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 Center for Justice Innovation seeks a Project Director to launch and lead the Eviction Diversion Initiative (“EDI”) in the Syracuse and Rochester Housing Courts. Launched in 2022, EDI is a partnership between the Center for Justice Innovation and the New York State Unified Court System. EDI’s mission is to ensure people facing eviction can access the holistic resources needed to maintain safe and stable housing.

Reporting to the Director of Housing Justice Initiatives, the Project Director will lead strategic planning, implementation and day-to-day operations of EDI, supervising staff, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery. The Project Director will serve as a key bridge between tenants, court partners, community organizations, and service providers, ensuring landlord-tenant court is a place where people facing eviction can find support with immediate and interconnected needs and remain stably housed. The Project Director will play a critical role in strengthening and expanding EDI’s presence in Upstate New York, deepening relationships with courts and local partners, and advancing innovations to promote housing stability and access to justice.

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of all EDI programming and service delivery in Syracuse and Rochester;
• Oversee daily operations, including supervising staff and interns, training, administrative systems, participant data tracking, facility and technology issues, as needed;
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with judicial and non-judicial court personnel, legal service providers, government agencies, and community-based advocacy and service organizations;
• Develop and manage partnerships that connect participants to legal assistance, health, code enforcement, rental assistance, public benefits, mental health services, employment, affordable housing, domestic violence, and economic stability resources;
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to troubleshoot operational challenges and develop or refine systems;
• Champion co-design principles by involving individuals with lived experience and expertise in policy and program design;
• Ensure staff provide high-quality, trauma-informed, and rights-based education and services to participants;
• Facilitate regular staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, and team-building activities that promote collaboration, innovation, and an inclusive workplace culture;
• Manage program budget, spending, and fiscal reporting;
• Oversee data collection to ensure compliance with funder requirements and achievement of performance goals;
• Lead fundraising and grant management efforts, including proposals and progress reports;
• Collaborate closely with Center-wide departments (fiscal, development, data analytics/research, HR, legal, technology, communications, government partnerships and administration) to support EDI operations;
• Represent the Center at meetings, panels, trainings, and public forums;
• Oversee development of outreach, communications, and marketing content and materials; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

• Master's degree and 3-5 years of relevant professional or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, as well as at least 2-3 years of experience managing a team and supervising staff. Candidates with equivalent lived experience will be considered;
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term planning;
• Excellent organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills; ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions;
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and achieve strategic objectives;
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and innovative, with sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy; and
• Commitment to the mission, values, and populations served by the Center for Justice Innovation.

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Rochester and Syracuse. Weekly travel to Syracuse and Rochester Housing Courts required, with occasional travel to NYC.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $111,200 - $116,000 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.