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Vera Institute of Justice

Initiative Director, Redefining Public Safety

LocationBrooklyn, NY or Washington, DC
SetupHybrid
LevelSenior
Posted1d ago
Policy & Advocacy

Quick answer

The Vera Institute of Justice is hiring a hybrid-based Initiative Director in Brooklyn, NY (or Washington, DC) paying $155k-$160k to lead the Redefining Public Safety initiative's strategic vision and operations.

Role
Initiative Director, Redefining Public Safety
Organization
Vera Institute of Justice
Location
Brooklyn, NY or Washington, DC
Work setup
Hybrid
Level
Senior
Compensation
$155,000-$160,000
Category
Policy & Advocacy

The role

The Vera Institute of Justice is seeking an Initiative Director for its Redefining Public Safety (RPS) team to lead strategy, policy development, and field building. This senior leadership role involves managing team operations, budgets, and strategic partnerships to advance public safety solutions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in criminal justice policy, strong political acumen, and a commitment to racial equity and social change.

What you'll do

  • Define and execute the RPS national strategy and theory of change.
  • Manage team operations, including budget oversight and staff development.
  • Cultivate relationships with policymakers, advocates, and community leaders.
  • Represent the organization as a subject matter expert in media and public forums.
  • Partner with the development team to achieve fundraising goals.

What it takes

  • 12+ years of relevant experience with at least 10 years in public safety leadership.
  • Advanced degree or equivalent combination of work and life experience.
  • Proven experience leading coalitions and navigating complex political dynamics.
  • Strong track record of successful fundraising and grant management.
  • Expertise in policy advocacy, technical assistance, or community organizing.

What you'll bring

Strategic planningPublic policy analysisFundraisingTeam leadership and supervisionPolitical navigationMedia relations

How we treat you

Merit pay, generous paid time off, comprehensive health insurance, student loan repayment benefits, professional development funding (up to $2,000 annually), and an employer-funded retirement plan.

Frequently asked questions

Where is this position located and what is the work schedule?

The position is based in Brooklyn, NY, with potential for placement in Washington, DC, and operates on a hybrid schedule requiring roughly 10 days in-office per month.

What is the compensation for this role?

The compensation range for this position is $155,000 to $160,000 per year, supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

What are the primary qualifications for the Initiative Director?

Candidates should have 12+ years of experience, including 10+ years in public safety, strong political acumen, a track record of fundraising, and demonstrated leadership in policy or advocacy.

How do I apply for this position?

Interested candidates can apply online through the organization's website, or alternatively, submit applications via mail or fax to the People, Place, and Culture department.

How to apply

Apply directly on Vera Institute of Justice's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.

Apply now →

This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on Vera Institute of Justice's official posting before applying.