THE OPPORTUNITY

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is seeking an experienced strategic and innovative Director of Technology to lead the Center’s growing technology department. The Director of Technology will build and support an established team which oversees the hardware/user support for 800+ employees as well as the design, maintenance, and ongoing evaluation of the Center’s robust and complex software infrastructure. The Director will join the Center’s leadership team and collaborate on a strategic and tactical level with the executive members and other senior leadership to find creative solutions to the Center’s evolving technology and data needs. The Director will also oversee the evaluation of current software and systems and develop and execute a strategic plan for the Center that implements nimble and innovative systems and software. The Director will prioritize developing and executing technology strategies, policies, and procedures that support teams across the organization while incorporating the varying needs of staff and programs across departments. The Director will report to the Chief Administrative Officer. This position is based in New York City with a hybrid schedule (3 days per week in the Midtown Manhattan office or other projects sites as needed) as the position requires in person time with peers, executives, and the team.

More About the Center for Justice Innovation

The Center for Justice Innovation (the Center), formerly known as the Center for Court Innovation, grew out of the Midtown Community Court, which was created in 1993 to address crime and safety issues in and around Times Square. The project’s success in reducing both crime and incarceration led the New York State Unified Court System to establish the Center for Court Innovation as an independent nonprofit dedicated to justice reform. Over the years, the Center have helped design, implement, and run dozens of programs (some of which now function independently of the Center, such as the Brooklyn Treatment Court), produced original research about hundreds of justice initiatives, and hosted tens of thousands of visitors interested in justice reform.

In 2023, the Center changed its name to the Center for Justice Innovation to reflect how its work has evolved from primarily court-based to a combination of justice system- and community-based programming that emphasizes local leadership, community empowerment, prevention, equity, and safety. The work of the Center touches all stages of the justice system, from arrest through reintegration into the community. But its work goes further by seeking to reduce the need for justice system involvement in the first place. Its primary long-term goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. The Center does this in several ways, including investing resources in underserved communities, problem-solving side-by-side with populations affected by crime, and building programs that respond to offending and increase safety without imposing lasting harms on individuals or communities. As an organization that works closely with systems and with communities, the Center is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between them, fostering communication, understanding, and trust. The Center’s approach involves collaboration among its three main teams: research and evaluation; direct-service programming; and training and expert assistance. Research informs programming, programming informs research, and both research and practice inform the Center’s efforts to train and assist communities across the U.S. and internationally in adopting tailored reforms.

Candidate Profile and Key Qualifications

The ideal candidate will exemplify the following competencies and characteristics:

• Significant experience in technology management, with a focus on leading technology departments/teams, and a knowledge of computer science and/or software design;
• Expertise in a wide range of technology domains, including software development, network administration, and information security;
• Excellent leadership and management skills with a proven track record of leading and motivating teams;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the Center and to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a clear manner;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and find innovative solutions to complex challenges;
• Excellent writing skills to support proposal writing and grant application processes
• Experience developing and managing budgets, prioritizing projects, and allocating resources effectively;
• Strong project management skills with experience managing complex technology projects from start to finish;
• Familiarity with the latest technology trends and emerging technologies and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development;
• Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive technology strategy that aligns with the Center's goals;
• Experience managing a team in which some members are hybrid and others are fully remote;
• A commitment to centering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in the department;
• Ability to quickly learn a new organization and develop relationships across departments and teams;
• Exceptional judgement and a high level of emotional intelligence;
• Demonstrated commitment to the Center’s mission and values; and
• Desire to support a complex, decentralized, and fast-paced organization.

Core Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Director of Technology include but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership and management for the technology department including setting goals, prioritizing projects, and allocating resources;
• Establish and maintain a clear strategic outlook for the department to align technology initiatives with Center’s objectives;
• Partner with key stakeholders and partners to build successful relationships, communicate across all levels of the organization, and identify opportunities for collaboration;
• Maintain the department's budget and financial resources;
• Develop and manage technology-related projects, ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget;
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, and incorporate new ideas and best practices into departmental strategies and initiatives;
• Lead technology innovation efforts by researching new technologies and solutions and collaborating with internal stakeholders to address program and data needs;
• Identify and prioritize technology-related training needs for team members and Center staff, and provide coaching and mentorship;
• Manage and support the development of technology products, services, and solutions, ensuring that they meet Center’s needs and standards;
• Partner with the projects, development, and finance teams to support the grant application process; identify and prioritize technology solutions to support grant objectives;
• Provide technical expertise and guidance while helping to inform decision-making and resolve technical issues;
• Develop policies and procedures that ensure the effective and efficient operation of the department, compliance with federal, state and local regulations, and technological security of the Center;
• Build a positive, supportive, and inclusive team culture that fosters collaboration and open communication among team members; and
• Additional duties and leadership responsibilities, as assigned.

To Apply:

This search is being conducted by Challenges and Solutions, LLC. If you need accessibility modifications to complete this application, please email the address below with your needs. To apply please email a cover letter and resume (with a subject of “JI – Technology”), in confidence, to: Mo Coffey at mo@challengesandsolutions.com.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. The Center does not discriminate on the basis of 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 seek applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

As of September 9, 2021, all new hires are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for medical, disability or religious reasons by the Center’s Human Resources Department.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls or emails please.

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