About Our Work:

Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transform the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration. Locally, we operate the first alternative to incarceration and victim service programs in the United States to focus on violent felonies in the adult courts. Nationally, we leverage the lessons from our direct service to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those most impacted. Rigorous and hopeful, we build practical strategies to hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities.

In our direct service work, Common Justice operates restorative justice-based alternatives to prison and victim service programs for serious and violent felony cases such as assault, burglary, and robbery. Our work includes intensive supervision and violence intervention work with wraparound support for program participants and the engagement of system actors who play critical roles in diverting cases. We aim to meet the needs of people harmed by violence, prevent further harm, and improve the lives of people and communities impacted by violence. Common Justice believes that all survivors deserve more options that resonate with their sense of justice, safety, and respect. We think communities deserve programs that help halt cycles of violence, improve public safety, and meet their needs.

About This Role:

The Vice President of Programs (VPP) will bring seasoned program and administrative leadership expertise and a nuanced understanding of violence and criminal justice to Common Justice. The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated analysis of racial oppression to lead our direct service work. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and part of the leadership team, The VPP ensures model fidelity and effectiveness. Developing and strengthening organizational systems to support cross-functional collaboration and growth are also key responsibilities of the role. The VP of Programs will supervise four Assistant Directors and partner with the leadership team on overall organization building and strategy. The VPP role regularly interacts with a wide range of external stakeholders, including frequently with the NYC District Attorney's offices and program participants and partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Day-to-Day Program Management:

• Effectively manage and support the Assistant Directors in Brooklyn, Bronx, and future Common Justice locations, which directly manage the intervention and trauma support direct service programs; build the capacity of direct service teams.
• Effectively manage and support the Assistant Director of Outreach and outreach team, coordinating with participants, impacted parties, and the court system.
• Develop and strengthen structures to ensure model fidelity and enhance integration across teams.
• Effectively engage in and problem solve in crisis intervention with participants and creatively thought partner with direct service staff on a wide range of issues.
• Contribute to the development department's fundraising and reporting on the department's work.
• Budgeting for multiple projects, including monitoring and controlling costs.
• Organizational Building, Strategy & Expansion:
• As part of the leadership team, co-lead the development of structures and practices to support the organization's overall development, management, and culture.
• Partner with the Executive Director on strategy and implementation for further growth and replication of the work in new sites.
• Lead the team in its ongoing development and refinement of the overall model.

External Relationships:

• Hold relationships with and liaise with the DA's office and leaders within the court system on matters concerning participants.
• Appear as needed in court on behalf of participants and the organization.
• Represent the organization publicly as part of the city- and statewide committees and at public events.
• Represent the organization in conversations with funders and allies of the work.

Ideal Profile & Qualifications:

Ideal candidates bring a unique cross-set of experiences and skill sets, including:

• Demonstrable passion for our mission and model and social justice in general.
• A minimum of eight years and organizational or program leadership experience with strengths in Intervention, Outreach, and Trauma Support.
• Subject matter expertise in criminal justice, violence, restorative justice, trauma, healing, and victims' services.
• A nuanced and sophisticated analysis of multiple forms of oppression, intersectionality, and white supremacy.
• Systems and culture building in support of organization building, program expansion, and model enhancement and fidelity.
• Well-developed people management and coaching skills, ideally with experience supporting directly impacted staff.
• Credibility and strong relationship-building capacity with a wide range of constituents.
• Survivors of violence, formerly incarcerated, and family members of incarcerated people are strongly welcomed.