Program Director, Illinois Justice Project Illinois ...

Title:Program DirectorLocation:HybridStatus:Full-time, exemptSalary:$110,000-$115,000Reports to:DirectorDesired start date:Q2 2025About the Illinois Justice ProjectThe Illinois Justice Project (ILJP) engages in criminal legal system reform efforts that promote policies and practices that reduce violence, decrease recidivism and make the criminal legal system more equitable. ILJP works at the local, regional, and state levels in partnership with stakeholders from underserved communities to effect policy change. This work is executed through the development, advocacy, implementation, and monitoring of policies and practices. Learn more about ILJP at Opportunity: Program DirectorThe Program Director will lead and oversee policy development, advocacy, and implementation that aligns with the goals of the ILJP toward criminal legal reform. This role serves as a thought partner to the Director in implementing strategy and leveraging the organization's position as a convener to bring a broad group of stakeholders together to move policy change forward. This position will own the program team's work on two to three of its special initiatives, specifically - the Justice 20/20 Network and one to two other major initiatives related to adult and youth justice. The Program Director reports directly to the Director of the ILJP. This is a promising career opportunity for someone who is excited by both policy analysis and driving implementation, and would enjoy bringing a diverse group of voices together to lead reform across Illinois.ResponsibilitiesLead policy development, advocacy and implementation across issues and reform efforts of importance to the ILJP that reduces both violence and the number of youth and adults entering the criminal legal system.Project management and planning for major initiatives: oversee and advance tasks and accompanying deadlines across two to three of the team's initiatives, including the Justice 20/20 Network and one to two others; each with separate working groups that are meeting regularly to develop policy, share learnings, and build relationships.Build, steward, and own relationships within the ILJP's stakeholder groups and partners: communicating across broad audiences from elected officials to working group members, formerly incarcerated leaders, nonprofit and foundation executives, departments of corrections, public safety and juvenile justice advocates, and more.Organize and facilitate convenings with peers engaged in similar work, bringing in experts to inform policy development; continuously moving work/projects forward and finding ways to keep people engaged.Thought partnership: serve as a sounding board for the Director of the ILJP, offering insights, elevating concerns, and helping prioritize to support overall strategy and vision.Thought leadership: engaging with media (tv, radio, press) as a representative of the organization and on specific policy issues; helping frame and set the container for issues of importance to ILJP.Stay current on policy advocacy, happenings across the criminal legal system, academic research, and any other initiatives or streams of work affecting the strategy and work of ILJP.Attending events, conferences, and joining membership organizations or task forces relevant to the work of the organization; standing in for the Director, on occasion.Oversee a shared direct report (Program Specialist on juvenile justice).Skills + ExperiencesAt least 8-10 years of work experience with five years of experience in policy development, advocacy and/or implementation, specifically; preferably having command/specialized experience in an area of criminal justice policy.Academic knowledge and professional experience associated with a college degree in public policy, political science, sociology, and/or criminal justice reform; bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.Prior experience managing, supervising, and coaching small teams with at least 1-2 direct reports is preferred.Commitment to racial equity, social and economic justice, and criminal legal system reform.Sophisticated stakeholder management skills and ability to own relationships across a diverse network of stakeholders.Strong project management and planning skills, including the ability to prioritize, work both independently and collaboratively, and create a blueprint of the key elements that projects require for successful completion.Time management: an ability to offer visibility into ongoing work, help the team anticipate challenges to prioritize and execute work efficiently, and track deadlines.Meeting planning and facilitation experience with an orientation to action.Excellent verbal and written communications skills across a broad audience and the ability to create meaningful relationships.Adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to move work forward or pivot with limited or incomplete information.Critical thinking and problem solving: the ability to question processes, initiatives, and practices for the purposes of improving them and eliminating obstacles for the team's benefit.Discretion: the ability to deal with confidential information and delicate situations.Poise: the ability to remain focused and disciplined while working in a high-pressure environment.Strong computer and office software (Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, cloud-based storage), application, and database management skills.Salary + BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $110,000-$115,000.ILJP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.Work EnvironmentThis is a full-time position. Evening and weekend work are occasionally required, particularly during events/convenings.This is a hybrid position located in Chicago, IL with the ability to work remotely three days per week and from the office two days per week.Ordinarily, this position operates primarily in an accessible office environment. Some travel to other off-site locations in the Chicago area is required. Some may not be accessible.Staff are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.To ApplyA cover letter is not required to apply for this role. Instead, all candidates will provide a resume and written answers to application questions. Your responses will be shared with the hiring manager as well as the hiring committee for this search, so please put forth your best effort. Up to 3 paragraphs maximum per response, please. Background and reference checks will be conducted as part of the search process with final candidates.Illinois Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer that provides a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of employment discrimination, including harassment, because of race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or belief, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy/maternity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-02-18