Program Director

About the role

The Program Director provides high-level strategic leadership across major policy initiatives and serves as a recognized expert in their field. They conceptualize, develop, and oversee complex, multi-year national or statewide projects; guide high-ranking policymakers and agency leaders; and ensure the delivery of impactful technical assistance, tools, and written products that shape policy and practice at scale.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development
• Design and execute strategic plans and work plans for major initiatives, aligning program goals with organizational priorities and partner needs.
• Conceptualize and develop new policy initiatives, resources, and program models to address emerging or systemic challenges.
• Establish program vision and communicate strategic goals and results to national audiences through presentations, publications, and convenings.
• Advanced Field Expertise & High-Level Technical Assistance
• Engage credibly with programs, local and state government agencies, and justice, health, and housing system stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and agency leaders, to identify and prioritize areas of technical assistance that are needed and welcome; provide that assistance directly or connect grantees to the appropriate team member or consultant.
• Lead or facilitate policy-focused meetings, forums, trainings, convenings, and events with senior government officials, advocates, and subject matter experts.
• Translate identified field needs into new program initiatives, analyses, training curricula, or policy guidance tools that advance the policy team's mission and create value for grantees and partners.
• External Engagement, Advisory Leadership & Partnerships
• Manage advisory boards, high-level stakeholder groups, and networks of subject matter experts to ensure initiatives benefit from broad and diverse expertise.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, funders, agency leaders, and national partners.
• Provide updates, insights, and emerging findings that strengthen external relationships and enhance project impact.
• Written Products, Resources & Communications
• Ensure high quality for written products, tools, and presentations that influence policy and practice at scale.
• Ensure all materials meet the organization's standards for clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and strategic alignment.
• Contribute to shaping public-facing messaging and resources that communicate policy priorities and progress.
• Project Oversight, Quality Assurance & Accountability
• Monitor timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements to ensure funder obligations and strategic objectives are met.
• Anticipate challenges, adjust plans accordingly, and ensure projects maintain momentum and high-quality standards.
• Support coordination across internal teams (policy, research, data, communications, operations) to achieve integrated and effective project execution.
• Staff Leadership & Team Development
• Provide task direction, mentorship, and professional support to staff where applicable; may supervise direct reports depending on team structure.
• Build and develop high-functioning teams by providing coaching, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Promote an inclusive and collaborative culture grounded in interpersonal, institutional, and justice-focused leadership.
• Fundraising, Business Development & Organizational Contribution
• Lead and contribute to fundraising and business development efforts, including identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities, writing and contributing to grant proposals and concept papers, and stewarding relationships with government and philanthropic funders to sustain and grow the program portfolio.
• Engage in internal conversations, committees, and strategic planning efforts that strengthen organizational systems and mission impact.

Requirements

• Deep subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to the policy team's work, which may include court-based diversion, problem-solving courts, behavioral health, crisis response, housing, health financing, or services for young people;
• Demonstrated ability to apply that expertise in high-level consultation, program design, and field leadership;
• Demonstrated experience leading a collection of projects or programs through strategy, oversight, and direction;
• Demonstrated experience writing proposals, and cultivating and stewarding relationships with government and philanthropic funders to sustain and grow a program portfolio;
• Demonstrated track record in business development, including identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with government and philanthropic funders, and leading or contributing to successful grant proposals and concept papers;
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, coordinate work across internal and external partners, and advance program goals in a project leadership capacity;
• Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience and/or equivalent educational achievements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as criminal justice, public policy, public administration, social work, or a related field;
• Experience in the areas of law enforcement and crisis response (including community-led response, co-response, mobile crisis), courts (including problem-solving courts, diversion programs), policies and programs for young people at risk of- or involved with- the juvenile justice system, behavioral health treatment and financing, and housing;
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders;
• Experience with grant writing and proposal development;
• Experience with managing budgets and financial reporting;
• Experience with managing and leading teams;
• Experience with data analysis and reporting;
• Experience with project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders;
• Experience with project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project;
• Experience with data analysis and reporting;
• Experience with grant writing and proposal development;
• Experience with managing budgets and financial reporting;
• Experience with managing and leading teams;
• Experience with managing and leading cross-functional teams;
• Experience with managing and leading teams in a virtual environment;
• Experience with managing and leading teams in a remote environment;
• Experience with managing and leading teams in a hybrid environment.

Benefits

The CSG Justice Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and PSLF eligibility. The salary range for this position is $105,800.00 - $150,000.00, subject to change based on work location and market conditions. The organization also offers flexible work arrangements, including remote work or a hybrid model for candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area.

Pay

$105,800.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Schedule

Hybrid or remote work arrangements are available for candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area.