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 .

THE OPPORTUNITY

Since 2011, the Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC), an operating project of the Center, has worked to address systemic inequality, enhance public safety, and create opportunities for residents to lead in building a safer, more equitable community. The Neighborhood Safety Council (NSC) builds on BCJC’s decade of community-driven work, serving as a platform for residents, government partners, and community stakeholders to co-design and implement initiatives that improve safety, foster economic opportunity, and reduce reliance on the justice system.

The Engagement Coordinator will play a key role in building and sustaining community participation in the NSC, with a focus on recruiting, developing and managing a Youth Leadership Council (YLC) that amplifies the voices of young people in shaping community safety strategies and executing public design projects. Reporting directly to the Program Manager, the Engagement Coordinator will design youth-focused leadership opportunities, facilitate skill-building workshops, and ensure that youth perspectives are integrated into the NSC’s priorities and decision-making processes. This position is ideal for someone passionate about youth development, community organizing, and leadership cultivation.

• Youth Leadership Council Development & Management:
  • Design, launch, and manage the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), recruiting participants from across Brownsville, with an emphasis on those directly impacted by the justice system;
  • Facilitate regular YLC meetings, workshops, and leadership development sessions that build skills in advocacy, public speaking, community organizing, and policy engagement;
  • Support youth in developing and implementing action plans that contribute to community safety, economic mobility, and systemic change; and
  • Provide mentorship, coaching, and individualized support to youth leaders.
• Community Engagement & Outreach:
  • Conduct targeted outreach to recruit youth and residents for the YLC and other NSC activities, using both digital platforms and on-the-ground engagement;
  • Coordinate inclusive and accessible forums, workshops, and events to encourage youth and resident participation in NSC activities; and
  • Collaborate with local schools, community-based organizations, and service providers to connect youth with opportunities and resources.
• Partnership Building & Collaboration:
  • Work closely with the Program Manager to cultivate partnerships with youth-serving organizations, city agencies (DYCD, DOE, etc.), and community groups to enhance youth leadership opportunities; and
  • Engage stakeholders to support youth-led initiatives and ensure alignment with broader NSC goals.
• Program Administration & Evaluation:
  • Track participation, attendance, and outcomes for the YLC, ensuring accurate data entry and reporting;
  • Gather youth feedback and integrate lessons learned into ongoing program development; 
  • Support grant compliance by contributing to reports, documentation, and communication with funders and partners; and 
  • Additional tasks as necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, social work, or a related field required; equivalent lived/professional experience will be considered;
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in youth development, community organizing, or leadership training required; 
• Experience working with young people ages 14–24, particularly those impacted by the justice system or economic hardship;
• Strong facilitation and group management skills, with the ability to engage diverse groups of youth and residents;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, restorative justice, and community-led approaches;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills;
• Familiarity with Brownsville or Central Brooklyn communities strongly preferred; and
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for youth and community events.

Position Type:  Full-time, Monday- Friday from 10:00am - 6:00pm.

Position Location:  Brownsville, New York.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is $60,000. 

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.

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