Director of Women In Prison Project
Founded in 1844, the Correctional Association of New York (CA) is one of only two private organizations in the country—and the only one in New York—with legislative authority to inspect and report on conditions in state prisons. Through a nationally-recognized model combining independent prison oversight, community organizing, coalition building, public education, policy advocacy, and leadership development, the CA works to create a more fair, efficient and humane criminal justice system and a safer, more just society. The Correctional Association of New York operates three principal projects—Juvenile Justice, Prison Visiting, and Women in Prison.
The CA’s culture reflects a work environment that values and respects the differences and needs of everyone who works here. Consistent with its goals and mission, the CA affirms its moral and legal commitment to diversity and equality of participation among board and staff for all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, age, national origin, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, socio-economic status, prior arrest or conviction history, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. The CA is committed to actively working to ensure that marginalized and protected groups are afforded equal employment opportunities for advancement without bias.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of the Women in Prison Project (WIPP) is an experienced and committed professional with demonstrated, relevant policy advocacy experience who is responsible for carrying out the CA’s mission as it pertains to improving the criminal justice system’s response to women who are incarcerated and the impact on their loved ones. Using the CA’s unique legislative authority, WIPP monitors prison conditions through visits to New York State facilities for women and reports its findings to the Department of Correction and Community Supervision, elected officials, policy makers and the general public. The information, research and analysis that are the products of our monitoring visits aid in determining our objectives and serve to shape the Project’s legislative and policy agendas. Through education, communication, training and advocacy, we work to improve the criminal justice system’s response to women who are prosecuted and those who are currently and formerly incarcerated. The CA’s ReConnect program, led by its Director who reports to the Project Director, is a 10 week advocacy training program for formerly incarcerated women. Coupled with its monitoring and advocacy work, WIPP coordinates the Coalition for Women Prisoners which supports the advocacy efforts of the Project. The Project Associate who coordinates the Coalition reports directly to the Project Director. The Project Director will provide strategic leadership and vision for the direction of the department and be able to inspire and motivate the Project staff.
Job Responsibilities
- Oversee and carry out the work of the Project;
- Supervise staff and interns;
- Coordinate and lead prison monitoring;
- Draft reports;
- Lead strategic policy and legislative advocacy campaigns;
- Develop Project work plan and budget,
- Represent the Project at public forums and in media outlets;
- Develop policy advocacy materials;
- Participate in organizational strategic planning;
- Oversee Coalition engagement;
- Collaborate with other key organizational partners;
- Engage with Board members;
- Build relationships with elected officials and policy makers;
- Participate in preparing grant proposals and reports;
- Assist the Development staff in fund-raising
- Develop with the Communications staff strategy, materials, digital content and thought leadership
- Collaborate with other Project Directors to foster cross-programming and identifying intersections for coordinated advocacy
Required Qualifications
- Strong written and oral communication skills;
- Sensitivity to and commitment championing women’s issues;
- Knowledge of state and local political landscape;
- Comfortable working with diverse groups of people;
- Strong research and analytical skills;
- Experience with funders;
- Ability to take independent initiative, combined with the ability to work well as part of a team;
- Collaborative with colleagues;
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills;
- Ability to travel outside New York City and including overnight;
- 5 years of prior relevant not-for-profit experience;
- Senior management and supervision experience;
- Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail; and
- Basic computer and social networking skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Formerly incarcerated or directly impacted by the criminal justice system;
- Experience with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people;
- Oral and written Spanish language proficiency;
- Prior strategic planning experience; and
- Prior media experience
Compensation
Compensation includes a starting salary commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits.
To Apply
Persons interested in applying for this position should submit their resume, cover letter including salary history and a writing sample by email only to: wippjobs@correctionalassociation.org Resumes without cover letters and writing samples will not be accepted. No phone calls please. Application Deadline: September 21, 2015.
Last Updated on December 17, 2017 by HepFree NYC
