Manager, Criminal Justice Policy

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.

Position Overview

AV’s Criminal Justice team advances evidence-based, cost-effective strategies to improve public safety and promote fairness. The team focuses on solving more crimes faster, improving prison rehabilitation, and advancing other high-impact policy opportunities through research, policy development, and advocacy. 

AV is seeking a Manager, Criminal Justice Policy to identify, analyze, develop, and pitch new, high-leverage grants opportunities aligned with our strategies; manage current philanthropic investments; engage a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, in research, policy, and advocacy. 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 will be based in our New York City or Washington, DC office and will report to the Vice President, Criminal Justice overseeing community safety work. 

Core Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Criminal Justice leadership team, help identify, assess, develop, and pitch high-impact policy and grant opportunities aligned with the team’s strategy, including solving more crimes faster, prison rehabilitation, and selective responsive work where AV can add value.
• Manage grants and investments, track progress and implementation, assess impact, and draw lessons from grantees and partners to inform strategic priorities, future funding opportunities, and course corrections.
• Provide thought partnership to prospective and current grantees on project design, deliverables, implementation plans, performance metrics, and opportunities to build or translate evidence for policy use.
• Develop and manage relationships with policymakers, agency leaders, practitioners, researchers, advocates, experts, and new and existing grantees to support practical, evidence-based criminal justice policy solutions.
• Analyze legislation, policy proposals, implementation models, and state or federal developments; draft clear summaries, recommendations, talking points, and other materials to support strategy and decision-making.
• Help field, triage, track, and respond to requests from policymakers and AV’s advocacy team by identifying evidence, policy options, implementation considerations, evaluation opportunities, and appropriate internal or external partners.
• Organize or support stakeholder convenings, briefings, and learning opportunities that advance the team’s goals, strengthen credibility with partners, and connect research, policy, advocacy, and implementation needs.
• Travel to attend conferences, meet with grantees or partners, support state or federal policy work, or collaborate 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 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  

AV’s values reflect who we are as an organization: respect for ourselves and others, audacious action, collaborative engagement, depth of thought, and clear communication. These values foster a culture that empowers our people to think outside the box, explore new possibilities and develop bold ideas that help AV achieve lasting impact. Below are examples of Av’s 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
• We foster strong working relationships across the organization and engage thoughtfully with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and other stakeholders. 

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.