Posted on September 14, 2012

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Justice Reform Program Officer

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution dedicated to helping groups and individuals foster lasting improvement in the human condition. The Foundation seeks the development of healthy individuals and effective communities; peace within and among nations; responsible choices about human reproduction; and a global ecosystem capable of supporting healthy human societies. The Foundation pursues this mission by supporting research, policy development, dissemination, education and training, and practice. It is one of America’s largest philanthropic institutions with assets of approximately $5.2 billion and annual grants of more than $242 million.

The Foundation makes grants through two major, integrated programs – U.S. Programs and International Programs – and three special programs. U.S. Programs addresses issues of community economic development, stable and affordable housing, juvenile justice, education, and policy research and analysis. International Programs focuses on international peace and security, ecosystems conservation and policy, population, and on cross-cutting themes that include human rights, international justice, and new governance arrangements to address the consequences of globalization. The Foundation has selected specific matters within these areas of focus for investigation and grantmaking.

The Foundation’s special programs include: Program-Related Investments, which works to strengthen the field of community development finance and puts creative financing tools to work in support of the goals of the major programs; the Media, Culture & Special Initiatives program, which undertakes special initiatives and supports projects that promote excellence and diversity in the media: and the MacArthur Fellows Program, which awards fellowships to exceptionally creative individuals, regardless of field of endeavor.

ABOUT THE POSITION: Specific responsibilities will involve all facets of the Foundation’s criminal and juvenile justice grantmaking activities. Reporting to the Program Director, the program officer will build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with state and local leaders and national experts involved in juvenile and criminal justice activities, including the signature Models for Change reform initiative, and participate in the development of grantmaking strategies related to justice law and policy research and practice. Significant exposure to and experience in systems change and improvement is highly desired. Ability to travel regularly is required.

GENERAL SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage grantmaking activities with a focus on criminal and juvenile justice and related policies and practices.
• Participate in the design and implementation of grantmaking strategies.
• Identify prospective grant recipients.
• Review and evaluate proposals.
• Prepare grant descriptions for administrative and board consideration.
• Maintain relationships with individuals and organizations relevant to the fields of interest.
• Monitor the performance of grantees and the implementation of grant strategies.
• Organize meetings with prospective grantees, grantees, and program advisors.
• Represent the Foundation at program-related meetings and conferences
• Participate in planning future program strategies.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with state and local leaders involved in justice reform, and coordinate and provide oversight of grantees and participate in other national justice policy and system reform efforts.
• Experience in strategic communications and project management is essential.
• Familiarity with criminal and juvenile justice systems and systems reform is highly desired.
• Regular travel is required.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Evaluate grant proposals.
• Conduct background research and prepare grant recommendations for funding.
• Write extensively for internal purposes.
• Implement and adapt current long-term grantmaking strategies.
• Apply expertise in relevant field(s) to the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies.
• Meet with prospective grantees and others in relevant fields.
• Conduct research projects and monitor the performance of research grants.
• Manage a caseload of active grants, and prepare information and reports as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and monitor the performance of grants.
• Keep abreast of current events and issues in the field.
• Build and sustain relationships with key actors in the field.
• Assist in the design of and implementation of grantmaking strategies as they evolve and of new initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Significant experience working in justice policy or related public policy areas (e.g., human services, public administration).
• Advanced related graduate training is required.
• Must have deep knowledge and appreciation of the substance and dynamics of public policy relevant to justice reform, including other institutions and systems.
• The ability to make effective connections among state and local officials, the courts, practitioners, and advocates is essential.
• Practical “on the ground” experience with public systems is highly desirable.
• Experience as a policy professional is beneficial.
• Proven ability to be a strong team player, excellent interpersonal skills, and professional oral and written communications, including the ability to write for publication and make public presentations.
• Must be experienced with the full array of current digital tools and applications, eager to experiment with new technologies as they are developed, and comfortable using "virtual" processes and tools (e.g., virtual meetings, document sharing, etc.).
• Must be well-organized and efficient at managing multiple tasks, self-confidant, diplomatic and collegial, and have high professional standards and good judgment.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION:

To apply for the Program Officer position, interested candidates should visit www.macfound.org/jobs. Electronic submissions are required. Please submit a cover letter and resume explaining your interest in the position and your relevant experience. You will receive acknowledgement that your application was received.

We will contact applicants who are selected for further consideration. We are not able to respond to general inquiries from all applicants. If you have problems with the online system, please contact our Human Resources Department at: jobs@macfound.org.