Deputy Division Director, State and Community Engagement (Remote or Hybrid) - Council of State Governments : Job Details

Who we are: works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have over 170 based in more than 30 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan that guides our work.Learn more about at the CSG Justice Center.How you'll fit in: The deputy division director will serve as a senior leader and strategic thought partner within the State Initiatives Division, overseeing State and Community Engagement (SCE) initiatives to shape strategy, guide implementation, and achieve impactful outcomes. This includes recruiting state leaders, agency heads, and community-based organizations to participate in programs like and . This person will also oversee state engagement on and improvements to systems supporting communities and .In this role, you will manage the SCE portfolio, focusing on recruiting agencies for the Justice Counts program, assessing readiness for Justice Reinvestment (JRI), identifying short-term projects through the , and engaging leaders on other pressing criminal justice challenges like , community supports, and victimization rates. The SCE portfolio is a newly formed structure combining three teams. We seek a confident decision-maker who can foster a positive team culture, unify diverse perspectives, and build cross-functional collaboration. You will play a critical role in establishing effective team workflows aligned with the organization's goals, and ensuring that the team operates efficiently and meets its strategic objectives.What you'll do:Specific responsibilities of the deputy division director include the following:

• Lead the recruitment of agencies for the Justice Counts program, assess readiness for Justice Reinvestment (JRI), identify short-term projects through the JRI Assistance Center (JAC), and engage with leaders on critical criminal justice issues.
• Set the vision and trajectory for programs within your portfolio, building support from internal stakeholders and funders, while serving as the program's spokesperson and managing key relationships with both internal and external partners.
• Oversee and set the vision for all aspects of the SCE portfolio, ensuring resources are effectively allocated, goals are achieved, funder support is built, and high-impact outcomes are delivered.
• Plan and participate in high level policy-focused meetings with high-ranking government officials, advocates, partner organizations, funders, and national experts.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funding partners, state and community leaders, and cross-divisional experts, to support program goals and ensure sustainability.
• Inform the communications strategy and messaging for the portfolio, including developing marketing assets and responding to media inquiries and interviews, in consultation with the CSG Justice Center's Communications Division.
• Provide oversight to key program activities, such as technical assistance delivery to local agencies and state jurisdictions, development of written tools and products, and policy consulting services.
• Supervise staff, manage performance, support professional development, and contribute to team expansion. Foster a high-performance environment that encourages growth, accountability, innovation, and high-quality work.
• Serves as member of the division leadership team helping to guide the overall direction of key division activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This includes overseeing the rollout of new initiatives, managing performance, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Lead the development and implementation of the program's strategic plan and monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust priorities, as needed.
• Manage program budgets, direct resource allocation, and ensure compliance with funding requirements, financial monitoring, grants management, reporting, business development, and fundraising.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. Ensure alignment of team objectives with organizational priorities and establish effective workflows that promote efficiency and accountability.
• Manage interdivisional collaboration within the CSG Justice Center, including identifying themes and linkages across disparate initiatives and leveraging opportunities to incubate and test new ideas and approaches. Collaborate with program staff, experts, and other divisions to drive initiatives that align with broader organizational goals and promote interdepartmental synergy.

What you'll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, maturity, and valuing others
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience and/or educational equivalency in criminal justice policy, communications, marketing, and working across different branches to improve criminal justice data
• At least five years of supervising a large team and the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives and projects in an efficient, organized way with the ability to prioritize quickly and confidently and manage multiple deadlines
• Experience with strategic planning, action/work planning, and implementation monitoring in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and using data to drive policy impacts
• Experience designing and leading innovative strategies that have had a demonstrated impact in advancing statewide criminal justice initiatives, particularly through a racial equity framework
• Experience with community organizing, marketing, or other recruitment efforts
• Experience working with and interacting with federal, state, and local government officials in workforce-related agencies
• Experience developing and implementing strategies, campaigns, or other initiatives for getting buy-in and developing champions to advance project goals and impacts
• Understanding of the research, policy, programming, and latest trends shaping the workforce and corrections fields
• Experience with fund development, grant writing, and foundation relations in related fields
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and group/meeting facilitation and the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise way
• Experience and expertise in managing collaborative or interagency planning and problem-solving
• Demonstrated track record in team building, staff supervision and mentoring, and professional development
• Experience in nonprofit management, including program monitoring, reporting, and budgeting
• Willingness to travel up to several times per month

How you apply:If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, please upload your resume and plan on answering four short-answer questions as a part of our online application. We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relative to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position is $117,000 - $184,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions. Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website . We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.