Common Justice is seeking a Senior Policy Manager who can help the organization win transformative racial justice campaigns that are grounded in the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated people and others impacted by violence. This person should be committed to Common Justice’s mission, be able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving work environment, and have a great sense of humor.

Position Location: New York City or Albany

About the Opportunity:

Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transforms 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 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.

Common Justice knows that communities impacted by crime and violence—and survivors of violence in particular—have essential expertise about what produces safety, what constitutes accountability, and what facilitates healing. We believe that any social change platform— including a policy agenda, budgetary priorities, local social service needs, and community mobilizations—must be deeply rooted in the wisdom, power, and engagement of the people whose lives are at stake in these changes.

There are a wide range of extraordinary advocacy groups in New York State, most of which are intently focused on winning critical, shorter-term victories in the various movement for criminal justice reforms. Common Justice’s organizing and policy work does not compete with these efforts but rather builds a longer-term organizing and policy vision that transforms current ineffective responses to violence ranging from criminal justice and sentencing reform to increasing access to healing services to housing. The work aims to lay the foundation for the long haul, building the relationships and resources necessary to shift power and secure transformative change.

Common Justice is seeking a Senior Policy Manager who can help the organization win transformative racial justice campaigns that are grounded in the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated people and others impacted by violence. This person should be committed to Common Justice’s mission, be able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving work environment, and have a great sense of humor.

The Sr. Policy Manager supports the Director of Policy and the VP of Organizing and Policy.

Primary Responsibilities:

Senior Policy Manager will:

* Monitor local, state, and federal policies for overall developments and trends in that impact survivors of violence, as well as those who are formerly or currently incarcerated, and analyze political context to identify campaign opportunities, including the need for rapid response and potential partners and allies;

* Analyze existing local, state, and federal bills and laws;

* Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials and racial and social justice advocates, and provide them with information and resources that will help advance Common Justice’s policy and organizing work;

* Provide critical thought leadership for Common Justice’s policy agenda;

* Prepare briefing materials, curriculum, and talking points quickly and effectively for both internal and external audiences;

* Work with the communications team to implement press and digital tactics in support of Common Justice’s organizing and policy work;

* Create and draft reports that further Common Justice’s organizing and policy work;

* Draft and presents testimony on legislation and policies before legislative and other government bodies.

Job Requirements:

* Ideally, this person will have at least five years of experience in advancing policy campaigns (preference for experience in the criminal legal system, racial justice, healing equity, and democracy policy and campaigns);

* Experience with grassroots base-building organizations and community outreach;

* Demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice;

* Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and discretion in dealings with others;

* Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills;

* Attention to detail;

* Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a proactive team player;

* Ability to work well independently and to drive projects to completion in a fast-paced environment;

* Dedication to organizational excellence;

* Problem-solving perspective;

* Well-developed, nuanced understanding of the experience of harm and oppression; well-developed analysis of power and supremacy;

* Flexibility, creativity, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively;

* Excellent analysis skills;

* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;

* Formerly incarcerated people and/or survivors of violence strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Salary is commensurate with expertise within Common Justice’s pay range of $71k-77k for a Senior Manager level position. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life, long-term disability insurance, retirement 401 (k), and substantial vacation. Please submit a resume and cover letter indicating where you found this position to [email protected]. Please include “Senior Policy Manager” in the subject line of your email including New York City or Albany.

Common Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. Common Justice values diverse experiences, including educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.