Coordinator, 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 Center for Justice Innovation (the Center) works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. Since 2011, the Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC), an operating project of the Center, has worked to address systemic inequality, enhance public safety, and create opportunities for residents to lead in building a safer, more equitable community. The Neighborhood Safety Collective (NSC) builds on BCJC's decade of community-driven work, serving as a platform for residents, government partners, and community stakeholders to co-design and implement initiatives that improve safety, foster economic opportunity, and reduce reliance on the justice system.

BCJC is seeking a Youth Initiatives Coordinator. Reporting to the Program Manager of Community Initiatives, the Coordinator plays a critical role in developing and implementing interest-based, project-based, and healing centered youth programming. This position is responsible for designing programming and opportunities that align with youth needs and aspirations, managing subcontractors, coordinating internal operations, and facilitating youth leadership initiatives.

The Coordinator works collaboratively with the Justice Center's social work team, community stakeholders, and youth participants to ensure programming is responsive, engaging, and supportive of long-term personal and professional development. The Coordinator oversees program logistics, builds systems for tracking resources and partnerships, and leads youth-centered initiatives, such as the Youth Leadership Council.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Program Design and Coordination:

• Identify and design interest-based and workforce development programs each seasonal cycle (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall), in partnership with youth participants and the social work team;
• Create meaningful, high-quality youth programming aligned with civic engagement, arts, career exploration, and skill-building; and
• Organize and facilitate youth showcases at the conclusion of each program cycle to highlight participant accomplishments, both within BCJC and through external partners.

Contractor and Partnership Management:

• Identify, vet, and manage subcontractors and teaching artists to deliver youth programming and workshops;
• Facilitate onboarding and orientation for subcontractors, ensuring alignment with program goals and BCJC standards; and
• Monitor contractor performance, communicate expectations, and collect feedback to support quality assurance.

Youth Engagement and Leadership Development:

• Lead BCJC's Youth Leadership Council (YLC), providing mentorship, structure, and project support to foster youth voice, advocacy, and community engagement; and
• Develop opportunities for youth to lead or co-design projects and programming across BCJC initiatives.

Program Logistics and Operations:

• Coordinate space and supplies for all youth program activities; ensuring program rooms are properly prepared and stocked;
• Track and input participant attendance for all stipend-eligible youth programs in alignment with BCJC's payment and tracking systems; and
• Manage the logistics for program orientation, workshops, and showcases, including room scheduling and materials procurement.

Systems Building and Knowledge Management:

• Lead the creation and maintenance of a knowledge management system to track subcontractor offerings, community partnerships, and internal program resources;
• Contribute to program evaluations by maintaining accurate records of participation, engagement, and outcomes; and
• Collaborate with the Program Associate and other team members to ensure smooth program delivery and consistent communication across youth initiatives.

Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Coordinate closely with Community Initiatives, Social Work, and the Operations teams to ensure integrated service delivery for youth;
• Support senior staff with planning and execution of large-scale youth and community events when relevant; and
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and community events as needed.

Other Duties:

• Perform additional duties, as assigned, in service of the Justice Center's mission and strategic youth engagement goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in youth development, education, nonprofit management, or related field and 2-3 years of experience working with youth in a program coordination or facilitation role is required;
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple program cycles and subcontractors simultaneously;
• Experience designing youth programming and coordinating showcases, events, or performance-based activities;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to build relationships with young people, families, partners, and team members;
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and community-centered environment;
• Commitment to restorative justice, equity, and youth voice; and
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during program launches, showcases, and events.

Position Type: Full-time position with Some travel to local schools, community events, and partner sites may be necessary. Flexibility and responsiveness to youth needs are key to success in this role.

Position Location: Brooklyn, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $59,700 - $70,000 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: 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.

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