Job Description

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org

THE OPPORTUNITY

Launched in late 2022, Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI) is a partnership between the Center for Justice Innovation and the New York State Unified Court System as part of a national pilot with the National Center for State Courts. EDI’s mission is to ensure tenants and their families can access the holistic resources needed to maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing, while advancing data-driven, harm-reduction approaches to housing court practice through close collaboration with courts, government agencies, and community stakeholders.

The Center for Justice Innovation seeks to hire Project Managers to oversee the daily operations of EDI in Housing Courts located in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Project Managers will lead borough-level implementation and day-to-day operations of EDI, supervising direct service staff, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery. The Project Manager will serve as a key operational and relational bridge between tenants, court partners, public benefits administrators, and service providers, ensuring all housing court is a place where people facing eviction can find support with immediate and interconnected needs and remain stably housed.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Supervise, train, and support a team of staff, AmeriCorps members, interns, and volunteers providing direct services to tenants in Housing Court;
• Manage performance through regular reviews, coaching, and disciplinary action, as needed;
• Manage day-to-day EDI operations, ensuring high-quality, timely, and consistent service delivery, helping tenants navigate the court processes; gathering required documentation; completing court forms; and accessing public benefits, rental assistance, and other supportive services;
• Serve as a liaison among tenants, attorneys, landlords, judges, and other court personnel to help resolve issues related to nonpayment of rent, repairs, and other eviction risks;
• Build and steward collaborative relationships with on- and off-site partners, including the New York State Unified Court System, New York City Housing Authority, New York City Human Resources Administration, Housing Court Answers, legal services providers, and other community-based organizations;
• Develop and maintain up-to-date resource lists and databases for legal, housing, employment, health, and social service referrals;
• Represent the EDI in court, including providing updates as appropriate;
• Maintain accurate client records, service documentation, and outcome data in centralized database;
• Oversee timely grant reporting including data, narratives and operational updates;
• Oversee office operations within assigned court location, including facilities, signage, supplies, and technology needs;
• Participate in trainings and professional development opportunities; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant experience or Master's degree and 1-2 years of relevant experience (related to housing court, tenant rights, public benefits navigation or human services) or 5-6 years relevant professional or lived experience;
• 1-2 years of prior supervisory experience required;
• The candidate must be a skilled communicator (both oral and written), able to work in multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations, both onsite and in the community;
• The candidate should have strong leadership and management skills and possess the ability to multi-task;
• Knowledge of Housing Court in New York City strongly preferred;
• Familiarity with New York City housing and public benefits is desirable;
• Language other than English skills highly desirable;
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term planning;
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and innovative, with sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy; and
• Commitment to the mission, values, and populations served by the Center for Justice Innovation.

Position Type: Full-time, Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Position Location: Housing Court located in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $64,300 - $79,800 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.