Program Officer, Criminal Justice Reform

Galaxy Gives; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Generous time off

Parental leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Galaxy Gives seeks a Program Officer to advance the criminal justice reform portfolio and support strategy, grantmaking, and stakeholder relationships. Based in New York, the role collaborates with the Program Director to drive portfolio strategy, donor engagement, and field leadership development across the One for Justice network.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of mass incarceration, strong judgment, and the ability to move between strategy, execution, and relationship-building in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 3–5 years of criminal justice reform, advocacy, or related work.
• Deep understanding of mass incarceration and the U.S. criminal legal system.
• Strong grasp of public policy mechanisms and strategies for change.
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing and presentation abilities.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in complex environments.
• Comfort working through ambiguity while advancing shared goals.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Written and spoken fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop grantmaking strategies, identify prospective grantees, solicit and review grants, and prepare funding recommendations.
• Collaborate with Galaxy Gives staff to align grantmaking, learning, and communications.
• Manage external relationships, track needs in criminal justice reform, and support convenings with grantees and partners.

Skills

Communication

Policy knowledge

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Program Officer, Criminal Justice Reform

OVERVIEW

At Galaxy Gives, we invest in leaders building a more just world.

Galaxy Gives leads the Novogratz family’s cross-sector philanthropic efforts to advance justice, strengthen democracy, and build more humane systems of safety and care. We support leaders and organizations building power, shaping narrative, and advancing solutions that heal communities and transform the future.

POSITION SUMMARY

Galaxy Gives seeks a Program Officer (PO) to support and advance our criminal justice reform portfolio and the organization’s broader mission. Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Officer will play a central role in implementing strategy, managing grantmaking, supporting special projects, and stewarding relationships with grantees, partners, and field leaders.

Based in New York, the Program Officer will work closely with the Program Director to support all aspects of the criminal justice portfolio, spanning its strategy refresh, supporting the Galaxy Leader Fellowship program, and its donor network, One for Justice. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of mass incarceration, strong judgment, and the ability to move fluidly between strategy, execution, and relationship-building.

This role is well-suited for someone who is intellectually rigorous, values-driven, and comfortable operating in a dynamic philanthropic environment that bridges policy, movement building, and direct investment in leaders.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

The Criminal Justice Reform Program Officer will further develop grantmaking strategies; identify prospective grantees; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; and prepare recommendations for funding. The Program Officer will also be expected to collaborate internally with other Galaxy Gives staff throughout the Foundation to identify and foster intersectional connections, coordination, and education opportunities. In addition, the program officer will help to manage external relationships, track needs and opportunities in the criminal justice reform field and at times support convenings with grantee, funder, and government partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Portfolio & Grant Management

• Manage, monitor, and coordinate all aspects of the criminal justice grants portfolio, in close partnership with the Program Director


• Support the application, review, and selection process for the Galaxy Leader Fellowship, Galaxy Gives’ flagship leadership development program for impacted leaders in partnership with the Fellowship staff


• Support long-term grant planning and portfolio development aligned with Galaxy Gives’ strategic priorities


• Identify, assess, and support prospective grantees; collaborate on proposal development, including grant goals, activities, outcomes, success indicators, and budgets


• Conduct organizational and leadership assessments to inform grant recommendations


• Review and analyze narrative and financial reports; support learning, accountability, and course correction as needed


• Track grant progress and ensure strong internal documentation and reporting

Grantee & Field Engagement

• Serve as a thought partner to grantees, engaging on strategy, challenges, and opportunities for growth and collaboration


• Support cross-organizational learning, partnerships, and field-building efforts


• Stay closely attuned to developments, trends, and power dynamics within the criminal justice reform ecosystem

Strategy, Communications & Representation

• Support the Program Director in shaping and implementing strategy across grantmaking, donor organizing, and narrative work


• Represent Galaxy Gives and its work in relevant meetings, convenings, and public forums


• Contribute to written materials including briefings, memos, blog posts, and external communications


• Support donor, board, and partner engagement as needed, including preparation for meetings and site visits

Organizational Collaboration

• Work collaboratively across Galaxy Gives teams to align grantmaking, learning, and communications


• Contribute to ongoing organizational development, systems improvement, and culture-building efforts

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; 3–5 years of experience in criminal justice reform, advocacy, or related social justice work (or equivalent combination of education and experience)


• Deep understanding of mass incarceration and the U.S. criminal legal system, including policy, advocacy, and movement dynamics


• Strong grasp of public policy mechanisms and strategies for change, including legal advocacy, policy reform, constituent mobilization, strategic communications, and technical assistance to government


• Exceptional communication skills, including active listening, clear and persuasive writing, and strong verbal and presentation abilities


• Demonstrated ability to operate with sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in complex environments


• Comfort working through ambiguity while advancing shared goals in a collaborative setting


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with care and follow-through


• Written and spoken fluency in English

Applicants who are formerly incarcerated and/or have conviction histories are strongly encouraged to apply.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

Galaxy Gives is an equal opportunity employer. Building a diverse, inclusive staff is fundamental to our mission. Employment and advancement are based on individual capability and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

LOCATION

This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

WORKING AT GALAXY

• Deep commitment to building a culture of integrity and respect, and to centering the wisdom, dignity, and leadership of the communities most directly impacted by mass incarceration.


• A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance


• Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network


• Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day


• Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days


• Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities


• Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions)