Program Director

Illinois Justice Project - Chicago, IL (hybrid); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public advocacy organization in Chicago is looking for a Program Director to lead policy development and advocacy in criminal legal reform. The ideal candidate will drive strategic implementation and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. This role involves leading special initiatives and requires strong leadership and relationship management skills. If you're passionate about policy analysis and reform, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in Illinois.

Qualifications

• Experience owning relationships related to policy and systems change.
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative approach.
• Keen interest in criminal legal reform and policy advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee policy development related to criminal legal reform.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Director in strategy implementation.
• Own the program team's work on special initiatives like Justice 20/20 Network.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in public policy or related field

Job description

The Opportunity: Program Director
The Program Director will lead and oversee policy development, advocacy, and implementation that aligns with the goals of the ILJP toward criminal legal reform. This role serves as a thought partner to the Director in implementing strategy and leveraging the organization’s position as a convener to bring a broad group of stakeholders together to move policy change forward. This position will own the program team’s work on two to three of its special initiatives, specifically – the Justice 20/20 Network and one to two other major initiatives related to adult and youth justice. The Program Director reports directly to the Director of the ILJP. This is a promising career opportunity for someone who is excited by both policy analysis and driving implementation, and would enjoy bringing a diverse group of voices together to lead reform across Illinois. Ideal candidates are those with experience owning relationships and a solid understanding of the full lifecycle of policy and systems change. The Program Director is also someone who is looking to bring their leadership skills to support the vision of a collaborative, thoughtful, and impactful team.