Director of Membership & Partnerships

About the Center for Improving Youth Justice

The Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) is committed to transforming the juvenile justice system through evidence-based practices, coaching, and technical assistance. We partner with jurisdictions, agencies, and youth-serving organizations to implement reforms that improve outcomes for justice-involved youth and their communities.

Position Overview

The Director of Membership & Partnerships is a key leadership role responsible for expanding CIYJ’s reach and impact through strategic membership growth and partnership development. This position drives revenue through fee-for-service memberships while building collaborative relationships with agencies, jurisdictions, and organizations committed to youth justice reform.

The Director also supervises CIYJ’s team of experienced coaches and ensures seamless onboarding experiences for new members.

Key Responsibilities

Membership Development & Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute strategies to grow CIYJ’s membership base and achieve revenue targets
• Identify and cultivate prospective member organizations through outreach, networking, and relationship building
• Conduct needs assessments and consultative conversations with potential members
• Present CIYJ’s services and value proposition to decision-makers at juvenile justice agencies and related organizations
• Negotiate membership agreements and close deals
• Maintain a membership pipeline and accurate tracking systems
• Monitor membership retention and implement strategies to maximize renewals

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify, cultivate, and establish strategic partnerships with youth justice organizations, advocacy groups, government agencies, and related stakeholders
• Develop collaborative initiatives that advance CIYJ’s mission and expand organizational reach
• Represent CIYJ at conferences, convenings, and coalition meetings
• Negotiate partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding
• Maintain and strengthen existing partnership relationships

Team Supervision & Member Onboarding

• Supervise and support CIYJ’s team of experienced coaches
• Conduct regular check-ins, provide feedback, and facilitate professional development
• Design and oversee comprehensive onboarding processes for new members
• Ensure smooth transitions from sales to service delivery
• Monitor member satisfaction and address concerns proactively
• Collaborate with coaches to ensure high-quality service delivery

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Develop annual membership and partnership goals aligned with organizational strategic priorities
• Track and analyze membership and partnership metrics
• Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director/CEO and Board of Directors
• Manage the membership and partnership budget
• Identify trends and opportunities in the youth justice field

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (social work, criminal justice, public administration, nonprofit management, business) or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, sales, or relationship management
• 3+ years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of juvenile justice systems and reform efforts
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue or growth targets
• Strong consultative sales and negotiation skills
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal abilities
• Experience managing remote teams or working in distributed organizations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with CRM systems and membership management platforms
• Commitment to racial equity and youth justice reform
• Ability to travel 30–40% (including some evenings and weekends for conferences)

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Direct experience working in juvenile justice, child welfare, or youth development
• Experience with fee-for-service membership models in nonprofit settings
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in youth justice
• Existing network in the youth justice reform field
• Experience with technical assistance or coaching programs

Competencies

• Mission-driven leadership
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Strategic thinking
• Relationship building
• Results orientation
• Adaptability
• Collaborative spirit
• Cultural competency

What We Offer

• Competitive salary ($75,000–$80,000), commensurate with experience
• Annual performance-based incentive tied to membership revenue and partnership development goals
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Fully remote work environment with flexible scheduling
• Travel to conferences and partner sites (with full expense reimbursement)
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in youth justice reform

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the listed email or application portal.

In your cover letter, please describe:

1. Your experience with membership development or business development in mission-driven organizations
2. Your connection to youth justice work and why this mission matters to you
3. An example of a successful partnership you’ve developed

Application Deadline: April 3, 2026

CIYJ is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our work.