Director, Government Relations

New York, NYFull-time$145k–$167kPosted Jul 16, 2026

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:

Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
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

The Center is seeking an experienced Director of Government Relations to report to the Chief External Affairs Officer. The candidate will have an established track record of building relationships inside and outside government and developing ideas into action; experience identifying opportunities, constructing, and implementing organizing and policy engagement strategies; and a deep commitment to the Center’s core values is a must.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead Center-wide government engagement strategy, ensuring deep connections to key elected and government officials for dozens of community-based projects and the Center as a whole;
In partnership with the Chief External Affairs Officer, craft and implement engagement strategy for New York City, New York State, and federal government partnerships;
Serve as primary spokesperson and face of the organization in meetings with key elected officials;
Provide support to the CEO and Executive Team in their connections with elected officials;
In coordination with the Chief External Affairs Officer, craft long-term engagement strategy to ensure deep connections and trusted partnerships with key governmental stakeholders;
Work with Chief External Affairs Officer, Senior Director of Communications, and donor-focused development team to implement a coherent, cohesive brand for the Center;
In partnership with project directors, research, identify and plan events and site visits for key stakeholders and seek out opportunities to promote Center visibility;
Represent the Center with elected officials, committees, and other key stakeholders;
Connect Executive Team and project leaders to key government stakeholders to ensure deep, shared relationships;
Connect Center policy and practice experts with key government stakeholders during strategic phases of the policy development process;
Cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal electeds and assess funding and program expansion opportunities;
Opportunity-spot and build win-win partnerships with government partners and organizational allies;
Set strategy for Center-wide annual grant engagement with NYC City Council, NYS State legislature, and federal government;
Develop relationships with newly elected officials and explore new channels of support;
Supervise Manager of Government Relations on issues affecting government funding outreach, strategy, and execution;
Direct and coordinate assessments across projects to identify gaps in funding and set plans to fill gaps, where appropriate;
Supervise external consultants to assist with advocacy and legislative outreach, when needed;
Ensure clear, consistent, and well-supported messaging for all government communications;
Partner with the Center’s External Affairs teams to create content aimed at advancing Center engagement priorities;
In partnership with Communications team, oversee creation of communications materials for funders and external partners; and
Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 years of significant government or government-adjacent experience in the legislative or executive branch or commensurate experience, including programmatic leadership that worked in partnership with government officials and agencies required, Advanced degree preferred;
Has established relationships in New York City Council and/or New York State legislature, as well as policy and grassroots partners;
Has a track record of guiding projects from strategic creation to effective implementation;
Experience identifying opportunities, constructing, and implementing policy engagement strategies;
Excellent written skills are a must; and
Candidate must be skilled communicator able to work in multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community.

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Midtown Manhattan.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $145,000 - $166,900 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.