Program Officer, Criminal Justice

The Program Officer, Criminal Justice, works with the team's Director and colleagues on all aspects of the strategy's grantmaking to ensure its success. The Program Officer will apply his/her expertise in relevant field(s) to the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies. In this role, the Program Officer will be called upon to deliver under pressure, and consistently produce high-quality work; build effective peer relationships throughout the Foundation; work with other departments proactively; anticipate potential issues and propose solutions; offer assistance and service to team members; present ideas for improvement and be able to create a project plan to execute these improvements.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesParticipate in the design, implementation, refinement and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategiesAssist in the design of new initiativesIdentify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grantees to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategiesReview and evaluate proposalsConduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration, and respond to unsuccessful proposalsMonitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategiesManage a caseload of active grants, review periodic reports and maintain accurate records and constructive contact with granteesOrganize meetings of prospective grantees, program advisors, and others in relevant fieldsKeep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmakingWrite extensively for internal purposesConduct research projects and monitor the performance of research grantsBuild and sustain relationships with colleagues across the Foundation, and with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectorsRepresent the Foundation at conferences and other public events, including as speaker or panel participantFamiliarity with justice systems and change improvement is highly desiredSupport and maintain relationships with county and municipal grantees involved in local criminal justice reform and coordinate and provide oversight of national grantees that serve as a resource network for all jurisdictions and participants in national criminal justice policy and system reform effortsBuild and sustain relationships with individual leaders and leadership organizations in the criminal justice and related fieldsOther Duties and ResponsibilitiesServe on internal Foundation committees as appropriatePerform other duties as assignedQualificationsAdvanced graduate training is requiredAt least five years of experience working in justice policy or related public policy areas (e.g. criminal justice systems, public administration, or systems reform)Experience as a policy professional is beneficialDeep knowledge and appreciation of the substance and dynamics of public policy relevant to criminal justice reform, including other public service institutions and systemsDemonstrate a commitment to racial equity and justice, including knowledge and experiential expertise of racial justice and/or civil rights policyAble to make effective connections among state and local officials, the courts, and practitioners is essentialStrong interpersonal skills and proven ability to function as part of a team and excellent oral and written communications, including the ability to write for publication, and make speeches and other public presentationsWell-organized and efficient at managing multiple tasks, self-confidant, diplomatic and collegial, and have high professional standards and good judgmentPhysical Requirements and Work EnvironmentThe work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.Regular travel is required. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois.J-18808-Ljbffr