement savings plan through voluntary pre-tax and Roth contributions.

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.