Criminal Justice Policy Manager

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change, AV is working to improve the lives of American families, strengthen their communities, and promote their economic opportunity. Since Laura and John Arnold launched their foundation in 2008, the philanthropy has expanded, and AV’s focus areas include education, criminal justice, health, infrastructure, and public finance, advocating for bipartisan policy reforms that will lead to lasting, scalable change. The Arnolds became signatories of the Giving Pledge in 2010.

Position Overview

AV's Criminal Justice team aims to make communities safer and make the U.S. criminal justice system fairer and more effective based on high-quality research and evidence. The team works with experts from inside and outside government and across disciplines to reform the system through research, evidence, testing innovative pilot programs, and policy change.

AV is seeking a Criminal Justice Policy Manager to identify, analyze, develop, and pitch new, high-leverage grants opportunities aligned with our strategies; manage current philanthropic investments; and engage a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, in research, policy, advocacy, and strategic litigation. This is a great opportunity for someone interested in learning more about criminal justice policy and the role of philanthropy in catalyzing evidence-based change. Managers gain exposure to a wide range of policy issues, build meaningful connections across the field, and develop a strong understanding of how philanthropic investments drive impact. This position is based in our Houston, New York City, or Washington, DC office and reports to the Director of Criminal Justice Policy.

Core Responsibilities

• In collaboration with Directors and Vice President of the Criminal Justice Policy team, identify, assess, and develop high-impact opportunities and recommendations for funding
• Manage grants and investments, track progress and impact, and draw lessons from these projects to inform strategic priorities and the development of future opportunities
• Provide thought partnership to prospective grantees on proposals by advising on the design and structure of projects as well as deliverables and performance metrics
• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, experts, and new and existing grantees
• Analyze and draft summaries and talking points of relevant legislation, policy and programming to advance strategic priorities
• Partner with internal teams to organize stakeholder convenings in support of the team’s goals
• Prepare presentations on the team’s work
• Travel to attend conferences or work with colleagues in other AV offices, as needed
• Other duties to support the team’s work, as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, criminology, economics or other related fields; or equivalent experience
• 4 years of relevant work experience (including graduate work) in positions involving policy, consulting, advocacy, research, social impact, or project management
• Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in policy, research, and legislative developments related to criminal justice
• Exceptional listening and communication skills, including the ability to absorb, analyze, and convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner verbally and in writing
• Strong ability to analyze policy, research, and related data and information for strategic insights
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills

The salary range for this position will be $100,000-$130,000.

Benefits Overview

AV is committed to providing a robust and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our current benefits package includes 100% paid employee premiums for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance; 20 days of paid time off, 16 paid holidays (including a winter break from December 24 to January 1), a hybrid policy that includes four days in office and one flexible day for remote work, and a summer schedule with alternating Fridays off beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day; paid parental leave; a 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match, profit-share contribution, and immediate vesting; pre-tax transit benefits; a professional development stipend; a charitable giving stipend; and an employee assistance program. In addition, a relocation bonus is available for candidates who will move to one of AV’s three office locations for a position.

Our Culture and Core Values

Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help Arnold Ventures achieve lasting impact. Our culture, and the core values that support it, should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box, feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and signal confidence in our team’s ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list, below you’ll find examples of Arnold Ventures’ work culture.

• We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity.
• We are intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback.
• We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects.
• We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and individuals.

Arnold Ventures’ values reflect who we are as an organization, help us accelerate our strategic goals, strengthen our resolve, anchor us to our mission, and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the Arnold Ventures team to make a difference.

• Respect for Ourselves & Others
• Audacious Action
• Collaborative Engagement
• Depth of Thought
• Clear Communication

AV is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive workplace. We are seeking applicants from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and perspectives. Candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/​veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.