Program Director

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Centerhelps leaders in every statedesign and implement solutions for complex justice system challenges and make communities safer and healthier. We deliver trusted data, practical strategies, and cross-systems collaboration to create second chances, reduce harm, and transform lives.

We're focused on fourstrategic priorities:

• Using data to drive action
• Strengthening crisis response and addressing violent crime
• Turning billions in new behavioral health resources into improved outcomes
• Growing the number of states committed to delivering reentry success by 2030

We have approximately 50employeesinstates across the country who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

The Program Director provides high-level strategic leadership across major policy initiatives and serves as a recognized expert in their field. Individuals in this role 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. The Program Director defines strategic vision, establishes program goals, coordinates diverse internal and external contributors, and represents the organization in high-profile settings.

The Program Director build and lead teams, steward advisory groups and national partnerships, and lead fundraising and business development. They collaborate closely with senior organizational leadership to identify new opportunities, develop initiatives, and advance the mission. This role requires significant autonomy, strategic judgment, and deep subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to the policy team's work. At this time, the CSG Justice Center is seeking qualified candidates with significant expertise and experience in the following areas: 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.

Location: NYC metro area preferred (hybrid); remote candidates will also be considered.

What you'll do:

Specific duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

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.
• Support organizational leadership in developing new projects or expanding existing initiatives.
• Engage in internal conversations, committees, and strategic planning efforts that strengthen organizational systems and mission impact.

What you'll bring:

• 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 ability to conceptualize, propose, fund, staff, and launch new programs that strategically advance the organization's mission
• 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

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume (this should include a comprehensive list of related professional, internship, and volunteer experience with applicable dates)
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

Compensation will be based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position is $105,800.00 - $150,000.00. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (veterans/people with disabilities). CSG participates in E-Verify.