• Participate in the design, implementation, refinement and adaptation of grantmaking strategies and in planning future program strategies

• Assist in the design of new initiatives

• Identify prospective grant recipients and work with prospective grantees to develop proposals that advance grantmaking strategies

• Review and evaluate proposals

• Conduct background research and due diligence, prepare grant recommendations for administrative and Board consideration, and respond to unsuccessful proposals

• Monitor the performance of grants and the implementation of grant strategies

• Manage a caseload of active grants, review periodic reports and maintain accurate records and constructive contact with grantees

• Organize meetings of prospective grantees, program advisors, and others in relevant fields

• Keep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the field to maintain a balanced and objective perspective and approach to grantmaking

• Write extensively for internal purposes

• Conduct research projects and monitor the performance of research grants

• Build and sustain relationships with colleagues across the Foundation, and with leaders, actors and organizations in relevant fields, including the public and commercial sectors

• Represent the Foundation at conferences and other public events, including as speaker or panel participant

• Familiarity with justice systems and change improvement is highly desired

• Support and maintain relationships with county and municipal grantees involved in local criminal justice reform and coordinate and provide oversight of national grantees that serve as a resource network for all jurisdictions and participants in national criminal justice policy and system reform efforts

• Build and sustain relationships with individual leaders and leadership organizations in the criminal justice and related fields

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve on internal Foundation committees as appropriate

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Advanced graduate training is required

• At least five years of experience working in justice policy or related public policy areas (e.g. criminal justice systems, public administration, or systems reform)

• Experience as a policy professional is beneficial

• Deep knowledge and appreciation of the substance and dynamics of public policy relevant to criminal justice reform, including other public service institutions and systems

• Demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and justice, including knowledge and experiential expertise of racial justice and/or civil rights policy

• Able to make effective connections among state and local officials, the courts, and practitioners is essential

• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to function as part of a team and excellent oral and written communications, including the ability to write for publication, and make speeches and other public presentations

• Well-organized and efficient at managing multiple tasks, self-confidant, diplomatic and collegial, and have high professional standards and good judgment

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

Regular travel is required. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois.