Project Manager, Business and Operations

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a community justice organization that centers safety and racial justice. Since our founding in 1996, the Center has partnered with community members, courts, and the people most impacted to create stronger, healthier, more just communities. Our decades of experience in courts and communities, coupled with our field-leading research and practitioner expertise, help us drive justice nationwide in innovative, powerful, and durable ways. For more information on how and where we work, please visit www.innovatingjustice.org.  

The Center is a 900-employee, $130 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs

The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research

The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.

Policy & Expert Assistance

The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area. 

Center Support

A dedicated support team within the Center ensures the smooth functioning of operations across various domains, including finance, legal, technology, human resources, fundraising, real estate, and communications. Comprising 15% of the organization's staff, these teams provide essential infrastructure support and innovative solutions aligned with the Center's mission and values. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Center is seeking a Project Manager for Business and Operations. The Project Manager will provide critical operational and administrative support to the Managing Director of Business and Operations. This role requires an organized, detail-oriented, and proactive individual who can effectively manage administrative tasks while contributing to larger organizational projects. The Project Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations and supporting the development and implementation of policies, protocols, and systems that enhance organizational efficiency and collaboration.   

Project Coordination & Management: 

• Assist in the development and rollout of organizational policies, protocols, and operational systems;
• Support cross-departmental initiatives by coordinating tasks, timelines, and deliverables;
• Conduct research and gather data to inform decision-making and policy creation;
• Provide project management support to the Managing Director and other leaders within the business and operations team, including: 
  • Developing project plans and timelines;
  • Scheduling meetings, preparing action items and supporting the Managing Director in following up with stakeholders and team members; and 
  • Supporting the timely execution and implementation of projects.

Training and Implementation: 

• Support the team in developing training programs, including developing training materials, scheduling trainings, assist in conducting the trainings; and
• Develop and implement tools for streamlined communication across the Center and ensure that all responses are timely and accurate.

Operations Support: 

• Help organize and streamline staff operations across departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals; and 
• Track progress on operational initiatives and provide regular updates to the Managing Director.

Administrative Support: 

• Manage the Managing Director’s calendar, including scheduling meetings, coordinating appointments and travel, and resolving scheduling conflicts;
• Prepare agendas, take detailed meeting notes, and distribute minutes and action items to relevant stakeholders;
• Draft and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations as needed; 
• Maintain organized records and databases for operational projects and policies;
• Identify and propose improvements to administrative systems and workflows;
• Provide project specific administrative support to Executive Team members reporting to Managing Director;
• Organize logistics for internal and external meetings, trainings, and events, including room bookings, technology setup, and material preparation; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications: 

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, project management, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered;
• 3–5 years of experience in project management, operations, or business administration, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization;
• The Center encourages individuals with lived experience and at least 5 years of related experience to apply; and
• Experience supporting senior leadership and managing cross-functional projects. 

Project Management & Operations:

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop work plans, set priorities, and track progress toward key milestones;
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com), Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data analysis platforms; and
• Ability to assess operational processes and recommend improvements for efficiency and effectiveness. 

Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving:

• Proven ability to think strategically, identify challenges, and develop creative solutions; 
• Experience analyzing financial and operational data to inform decision-making; and
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspective. 

Communication & Collaboration:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to work effectively across departments and collaborate with leadership, vendors, and external partners;
• Skilled at managing up, anticipating the needs of senior leaders, and proactively addressing potential roadblocks; and 
• Discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information. 

Adaptability & Initiative:

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift;
• Ability to think on one’s feet, manage ambiguity, and make informed decisions under pressure; and
• A proactive, self-starter mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement. 

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: New York, NY. In-person role, with an expectation of three days a week working on-site.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $88,500 and is commensurate with experience. 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.

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.

As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. While the Center does not require vaccination, we strongly recommend that all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up to date.

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.