Program Manager, Capacity Building

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

Neighborhood Safety Initiatives (NSI), a department of the Center works to improve quality of life in New York City by investing in residents, transforming public spaces, and influencing policy to address structural racism, local concerns and enhance public safety, reduce victimization, and promote healing. The key pillars that form the foundation for our work are racial equity, shifting power, access to resources, inclusive design, and deep participation. Resident stakeholder teams collaboratively identify community conditions, access and analyze data, propose tangible solutions to challenges, and learn how to access the resources needed to carry them out. Staff co-design and execute participatory decision-making processes to center residents in government decision-making and resource allocation. MAP, underway since 2014 and led by the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS), is a comprehensive strategy to enhance public safety and strengthen community well-being in 15 public housing developments across New York City. In 2022 this effort was expanded to 30 NYCHA developments across the city. A primary component is that the Center has been contracted by ONS to co-design and implement is Neighborhood Stat (NSTAT), which aims to enhance safety by strengthening collaboration and capacity among community residents.

NSI is seeking a Program Manager, Capacity Building to support the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) award, Green Space Connections (GSC) program, and the Reimagining Intimacy through Social Engagement (RISE) Project. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Program Manager will support NSI’s Technical Assistance portfolio that will include the development of curriculum, training and capacity building for Implementation Partners, MAP Engagement Coordinators and Resident Teams in the implementation of NeighborhoodStat citywide and local processes that support policy and action plan development. The Program Manager will also manage the planning and implementation of action plans, which includes building environment projects, public space programming, and social programs. The Program Manager will provide Technical Assistance support, and build the capacity of MAP Engagement Coordinators of 5 sites in the Brooklyn Area.

• Work closely with the Project Director and Associate Director of Capacity Building to advance all NSI tasks and timelines, including but not limited to: action plans, NSI training documents and toolkits, site audits, surveys, and event and program support;
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Capacity Building in the creation of NSI toolkits and community organizing/place-keeping curriculum to provide technical on-site support to MAP Engagement Coordinators (MEC) and Implementation Partners that support skill-building and meet project goals;
• Provide training and support to MEC’s regarding place-keeping, community organizing and NSTAT processes in NYCHA communities;
• Collaborate with NSI management to implement systems that support effective project planning and team support;
• Provide support to MEC’s in processing event record forms, site/sound permits, action plan submission and execution, and purchasing requests for program activities and events across the NSI team;
• Provide support to the Project Director and Associate Director of Capacity Building in the maintenance and coordination of program materials, place-making toolkit, and spreadsheets for project management; and
• Assist MEC’s with ensuring continuity and progress of resident organizing goals through tracking and reviewing meeting agendas and minutes in a digital, designated, and centralized location.

• Share on the ground organizing responsibilities within Green Space Connections (GSC) which include and are not limited to: creating a resident stakeholder team, co-leading resident meetings twice a month, coordinate efforts with NSI Design and Operations to implement a $500,000 built environment project;
• Support NSI management in curriculum development and training for the ONS/NSTAT annual resident-led community-wide participatory process;
• Develop and retain a comprehensive engagement strategy for sites with clear benchmarks and outcomes while strengthening partnerships to better target key community priorities;
• Provide technical support to MECs by creating and facilitating a multitude of training around neighborhood mobilization in order to assist with the creation and sustainability of resident teams;
• Attend in-person and virtual meetings with the MECs and their resident teams to facilitate training, provide technical assistance surrounding action plan development and implementation, outline logistics, and manage timelines;
• Utilize project management tools and facilitation guides with MECs, key management staff, operations, and stakeholders to ensure timely execution of project deliverables;
• Provide onsite technical support during resident-led community events, action plan implementation, meetings, etc.; and
• Support resident advocacy for policy change by maintaining relationships with local community-based organizations, NYCHA staff, elected officials, and city agencies.

• Provide oversight in the implementation of neighborhood engagement strategy and support project development and execution;
• Attend meetings with program partners, vendors, resident teams and other collaborators to ensure local program activities and action plan projects are comprehensive, high-quality, and meet or exceed all expectations while adhering to CJI, city agency requirements, and/or regulations;
• Conduct check-ins with MECs and resident teams to ensure deliverables are met in a timely fashion, and that they have the information, resources, and tools they need for implementation, and provide strategy and troubleshooting support when needed;
• Support MECs and resident teams in the development and execution of maintenance plans for existing place-keeping projects;
• Provide direct project management and oversight of physical space projects led by NSI; and
• Provide technical support for the planning, coordination, and execution of place-keeping activities, community events/meetings, and direct action activities to address and advocate for community needs and concerns.

• Support the Project Director of Capacity Building and Associate Director in the implementation of evaluation tools and methods across MAP sites;
• Meet regularly with the Associate Director of Capacity Building in order to keep track of NSI deliverables and evaluation status of Action plans; and
• Provide community survey training to MECs and assist with the tracking of data sources relevant to NSI.

• Work and communicate regularly with NSI management, Program Managers, MECs, operating office staff, and the Mayor’s office of Criminal Justice to support and advance project tasks and manage timelines;
• Support the Associate Director of Capacity Building and NSI management with the onboarding and training of new staff;
• Support the Assistant Director of Capacity Building in the reviewing of Action plan submissions, community event proposals, policy briefs, and other written documents related to NSTAT;
• Collaborate with NSI management, key Center staff, and design to implement systems that support effective project planning and team support;
• Maintain all task deadlines, events, project deliverables on a centralized and digital calendar; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

• A Bachelor's degree with 2 years of administrative experience; or a high school diploma with 6 years of administrative experience;
• Candidates must be highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Excellent communication skills required;
• Willing to travel within the 5 boroughs and knowledge of NYCHA developments;
• Excellent time management and task prioritization skills;
• Ability to lift at least 20 pounds;
• Must show demonstrated knowledge of all Microsoft, including Excel, and Google Suite programs; and
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.

Position Type: Full time working occasional weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.

Position Location: Manhattan with travel to the other 4 boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island).

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $68,400 - $79,200 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.