Outreach Manager, Common Justice

The Vera Institute of Justice, founded in 1961, is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to assist leaders in government and civil society examine justice policy and practice, and improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera has offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, and its projects and reform initiatives, typically conducted in partnership with local, state, or national officials, are located across the United States and around the world. Vera is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Common Justice is a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice. Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that advance racial equity, meet the needs of those harmed, and do not rely on incarceration. Through innovative interventions, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to elevating what works, Common Justice reduces violence, facilitates the well-being of survivors, fosters accountability and dignity, and works to end mass incarceration in the United States. Common Justice’s direct service work includes a restorative justice alternative to prison for serious and/or violent felony cases such as assault, burglary, and robbery. While we serve the full range of people harmed by crime, a full 70% of the victims Common Justice works with are men of color, many of them young adults.

Common Justice recognizes that despite many popular misperceptions, the person most likely to be harmed by violent crime both nationally and in New York City is a 16 to 24-year-old black man. And yet current victim services policies and programs all too often fail to meet the needs of this group when they are harmed by crime. Common Justice believes that victims deserve more options that resonate with their sense of justice, safety, and respect, and that communities deserve programs that help halt cycles of violence, improve the public safety, and meet their needs.

The project seeks a well-organized, culturally competent professional with excellent people skills and a commitment to helping people recover and heal to join the team for this innovative demonstration project.

The Outreach Manager will be responsible for serving as a liaison to the courts, providing short-term support to victims of crime, conducting intake with both victims and defendants, working with partners at the prosecution and defense bar to manage referrals, and contributing to program development. The Outreach Manager will support Common Justice in strengthening its work with those harmed by crime, and will be part of a team responsible for partnerships, advocacy, and outreach. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.