Program Officer

U.S. Programs - Criminal Justice Fund
OSI-New York

Application Deadline: December 4, 2009

The Open Society Institute works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. Open societies are characterized by the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; market economies in which business and government are separate; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check. To achieve its mission, OSI seeks to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI builds alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. OSI places high priority on protecting and improving the lives of marginalized people and communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros in 1993 created OSI as a private operating and grantmaking foundation to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros foundations network to encompass the United States and more than 60 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Each national foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

OSI's U.S. Programs supports people and organizations that advance a more open society within the United States and around the world. U.S. Programs envisions a society that allows all people to participate actively and equitably in political, economic, and cultural life; encourages diverse opinions and critical debate on public issues; protects fundamental human rights, dignity, and the rule of law; and promotes broadly shared prosperity and human security. U.S. Programs supports grantmaking, programming, and policy initiatives to reduce the over-reliance on incarceration and punishment; to secure equal justice; to develop new leaders and encourage civic engagement, especially among people and communities who have been historically underrepresented; and to increase the transparency, integrity and accountability of institutions vital to open society. U.S. Programs is also currently spearheading special initiatives to restore human rights and secure progressive national security policies, and to advance opportunities for African American boys and men.

The Criminal Justice Fund supports grantmaking and programmatic initiatives to reduce mass incarceration, eliminate harsh punishment and eliminate racial disparities and secure a fair and equitable system of justice by advocating for public policies and practices that provide equitable access to civil society opportunities and fair treatment throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems for everyone, especially people of color and the poor. Our grants support advocacy, public education, grassroots organizing, litigation and communications. We are committed to building the capacity of a core group of organizations that work across our priority areas and through which many new leaders have and continue to emerge. The Fund also engages in non-grant making activities, providing technical assistance, developing substantive strategies alongside our grantees, convening advocates, academics and other experts, and promoting communications strategies.

The Criminal Justice Fund also sponsors the Soros Justice Fellowships, which provides 12 to18-month project fellowships to emerging and seasoned criminal justice advocates.

The program officer will work closely with a dynamic team of professionals to support OSI's pioneering work in these areas, engaging in strategy development within the Criminal Justice Fund and oversight of grant activities. This position reports to the director of the Criminal Justice Fund.

Responsibilities

Works with the Director of the Criminal Justice Fund and other fund staff to develop grantmaking strategies, priorities, andguidelines;
Reviews and assesses letters of inquiry and makes funding recommendations and declinations to the Director;
Invites grant proposals from selected funding applicants;
Works with applicants to develop and finalize grant proposals;
Reviews grant proposals and participates in the preparation of written grant recommendations as part of grant dockets preparation process;
Performs site visits of prospective and current grantee organizations;
Monitors grants through site visits and review of narrative and financial reports;
Ensures that grantees submit narrative and financial reports as required under the terms of the contract;
Writes and edits program materials and guidelines;
Participates in the development, planning and organization of program-related events;
Manages financial and budget reports to track grant spending;
Stays abreast of developments in the field through reading and attending conferences;
Writes strategy/position papers that provide direction on policy issues impacting the field and/or offer suggestions about strategic program development for funders and grantees;
Interacts with grantees and other field professionals and participates in program- and field-related meetings and convenings;
Builds and establishes strategic relationships with other philanthropic partners;
Performs occasional special assignments, including participation in U.S. Programs and foundation task forces and working groups.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree;
Advanced degree a plus and/or five years of professional experience in the criminal justice or related-field, through: legal representation; social justice research; policy reform; or community-based advocacy or organizing. Experience in philanthropy a plus but not required.
Ability to connect a variety of issues to broader trends and new paradigms.
Strong awareness of the intersection of race, gender and class.
Excellent writing, verbal, analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen effectively.
Self-starter with ability to set and meet goals.
Creative thinker and strong analytical skills.
Ability to travel within the U.S. on a regular basis.
Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition with colleagues at all levels and the general public.
Ability to work effectively as part of a close knit, collaborative team.
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint preferred).

Salary

Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package.

Start Date

Immediately

To Apply

Pleas email resume, cover letter and salary requirements before December 4, 2009, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: PO/USP-CJF

Open Society Institute
Human Resources - Code PO/USP-CJF
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.