Senior Policy and Civic Engagement Manager

Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transforms the lives of those harmed and foster racial equity without relying on incarceration. Locally, we operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service programs in the United States to focus on violent felonies in adult courts. Nationally, we leverage the lessons from our direct service to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those most impacted. Rigorous and hopeful, we build practical strategies to hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities.  

About The Opportunity 

The Senior Policy and Civic Engagement Manager is the organization’s lead manager of local and hyperlocal policy strategy. Reporting to the Vice President, this role shapes civic and organizing priorities into formal policy proposals, legislative language, and actionable plans for community led safety solutions through neighborhood and city governance systems. 

This role focuses on landscape analysis and power mapping, policy design, civic education, legislative drafting, and relationship-building with local decision-makers. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Civic Education & Institutional Navigation 

• Design and facilitate workshops on local governance systems, advocacy pathways, and how to effectively move issues through decision-making processes;  

• Equip members and partners not only to engage decision-making bodies, but to take concrete action, including giving testimony, advancing proposals, and participating in civic processes that influence outcomes;  

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and civic institutions and leverage those relationships to create opportunities for members to advocate, influence decisions, and move community-driven priorities forward.  

Policy Development & Legislative Strategy 

• Conduct ongoing landscape analysis and power mapping to understand decision-makers, institutional dynamics, and strategic entry points for advancing policy priorities;  

• Identify local and hyperlocal civic engagement and policy opportunities aligned with organizational goals;  

• Draft resolutions, legislative proposals, and policy frameworks that reflect community priorities;  

• Develop and implement strategies to move proposals through local governance and city legislative processes, including identifying leaders, building support, and navigating political dynamics;  

• Produce policy briefs, reports, research memos, and strategic materials to inform advocacy and decision-making. 

Coalition & Strategic Alignment 

• Identify opportunities for policy collaboration with aligned organizations; 

• Support coalition-based advocacy efforts; 

• Monitor political developments and recommend strategic adjustments. 

Qualifications 

• At least five years of policy or legislative experience, ideally in local or municipal government, or a policy advocacy organization; 

• Demonstrated experience drafting legislation or formal policy proposals and securing victories; 

• Strong knowledge of NYC governance systems; 

• Excellent writing and analytical skills; with the ability to produce policy briefs, research memos, legislative language, and strategic materials for diverse audiences; 

• Comfort operating in political and legislative environments; 

• Proven ability to translate community priorities into formal policy language and actionable legislative strategies; 

• Track record of building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, agency staff, and civic institutions; 

• Commitment to community-led approaches to public safety and to racial, social, and economic justice; 

• Experience with community organizing and hyperlocal NYC governance structures, including community boards, borough offices, and local district advocacy, strongly preferred; 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; advanced degree in public policy, law, urban planning, or a related field a plus but not required. 

To Apply 

The salary for this position is $94,356.38 per year and is non-negotiable. We offer a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

Please submit resume and cover letter. Cover letters should include a short explanation of why you’re interested in working with us and what excites you about this position.

Common Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. Common Justice values diverse experiences, including educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.