Community Liaison

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 Staten Island Justice Center (Justice Center; SIJC) is seeking a Community Liaison for the Family Enrichment Center (FEC). Reporting to the FEC Senior Program Manager and working closely with the Youth Engagement Specialist and Family Advocate, the Community Liaison will contribute to the day-to-day operations of the Family Enrichment Center by developing and maintaining a Community Advisory Board; building authentic relationships with community groups, local businesses, schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders both within the Center and throughout the community to address identified needs and strengthen collaboration; designing and implementing strategic outreach efforts to engage youth and families, particularly those who may be less connected to existing supports; organizing and co-designing community-based events, activities, and offerings using strengths-based and community-driven approaches; supporting feedback and documentation processes that inform continuous improvement of programs and activities fostering a warm, welcoming, and engaging environment where information, referrals, resources, and supports are freely shared to meet the needs of community residents; developing and distributing accessible and culturally responsive communications that promote FEC offerings and increase participation among diverse families; supporting the Family Advocate and Youth Engagement Specialist in connecting community residents to local resources and services; developing and strengthening networks of community resources through participation in local committees, coalitions, and collaborative initiatives; and representing the FEC at community meetings, events, and other stakeholder gatherings while advancing the FEC's values of equity, inclusiveness, and co-design.

FEC’s build on family and community strengths, are guided by the community’s interests, dreams, goals, and desires, and do so without being intrusive or using a case management approach. FECs do not follow a traditional social service delivery approach. They are 100% voluntary, safe spaces that welcome all, and respect each person’s privacy and their ability to decide how, when, and how often to interact with an FEC. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and nurture authentic relationships with community residents and other stakeholders to identify community strengths, elevate resident voice, and inform activities and offerings that address issues of significance to the community;
• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, local coalitions, businesses, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, community trust, visibility, and access to resources for community residents;
• Organize and promote opportunities for community residents and partners to engage in and participate in the planning and implementation of FEC offerings, and to work and celebrate together to foster a sense of belonging, pride, and mutual responsibility;
• Attend Community Board meetings, school meetings, and other community-based meetings, as appropriate, to represent the FEC;
• Design and implement strategic outreach and engagement initiatives that support community engagement efforts and keep stakeholders informed about FEC activities, events, initiatives, and partnerships opportunities;
• Create monthly marketing materials, including calendars, flyers, email blasts, social media content, and other outreach communications;
• Communicate information about FEC offerings and events to partners and community residents through a variety of channels, including the FEC website, newsletters, social media platforms, flyers, partner networks, emails, phone calls, in-person conversations;
• Create and maintain a partner tracking system and contact log to strengthen connections, and track impact;
• Identify and incorporate community resource mapping and referral systems around issues and themes significant to the Staten Island community and important to FEC members, with guidance from the Family Advocate and Youth Engagement Specialist;
• Identify, maintain, and publish up-to-date information, guides, resources, and tools related to key community issues and trends impacting youth and families;
• Train community members and staff in outreach, engagement, and recruitment strategies to ensure full utilization of FEC offerings and activities;
• Identify and develop emerging community leaders to assume leadership roles as mentors, teachers, group leaders, and constituent representatives on matters of collective impact;
• Support documentation, data collection, and feedback processes on the community residents and partners experiences and perspectives to inform continuous improvement of offerings and services and partnerships;
• Work collaboratively with funders to develop, track, and evaluate program impact and outcomes;
• Maintain member/office supplies and resources and update FEC décor based on feedback from community members to help ensure that the FEC remains a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space;
• Maintain familiarity with all SIJC programs and services and share resources as needed;
• Participate in the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of the FEC by providing reception coverage, supporting program logistics, managing inventory, supporting the daily engagement of FEC members, and developing and updating office protocols and procedures in close partnership with the FEC Director;
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the FEC space;
• Network with FEC staff at other locations to create peer support opportunities;
• Participate in SIJC all-staff meetings, committees, and staff development activities;
• Attend SIJC/FEC events and community meetings, as needed; and
• Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years of professional experience, or a High School diploma AND five (5) years of professional experience in community-driven programs with children, youth, and families.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.
• Excellent writing skills are a must.
• Skilled communicator able to work in multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community.
• Experience providing community-based engagement and outreach services, as well as demonstrated experience coordinating programs, facilitating initiatives, and designing successful activities to engage community members.
• Ability to work in a non-hierarchical, multidisciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships and connections using a warm, engaging, and enthusiastic communication style.
• Knowledge of community resources on the North Shore of Staten Island preferred.
• Demonstrated good judgment, problem-solving ability, and strong communication, planning, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to balance participation in a collaborative work environment with independent work.
• Access to a personal vehicle and driver’s license is preferred.
• Comfortable with technology and video platforms such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Zoom.

Position Type: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with flexibility to work on weekends and evenings as needed.

Position Location:  Staten Island, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $30.65 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $57,500 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.

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