Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that combines the power of a membership association, representing state officials in all three branches of government, with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities. We help achieve those results by

• Bringing people together from both sides of the aisle to foster collaboration;
• Driving the criminal justice field forward with original research;
• Building momentum for policy change at the state and local levels; and
• Providing expert assistance to translate the latest research into policy and practice.

The CSG Justice Center is one of the most robust criminal justice organizations in the country, composed of approximately 120 employees with decades of experience in law enforcement, community corrections, court administration, housing, mental health and addiction services, state prisons, local jails, juvenile justice, education, workforce development, and victim advocacy. Staff here have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What bonds us together is a shared commitment to our mission, 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:

Stepping Up is a national initiative supporting more than 500 counties and 5 states to implement data-driven, cross-system efforts to reduce the number of people with mental health conditions in jails. The program director will lead the Stepping Up team in the CSG Justice Center's Behavioral Health Division. You will set the strategic direction of the initiative and oversee the multiple state and local Stepping Up projects. Working with national partners as well as local and state cross-system stakeholders, you'll have the opportunity to design and implement new approaches to policy and practice and set a national agenda and technical assistance portfolio that leads to improved responses for people with behavioral health needs and supports diversion away from the justice system. The Stepping Up program director will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with external partners, including funders and national experts, and coordinating with other teams within the CSG Justice Center.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the Stepping Up program director include the following:

• Set the strategic vision for Stepping Up, including priorities and goals, and translate that vision into concrete projects.
• Operationalize and implement the strategic vision of Stepping Up in manageable projects.
• Provide content knowledge on mental health, substance use, and criminal justice issues.
• Oversee completion of deliverables and adherence to budget, timeline, and grant commitments across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Supervise the internal Stepping Up team and support team members' work and professional development.
• Manage and coordinate input from national Stepping Up partners and funders to ensure a shared vision and approach to Stepping Up.
• Identify opportunities to leverage local, state, and national partnerships to advance shared project goals.
• Create technical assistance strategies and tools for local and state stakeholders.
• Develop funding proposals and create and maintain relationships with funders.
• Support or lead projects across the CSG Justice Center's Behavioral Health Division as needed.

What you'll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• At least eight years of work experience in the fields of behavioral health and/or criminal justice, and/or equivalent educational achievements.
• At least four years of management or policy analysis experience in the fields of behavioral health and/or criminal justice
• A track record of working with local and state governments and high-level government officials
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, business development, and funder stewardship
• Strong people and project management skills
• Excellent research, writing, and oral communications skills and strong critical and strategic thinking skills
• Content knowledge of mental health, substance use, homelessness, and local criminal justice systems

How you apply:

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

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample
• At least three professional references

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

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience. The salary range for this position, based in New York, is $115,188 - $148,276. This salary range is subject to change based work location and market conditions.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.