Program Manager, Youth Initiatives

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 Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC) seeks to co-create community safety in Brownsville, Brooklyn by investing in local residents, transforming public spaces, and creating youth opportunity. The Justice Center envisions a safe and resourced Brownsville where all residents can thrive. The Justice Center focuses on engaging young people most impacted by criminal legal systems and community violence as leaders and innovators to create community driven public safety solutions.

BCJC is seeking a Program Manager, Youth Initiatives. Reporting to the to the Project Director, the Program Manager will serve as a leader within the BCJC, overseeing the strategy, execution, and evaluation of youth and community programs that advance youth opportunity, community safety, and equity.  The Program Manager will be responsible for program innovation, cultivating leadership, partnership development, and ensuring compliance with contractual and grant requirements.

This position centers on developing experiential and project-based youth programs designing impactful public events, leveraging data and community voice, and aligning BCJC's resources to deliver high-impact community benefit and reinvestment. The role requires strong project management, experience in grassroots and civic engagement strategies, and a deep commitment to youth leadership, justice, equity, and place-based work.

Strategic Program Development:

• Utilize  data, community input, and youth feedback to identify opportunities for community safety interventions in neighborhood hotspots;
• Design and lead youth and community programs that integrate project-based learning, youth organizing, civic engagement, and experiential learning opportunities; and
• Be a thought leader and develop strategy to identify opportunities to scale programs, align resources, and deepen BCJC’s youth development work and community impact.

Event and Initiative Management:

• Facilitate youthled planning and execution of community interventions and events such as the [B] Live Arts and Music Festival, the Be On Belmont campaign, and other cornerstone initiatives;
• Identify and implement new opportunities for community-based programming and public engagement; and
• Assist the Project Director with identifying new strategic initiatives, youth and public programs and safety interventions that support testing and innovation at the Justice Center.  

Performance Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor progress toward key program deliverables, including recruitment, participation, and engagement goals;
• Implement course corrections as needed to ensure successful program, project and event outcomes; and
• Lead data collection and reporting on metrics including attendance, engagement, stipends, neighborhood reinvestment, and partnership outcomes.

Knowledge Management and Systems Oversight:

• Oversee the development and maintenance of systems to track subcontractor services, program resources, and community partnerships; and
• Ensure consistency and accessibility of information across teams to support coordination and long-term sustainability.

Partnership and Resource Development:

• Proactively seek sponsorships and funding to support program growth and event execution; regularly pitch partnership opportunities to public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders; and
• Lead the development and submission of funding proposals and new program concepts aligned with local needs and organizational goals.

Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Manage the Community Initiatives team, providing regular supervision, coaching, and performance evaluations; and 
• Set clear goals and accountability standards while promoting professional growth through targeted training, mentorship, and development opportunities.

Compliance and Contract Management:

• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting deadlines, and budgetary parameters for all assigned initiatives and contracts; and
• Collaborate with the Project Director and the finance and development teams to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with funding agreements.

Other Duties:

• Perform additional tasks, as assigned, to support the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the Brownsville Community Justice Center.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, youth development, urban planning, or a related field, Master's degree strongly preferred and a minimum 3–5 years of  experience in youth and community organizing, program design, youth development, or event planning required;
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale public events and youth-centered programming;
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams;
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously;
• Advanced communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent the organization externally;
• Experience with data tracking, evaluation, and reporting;
• Deep commitment to racial equity, restorative justice, and community-led approaches to safety and well-being; and
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends, as needed, for community events and meetings.

Position Type: Full-time, Monday - Friday from 10:00am - 6:00pm. This position is based in a fast-paced, community-focused environment. It requires regular on-site engagement in community spaces, partner meetings, and events. Flexibility, creativity, and collaboration are essential for success in this role.

Position Location: Brownsville, Brooklyn.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $75,500 - $85,000 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.

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.