Program Associate

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways-by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 900-employee, $100 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.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Brownsville Community Justice Center seeks to reengineer how the justice system works in Brownsville, Brooklyn. In particular, the Justice Center is dedicated to building off-ramps for young people who come into contact with the justice system by providing much needed services to young people arrested in Brownsville. The aim is to provide the kind of support that young people need to become law-abiding members of society. The ultimate goal is to reduce crime and the use of incarceration, while at the same time restoring local faith in the justice system.

The Brownsville Community Justice Center seeks a Program Associate to support the Operations Departments. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Operations, the Program Associate will assist with operative workflow in a growing multi-site project consisting of multiple programs and teams.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Work with the Justice Center's Director and Senior Operations Manager to build and maintain relationships and communication with city agencies, local service providers and program partners, including law enforcement, faith leaders, stakeholders and community-based organizations to identify resources; Lend operational support to all Justice Center departments and youth programs, including, systems to track attendance in programming, event planning and execution, manage equipment request, onboard referrals, support recruitment and develop communication materials that support the department's objectives; Support with internal billing, ordering, expense reports, credit card reconciliation, and payment protocols; Coordinate building maintenance and schedule appointments as needed; Provide support with place-keeping maintenance; Collaborate with the Manager of Operations on special projects and initiatives; Assist in managing social media channels, including content creation, scheduling posts, and engaging with followers; Create visually appealing 1-pagers for all programs and initiatives; Contribute to website design and maintenance, ensuring content is up-to-date and user-friendly; Support photography and videography needs for various events and projects; Collaborate with the Manager of Communications on developing communication strategies and campaigns; Assist in event planning and execution, including logistics coordination, vendor management, and attendee communication; Support community revitalization initiatives, including outreach efforts, community engagement events, and program implementation; Collaborate with the Manager of Community Revitalization on identifying opportunities for community development and improvement; Assist with data collection and analysis to measure the impact of community revitalization efforts; Support the preparation of and participate in team meetings (and trainings) to ensure coordination and appropriate workflow across sites; Attend community meetings (CB16, Precinct Clergy and Precinct Council, PSA2, Tenant Association, and other public community events or meetings) on a regular basis, while promoting BCJC programming; Participate in all administration/management meetings and ensure that project objectives are communicated to the Project Director; Work closely with the Justice Center's Justice Initiatives team to provide updates, troubleshoot, and execute identified programmatic, civic, and community public safety projects; Actively maintain a work culture conducive to innovation and team building; Provide all services in a culturally competent manner that is responsive to the needs of at risk youth. Qualifications: An ideal candidate will have: B.A. (or higher) in human services field and 1-2 years of experience equivalent; Mature grasp of community organizing and relationship building techniques; Strong team skills and ability to work in a fast paced environment; Strong administrative and computer skills for timely comprehensive tracking; Proficiency in MS Office 360 and G-Suite; Basic knowledge of office management systems and procedures; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients, visitors, and team members; Exemplary planning and time management skills; Ability to multitask and prioritize daily workload; High degree of accuracy and attention to detail; Proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills; Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. Professional integrity and strong work ethic; Adaptability to handle unexpected situations and manage changing priorities; Ability to handle inquiries and requests from both internal and external stakeholders; and Familiarity with the Central Brooklyn and/or Brownsville communities preferred. Position Type: Full time

Position Location: Brooklyn, NY

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $52,000 - $55,000 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. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do not discriminate on the basis of 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 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included.

As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Kindly refer to the job posting for the relevant contact information. If the contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from making inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.