Program Director Economic Mobility and Workforce Development (Hybrid or Remote)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees -expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

The program director of economic mobility and workforce development will serve as a key member of the Corrections and Reentry Division's leadership team. You will lead and manage the portfolio of initiatives and activities focused on reducing barriers to employment and education for people with criminal convictions. Your work will focus on three key areas: (1) lifting up and promoting strategies and models around the country that ensure adjudicated youth and adults with criminal records have the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the labor market; (2) assisting state and local policymakers in understanding and reforming the policies and regulations that create barriers to a person's access to careers; and (3) engaging business and industry leaders to increase opportunities to hire and promote people with criminal and juvenile records. Over the past two years, we've worked in over 30 states to help reduce legal and regulatory barriers to employment for people with criminal and juvenile records, and we're just getting started.

You will oversee all aspects of the economic mobility technical assistance and policy portfolio; coordinate and participate in politically sensitive meetings with high-ranking local, state, and federal officials, advocates, and other experts across the country; cultivate relationships with funding partners, ensure adherence to and compliance with funding requirements; work with the division's leadership, the finance team, and senior staff to monitor and oversee program budgets; and troubleshoot issues and challenges. You will directly supervise staff, oversee the expansion of this growing team, support professional development and team-building efforts, supervise special projects, and collaborate with program staff and subject matter experts from other divisions.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the program director of economic mobility and workforce development include the following:

• Lead the program and serve as the spokesperson for the program while managing relationships with internal and external partners.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with philanthropic and government partners to sustain and grow the funding base for this work.
• Plan and participate in policy-focused meetings with high-ranking government officials, advocates, partner organizations, funders, and national experts.
• Inform the communications strategy and messaging for the portfolio, including developing marketing assets and responding to media inquiries and interviews, in consultation with the CSG Justice Center's Communications Division.
• Further establish and leverage the CSG Justice Center's influence in the intersecting fields of workforce and economic development, career/college preparation, racial equity, occupational training and credentialling, secondary and postsecondary education, and work-based learning.
• Provide oversight to key program activities, such as technical assistance delivery to local and state jurisdictions, development of written tools and products, and policy consulting services.
• Provide leadership, support, and strategic guidance to the program's staff, consisting of program associates, policy analysts, legal fellows, senior policy analysts, project managers, and program directors.
• Lead the development and implementation of the program's strategic plan and monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust priorities, as needed.
• Manage the program's budget, including financial monitoring, grants management, reporting, business development, and fundraising.
• Develop/expand the knowledge base on criminal and juvenile justice, reentry, and economic mobility and identify and engage new contacts in the field to serve as formal or informal partners.
• Manage interdivisional collaboration within the CSG Justice Center, including identifying themes and linkages across disparate initiatives and leveraging opportunities to incubate and test new ideas and approaches.

What you'll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• At least eight years of relevant experience in workforce training, economic development, or related fields and/or equivalent education achievements
• At least eight years of experience designing and leading innovative strategies that have had a demonstrated impact in advancing economic mobility for people with criminal records or similar barriers to employment, particularly through a racial equity framework
• At least four years of supervising a team and the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives and projects in an efficient, organized way with the ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel (a cost offset is provided by the CSG Justice Center)
• Understanding of the research, policy, programming, and latest trends shaping the workforce and corrections fields
• Experience working with and interacting with federal, state, and local government officials in workforce-related agencies
• Experience with fund development, grant writing, and foundation relations in related fields
• Experience with strategic planning, action/work planning, and implementation monitoring in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Excellent communication skills, including written, public speaking, and group/meeting facilitation, and the ability to effectively distill and present complex information concisely
• Experience and expertise in managing collaborative or interagency planning and problem-solving
• Demonstrated track record in team building, staff supervision and mentoring, and professional development
• Experience in nonprofit management, including program monitoring, reporting, and budgeting
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity, an ability to work independently and in a team setting, and a sense of humor
• Willingness to travel up to several times per month

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The NYC-based salary range for this position is $115,188 to $148,276. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $98,800. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.