Center for Justice Innovation Is Hiring An Employee Relations Specialist

Join Our Mission to Foster Justice and Equity as an Employee Relations Specialist

The Center for Justice Innovation is seeking a compassionate professional to enhance our People Department by managing employee relations and fostering a fair, supportive workplace environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a national organization dedicated to creating healthier, more just communities through innovative programs and research.

About the Organization

The Center for Justice Innovation is a community justice organization committed to safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we have partnered with community members, courts, and those most impacted to build stronger communities. Our extensive experience, cutting-edge research, and practitioner expertise enable us to drive justice reform across the country in innovative, impactful ways. 🌍

We are a 900-employee, $130 million nonprofit operating through three strategic pillars:

• Creating and scaling programs to test new ideas and solve community issues
• Conducting original research to identify effective practices
• Providing expert assistance and policy guidance for justice reform worldwide

Operating Programs

Our programs, such as the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, focus on systemic change through initiatives like community violence prevention, alternatives to incarceration, reentry support, and court-based reforms. These efforts have resulted in tangible improvements like safer streets, reduced incarceration rates, and enhanced neighborhood perceptions of justice. 🚔✨

Research and Policy Work

Our research team, composed of social scientists, data analysts, and legal experts, evaluates programs and policies both nationally and globally. Their work covers areas including court reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, and more. Our findings aim to be meaningful and actionable for communities, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

We also provide policy and expert assistance to jurisdictions tackling issues such as problem-solving courts, tribal justice, and reducing incarceration and fines/fees. Support includes data analysis, strategic planning, policy guidance, and hosting site visits, especially within the New York City area. 🏛️

Center Support

A dedicated support team, comprising about 15% of our staff, ensures smooth operations across finance, legal, technology, HR, fundraising, real estate, and communications. They provide critical infrastructure and innovative solutions aligned with our mission. 🤝

The Opportunity: Employee Relations Specialist

We are looking for a dynamic and empathetic Employee Relations Specialist to join our People Department. Reporting to the Employee Relations Director, you will handle employee complaints, disputes, and performance issues, promoting fair treatment and compliance. Additionally, you will play a key role in preventive measures by training managers and serving as a resource on employee relations matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead workplace investigations: intake complaints, plan investigations, conduct interviews, draft reports, and communicate outcomes
• Partner with HR Business Partners: address employee complaints and policy violations
• Follow-up coordination: develop and implement follow-up plans for investigations and related concerns
• Manage records: maintain confidential documentation using SharePoint, Google, or other systems
• Identify workplace trends and interventions: collaborate with HRBPs to recommend trainings or proactive engagement strategies
• Support managers and staff: serve as a resource on policies, best practices, and employee relations processes
• Provide customer service: respond promptly and effectively to employee inquiries
• Develop training programs: coach managers on giving feedback and communication techniques
• Engage with program sites: visit locations to connect with staff and deepen relationships
• Coordinate with leadership: assist the Director of Employee Relations on investigations and other matters
• Assist in special projects: support additional tasks as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• At least 5 years of HR Generalist or related experience, with 3-4 years conducting employee investigations, especially related to EEO, harassment, discrimination, and workplace violence policies
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, handle multiple projects, and maintain confidentiality and good judgment
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Position Details

• Type: Full-Time
• Location: Hybrid with approximately two days onsite weekly at Midtown Manhattan, with occasional travel within NYC, Newark, and Syracuse
• Salary: $75,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Healthcare, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, mental health services (Talkspace, Ginger), 403(b) with employer contributions, and more

Equal Opportunity & Additional Notes

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with criminal justice experience to apply.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and provide truthful information throughout the hiring process. We do not sponsor immigration support at this time. Please note, COVID-19 vaccination is not required but recommended. All hires will verify identity and eligibility to work as per federal law.

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