Project Director, Brownsville Community Justice Center

What You'll Do

This is a pivotal moment for a new Project Director to shape the next chapter of the Brownsville Community Justice Center. As Project Director, you'll guide a talented team in reimagining programs to ensure they are deeply responsive to the evolving needs and strengths of the Brownsville community. You'll oversee strategy, partnerships, and daily operations by strengthening youth development, restorative justice, and community-driven safety efforts. We are looking for a leader who can balance vision with execution, deepen trust with residents and partners, and build sustainable models that center equity, opportunity, and healing.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Team Leadership

• Lead, support, and inspire a diverse team, fostering a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and community connection
• Collaborate with Center leadership on budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation to sustain and grow initiatives
• Supervise senior program staff; provide coaching, professional development, and performance management to ensure high-quality service delivery
• Strengthen and build internal systems that promote innovation, shared learning, and staff well-being Oversee administration and management meetings, ensuring clear communication and follow-through across programs Model creative problem-solving, healing-centered practices, and youth development strategies in all aspects of leadership

Strategy and Program Design

• Guide strategic planning and implementation for all Justice Center programs and initiatives
• Reimagine and design programming that reflects Brownsville's priorities, expanding youth opportunity, reducing systemic harm, and investing in community spaces and networks
• Oversee program outcomes and reporting, ensuring goals are met or exceeded
• Develop policies, procedures, and program materials that align with evidence-based and community-informed practices.
• Prepare grant proposals, progress reports, and evaluations that demonstrate impact and learning

External and Community Engagement

• Serve as the public face of the Justice Center in Brownsville and beyond, representing the organization at community events, coalitions, and citywide meetings
• Build and maintain partnerships with local residents, city agencies, funders, and community-based organizations
• Work with key partners, including, the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety, Community Board 16, local organizations, and neighborhood groups, to co-create initiatives that promote safety and trust
• Identify local needs and emerging issues, developing responsive programming that empowers residents and supports long-term community healing
• Oversee communications, outreach, and engagement strategies, including social media and neighborhood activations that elevate the Center's work and voice ### Who You'll Work With
• You will report to the Senior Director of Programs, Community Safety.
• You will supervise a team of 20, with 3 direct reports including: Program Manager, Community Initiatives; Program Manager, Community Safety; and Operations Manager.
• You will frequently collaborate with other Project Directors and CJI leadership including: human resources, development, and finance.

• Proven leadership experience in community-based or justice-focused organizations, with a track record of managing complex programs and diverse teams
• Strong strategic thinker able to balance long-term vision with hands-on, day-to-day management and problem solving
• Demonstrated success overseeing budgets, grants, and contracts while ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Skilled supervisor and coach, experienced in developing staff capacity and fostering a collaborative, accountable culture
• Deep commitment to the mission of the Brownsville Community Justice Center and sensitivity to the strengths and challenges of the Brownsville community
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder, able to engage effectively with community partners, funders, and government stakeholders
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail
• Creative, values-driven, and capable of leading with transparency, empathy, and diplomacy in a dynamic environment

Location and Work Environment

This role requires a full-time in-office presence and is based in Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY.

Please note some evening/weekend hours are required, as needed.

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.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $108,000 - $133,900.

To Learn More About 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.

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..