Chief Operations Officer

About Common Justice:

Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transform the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration. Locally, we operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service programs in the United States to focus on violent felonies in adult courts. Nationally, we leverage the lessons from our direct service to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those most impacted. Rigorous and hopeful, we build practical strategies to hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities. At the core of its work is the nation’s first and only restorative justice based alternative to incarceration for violent felonies in the adult courts.

Common Justice knows that communities impacted by crime and violence—and crime survivors in particular—have essential expertise about what produces safety, what constitutes accountability, and what facilitates healing. We believe that any social change platform—including a policy agenda, budgetary priorities, local social service needs, and community mobilizations—must be deeply rooted in the wisdom, power, and engagement of the people whose lives are at stake in these changes.

About the Opportunity:

Founded in 2008, Common Justice has grown rapidly to serve hundreds of participants through direct service offices in the Bronx and Brooklyn, to launch a body of organizing and policy work, and to grow a narrative-shifting communications team with a team of 27 people and a $4.2M budget. A newly created position, our first ever Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play an integral strategic and leadership role in organization building, ensuring that we have the best practices, systems, and culture to propel our work and impact into the next decade.

Reporting Directly to the Executive Director, the COO is responsible for developing internal processes and systems that foster an organizational culture that centers transparency and collaboration while ensuring organizational effectiveness. The COO will oversee all of our administrative functions, including human resources, finance, and operations. As a key member of the executive team, the COO will drive strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting, and directly manage the Director of Operations and HR manager, and will work closely with the Director of Development.

Ideal candidates are seasoned strategic and operational leaders who bring expertise in anti-racist organization and culture building, as well as significant experience leading finance and talent management.

What you will Accomplish:

Strategy and Planning:

• Lead the design and development of Common Justice’s next strategic plan.
• Collaborate with the ED in setting and driving organizational vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs.

People and Culture:

• Oversee all aspects of human resources administration, ensuring that Common Justice offers an inclusive and equitable work environment, in which team members can show up as their authentic selves and actively participate in the continued evolution of Common Justice.
• Ensure the effectiveness of the talent life cycle - including recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, promotions, and retention - by centering transparency, equity, and accountability in all systems and processes.

Finance:

• In partnership with an external consultant, design and oversee the process for creating multi-year financial forecasting and a participatory budgeting process for departments, ensuring long term financial stewardship.
• Determine internal infrastructure for in-house or outsourced financial and accounting support.

Operations:

• Oversee facilities and security management for both the Bronx and Brooklyn offices and workplace planning.
• Oversee IT and technology, including organizational adaptations in response to COVID-19.
• Maintain and build trusted relationships with key stakeholders, clients, partners, and vendors.
• Oversee risk and legal/compliance, including proactive risk management, and all contracting.
• Establish policies and practices that foster transparency and accountability.

Key Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice through prior professional experience Nuanced race equity analysis and understanding of intersectionality. 
• Ten years in a senior leadership position, with specific experience in leading through growth, infrastructure building, and/or change. 
• Experience leading a strategic planning process, and articulating strategic plans into work streams and tactics
• Significant experience leading a talent management function including oversight of culture and engagement, recruitment, performance management, and professional development. 
• Sophisticated knowledge of finance, budgeting, and accounting principles. 
• Highly seasoned team manager who manages teams to results through strong performance management, goal setting, delegation and prioritization. 
• Experience promoting the growth and development of individuals through empowering, advocating, and differentiated support. 
• Experience engaging colleagues and stakeholders collaboratively and building rapport and consensus.

To Apply:
This search is being managed by Axis Talent Partners, a boutique executive search and talent strategy firm which partners with social justice-focused organizations. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their interest in our mission and qualifications for the position to:  https://axistalentpartners.applytojob.com/apply/uOse6oQDzH/Chief-Operating-Officer-Common-Justice?source=WorkForGood

Common Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. Common Justice values diverse experiences, including educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.