Chief People Officer

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 800-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. 

Center Support

The Center is invested in building high performing support teams of expert professionals from finance, legal, technology, human resources, fundraising, real estate, and communications to provide enterprise-wide services that align best practices with Center culture and values. These teams represent 15% of Center staff who provide core infrastructure support across the organization, identifying innovative and creative solutions to move the Center’s mission.
 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a newly formed role at the Center for Justice Innovation and will report directly to the Executive Director. This inaugural position will sit on a 10-person Executive Team and lead and grow a newly formed department composed of existing teams. The CPO will serve as a pivotal and influential executive leadership role, responsible for shaping and executing the people strategy for a diverse, dynamic, and growing team (currently 840+ professionals). This work will encompass diversity, equity, inclusion, and access and human resource operations. The CPO will lead a team responsible for fostering a positive workplace culture, overseeing the entire employee lifecycle, and ensuring the success, engagement, wellness, and retention of our talented team. As a member of the Center’s 10-person Executive Team, the CPO will work in close collaboration with the executive leadership team, report directly to the Executive Director, and work in close collaboration with the Chief of Staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief People Officer (CPO) will oversee all human resources functions, professional development, recruitment and employee engagement, ensuring that all this work is centered in principles and best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. The CPO will lead a team of 25+ professionals with between 4 and 6 direct reports including administrative staff, Senior Directors, and a DEIA analyst. The newly formed People Department will play a key role in shaping and reinforcing the Center’s culture, values, and mission, fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment.

In the responsibilities described below, the CPO will develop and implement strategies and initiatives for a broad group of employees with a range of backgrounds, interests, and roles within the Center.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Manage the design and administration of competitive benefits and compensation packages to attract and retain top talent;
• Work closely with internal and external partners to help ensure equitable compensation and benefits;

Recruitment, Onboarding, and Retention:

• Lead recruitment efforts to attract diverse and exceptional talent, onboard these team members, and implement strategies to develop and retain a robust and skilled workforce aligned with organizational goals and values;

Performance and Professional Development:

• Implement performance management processes that align with organizational goals, providing feedback and support for employee growth and reflecting the diversity of talent across the Center;
• Implement and manage comprehensive programs for ongoing learning and skill enhancement, supporting career growth and development;
• Oversee the organization’s internal Training Institute, internship and fellowship programs;

Employee Relations:

• Oversee employee relations by:
  • Fostering a positive and inclusive workplace;
  • Resolving conflicts
  • Maintaining a healthy and collaborative team environment.

Wellness and Belonging:

• Develop strategies and programs to promote employee well-being, creating an environment where team members working in both hybrid and on-the-ground roles feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Data and Metrics:

• Lead and manage the tracking and progress of People related outcomes and initiatives reporting back to the Executive Team and staff;
• Use data to inform and enrich the employee experience;
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have:

• 10-15 years of management and professional experience in human resources;
• Proven experience in senior HR leadership roles, preferably within a non-profit or justice-oriented organization;
• Strong supervisory skills and the ability coach, manage, and work with teams to identify and execute on goals and objectives; 
• Strong understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and industry trends;
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the workplace;
• Proven track record in using data and analytics to develop initiatives, develop and implement DEIA initiatives, and improve HR strategies;
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and implementing successful people strategies;
• Strong problem-solving skills;
• Highly organized with strong project management skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication and ability to speak to and influence a wide range of audiences with sometimes conflicting priorities.

Position Type: Full-time hybrid role in New York City. We are seeking individuals who are able to work in-person at least three days per week, and travel throughout the tri-state area for in-person meetings.

Position Location: Manhattan, NY

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $215,000 - $240,000 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.

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