Deputy Program Director

Council of State Governments•New York, NY

3d•$105,800 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council of State Governments Justice Center helps leaders in every state design and implement solutions for complex justice system challenges and make communities safer and healthier. We deliver trusted data, practical strategies, and cross-systems collaboration to create second chances, reduce harm, and transform lives. The Deputy Program Director provides high-level strategic leadership across major policy initiatives and serves as a recognized expert in their field. Individuals in this role conceptualize, develop, and oversee complex, multi-year national or statewide projects; guide high-ranking policymakers and agency leaders; and ensure the delivery of impactful technical assistance, tools, and written products that shape policy and practice at scale. The Deputy Program Director defines strategic vision, establishes program goals, coordinates diverse internal and external contributors, and represents the organization in high-profile settings. The Deputy Program Director build and lead teams, steward advisory groups and national partnerships, and lead fundraising and business development. They collaborate closely with senior organizational leadership to identify new opportunities, develop initiatives, and advance the mission. This role requires significant autonomy, strategic judgment, and deep subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to the policy team's work. At this time, the CSG Justice Center is seeking qualified candidates with significant expertise and experience in the following areas: law enforcement and crisis response (including community-led response, co-response, mobile crisis); courts (including problem-solving courts, diversion programs); policies and programs for young people at risk of- or involved with- the juvenile justice system; behavioral health treatment and financing; and housing.

Requirements

Deep subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to the policy team's work, which may include court-based diversion, problem-solving courts, behavioral health, crisis response, housing, health financing, or services for young people; demonstrated ability to apply that expertise in high-level consultation, program design, and field leadership
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, propose, fund, staff, and launch new programs that strategically advance the organization's mission
Demonstrated experience leading a collection of projects or programs through strategy, oversight, and direction
Demonstrated experience writing proposals, and cultivating and stewarding relationships with government and philanthropic funders to sustain and grow a program portfolio
Demonstrated track record in business development, including identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities, cultivating relationships with government and philanthropic funders, and leading or contributing to successful grant proposals and concept papers
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, coordinate work across internal and external partners, and advance program goals in a project leadership capacity
Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience and/or equivalent educational achievements

Responsibilities

Design and execute strategic plans and work plans for major initiatives, aligning program goals with organizational priorities and partner needs.
Conceptualize and develop new policy initiatives, resources, and program models to address emerging or systemic challenges.
Establish program vision and communicate strategic goals and results to national audiences through presentations, publications, and convenings.
Engage credibly with programs, local and state government agencies, and justice, health, and housing system stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and agency leaders, to identify and prioritize areas of technical assistance that are needed and welcome; provide that assistance directly or connect grantees to the appropriate team member or consultant.
Lead or facilitate policy-focused meetings, forums, trainings, convenings, and events with senior government officials, advocates, and subject matter experts.
Translate identified field needs into new program initiatives, analyses, training curricula, or policy guidance tools that advance the policy team's mission and create value for grantees and partners.
Manage advisory boards, high-level stakeholder groups, and networks of subject matter experts to ensure initiatives benefit from broad and diverse expertise.
Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, funders, agency leaders, and national partners.
Provide updates, insights, and emerging findings that strengthen external relationships and enhance project impact.
Ensure high quality for written products, tools, and presentations that influence policy and practice at scale.
Ensure all materials meet the organization's standards for clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and strategic alignment.
Contribute to shaping public-facing messaging and resources that communicate policy priorities and progress.
Monitor timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements to ensure funder obligations and strategic objectives are met.
Anticipate challenges, adjust plans accordingly, and ensure projects maintain momentum and high-quality standards.
Support coordination across internal teams (policy, research, data, communications, operations) to achieve integrated and effective project execution.
Provide task direction, mentorship, and professional support to staff where applicable; may supervise direct reports depending on team structure.
Build and develop high-functioning teams by providing coaching, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.
Promote an inclusive and collaborative culture grounded in interpersonal, institutional, and justice-focused leadership.
Lead and contribute to fundraising and business development efforts, including identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities, writing and contributing to grant proposals and concept papers, and stewarding relationships with government and philanthropic funders to sustain and grow the program portfolio.
Support organizational leadership in developing new projects or expanding existing initiatives.
Engage in internal conversations, committees, and strategic planning efforts that strengthen organizational systems and mission impact.