Executive Director/Policy Director

Full-time: regular business hours with frequent evenings and weekends

Location: Columbus, OH, preferred; Remote within Ohio for the right candidate Travel: Frequent in-state travel, and limited out-of-state travel

The Juvenile Justice Coalition (JJC) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) who will have overall strategic, operational, and programmatic responsibility for JJC. The ED will also serve as the organization’s policy leader, promoting juvenile justice reform through advocacy, political organizing and coalition building. The ED will be a champion for juvenile justice reform in the community and the primary champion and voice for JJC’s mission, values and programs.

The Juvenile Justice Coalition strives to provide a youth-centered organizational vehicle for people affected by the juvenile justice system and their communities through policy advocacy, community organizing and education, and nurturing leadership. JJC works for change through policy advocacy and organizing and centering youth who have been directly impacted by the juvenile justice system. Learn more about JJC, our work, and our values at www.jjcohio.org

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY & GOVERNANCE

• Provide visionary leadership to the organization and translate that vision into program goals, campaign priorities and funding.
• Collaborate with the JJC Board of Directors on strategic planning. Work with JJC staff to create the organizational structures necessary to implement planning goals.
• Lead fundraising and organizational development; Actively engage current and existing donors while fostering positive relationships with new potential donors.
• Oversee JJC’s financial stability and sustainability. Work closely with the Director of Operations to develop the budget, monitor expenses, and ensure compliance.
• Represent the mission and vision of JJC to various audiences and maintain relationships with partners, supporters, and governmental/non-governmental entities.
• Recruit, hire and supervise staff; ensure appropriate supervision of interns and volunteers.
• Support staff development by providing consistent guidance and coaching.
• Serve as a liaison between the Board of Directors and staff; maintaining a strong, open and timely flow of communication and reporting in both directions.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the Board; Attend and participate in Board meetings.
• Provide collaborative and impactful leadership in the field by engaging in policy and/or organizing work.
• Conduct regular evaluation of the organization’s campaigns to track progress on goals and course correct as needed.
• Strengthen and advance the ED role; build the capacity of a small but dedicated team.

POLICY WORK & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Work with Juvenile Justice Coalition board in setting policy goals and developing strategies to defend and advance a transformed juvenile justice system.
• Monitor, research, and analyze opportunities to advance juvenile justice policy, with a focus on restorative, research-based, and youth-informed practices, in collaboration with other partner organizations.
• Serve as JJC’s primary spokesperson to the media, organization constituents, and the general public as needed.
• Develop and implement Juvenile Justice Coalition policy agenda utilizing appropriate strategies and tactics; brief elected officials and agency staff; prepare and deliver both written and oral testimony; and participate in policy-related workgroups, coalitions, and meetings.
• Build trusted relationships with elected officials, agency decision-makers, staff, and other stakeholders by providing clear, fact-based analysis and resources; identify opportunities for support of Juvenile Justice Coalition issues.
• Develop strategies and work in partnership with allied organizations, individuals, and diverse communities and coalitions to further advocacy goals.

Successful Candidate Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of impactful work in the social justice world.
• Project management and staff management experience. At least five years of management experience is preferred.
• Successful fundraising track record and ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated network/relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated public policy advocacy expertise or a go-getter who is willing to take ownership of JJC’s policy work and become an expert.
• Understanding of the law and juvenile justice policy in Ohio.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, simultaneously handle many tasks, while remaining composed under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, problem solve, and engage in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Strong commitment to team building and to positive organizational culture.
• A strong commitment to principled anti-racist movement building.
• Excellent written, analytical, and verbal communications skills.
• Proficiency with Windows Operating System, especially with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, as well as Google Suite.

Strong preference will be given to candidates who:

• Have been directly impacted by the juvenile or criminal justice system and who is a member of a marginalized population disproportionately impacted by these systems.
• Have lobbying or legislative experience, at the local, state or national levels.
• Have obtained undergraduate and/or graduate degrees.
• Are familiar with, understand, and are dedicated to working with the populations of youth served by JJC and believe in youth leading the organization.
• Have previous experience in fundraising and development.

SALARY RANGE: $80,000- $85,000, commensurate with experience

Juvenile Justice Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, gender-diverse people, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to equitable opportunities and restorative practices in both our internal and external work.

How to apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to info@jjohio.org, or feel free to apply on LinkedIn or Idealist.