• Formerly the PbS Learning Institute, Inc.

Working at the Center for Improving Youth Justice

Values
Our values are at the core of who we are. They guide us on how we show up and work together to be our best selves and achieve our mission to improve juvenile justice outcomes and integrate research into practice.
Values
Our values are at the core of who we are. They guide us on how we show up and work together to be our best selves and achieve our mission to improve juvenile justice outcomes and integrate research into practice.
Benefits
We are committed to creating a working environment where our team members can thrive. We offer paid time off as well as other benefits that reflect our commitment to a healthy work-life balance.
 
Benefits
We are committed to creating a working environment where our team members can thrive. We offer paid time off as well as other benefits that reflect our commitment to a healthy work-life balance.
 
Growth
Growth isn’t always linear, so we’ll support you in achieving your personal and professional goals. You’ll have the opportunity to take on big responsibilities that impact our organization's success and challenge you in new and fulfilling ways
Growth
Growth isn’t always linear, so we’ll support you in achieving your personal and professional goals. You’ll have the opportunity to take on big responsibilities that impact our organization's success and challenge you in new and fulfilling ways

Current Opportunities

Executive Director, Center for Improving Youth Justice The Center for Improving Youth Justice (CIYJ) seeks a passionate leader and strategic thinker to serve as Executive Director. The new Executive Director will build on CIYJ’s more than 20-year record of advancing systemic change, providing direct support to justice-involved young people and promoting policies that foster rehabilitation and opportunity by integrating research into practice. Located outside Boston’s vibrant city, we foster a collaborative environment with high energy and impact. We value team members who are creative, resourceful, tenacious, authentic and bold. The Executive Director is a full-time position in the Boston metro area and requires an average of 60% of in-office time (three days/week or more) with the expectation of remote work for the workdays not spent in the Braintree office. Additionally, some travel is required.  CIYJ will support a negotiated portion of relocation expenses. About CIYJ CIYJ is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing systemic change, directly supporting justice-involved youth, and promoting policies that foster rehabilitation and opportunity. Our work includes research, program development and community partnerships to create a more just and effective youth justice system. Position Overview The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer of CIYJ, responsible for leading strategic initiatives, overseeing programs and ensuring financial sustainability. The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader with a strong track record in nonprofit management, policy advocacy and youth justice reform. The position is based in the Boston metro area. Key Responsibilities:
  • Leadership & Vision: Provide strategic leadership to advance CIYJ’s mission and impact.
  • Fundraising & Development: Secure funding through grants, donations and partnerships to ensure financial stability and growth.
  • Program & Policy Advocacy: Lead efforts to develop and implement initiatives that improve outcomes for justice-involved young people.
  • Partnership & Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, policymakers and stakeholders.
  • Operational & Financial Management: Oversee budgeting, financial management and staff development to ensure organizational effectiveness.
Qualifications:
  • Passion for youth justice reform and commitment to social justice.
  • Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, public policy or a related field.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial management.
  • Strong knowledge of juvenile justice policies, research, and best practices.
  • Excellent communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • College or advanced degree
  • Demonstrated communications skills – written, verbal, in-person
  • Financial management experience, including directing federal grants
  • Proven ability to create opportunities and expansion
Compensation & Benefits:
  • Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
  • Health, dental, 401(k) and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off and flexible work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Reimbursement of a portion of relocation expenses.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample (1-3 pages.) Apply here. Join us in transforming the youth justice system and creating brighter futures for young people! CIYJ is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience in the justice system.

Mission: The mission of the PbS Coach, as a ‘PbS  ambassador’ to participating  jurisdictions, is to foster integration of the PbS  program into daily facility operations and ensure a field-supported and self-sustaining continuous learning program that improves conditions of confinement in youth corrections and detention as well as the work environment for staff in the facilities.

Philosophy of Approach: The PbS Coach is the person that provides support to the field.  They brings enthusiasm and skill to the PbS program. The coach must be viewed as a ‘goodwill ambassador’ and true partner to jurisdictions.  Determining positive aspects to sites in conjunction with site and jurisdiction staff is essential.

The Coaches’ approach is to share ideas, principles and methods of the PbS program. This is done in an environment where the objective is learning to improve and this objective is understood by staff. Program matters are placed on equal footing with the experiences, the problems, the complications and, most of all, the stories of a site and/or its respective agency.

Discussion of sensitive issues with an experienced PbS Coach helps gain the trust of sites and jurisdictions, since the coach serves as a critical ‘listening post’.  This listening coupled with the coach providing important feedback to PbS staff enhances the relationship between PbS personnel and jurisdictions.

The PbS Coach approaches their assignment with enthusiasm by positively accentuating the ‘good things’ through praising strong efforts and improvements while being pro-active around issues needing improvement. They encourages teamwork by including as many stakeholders as possible.   The Coach discusses the work from a learning perspective: what is working, what is not and why. Learning is realized so that more effective plans or activities can be developed. When a site is moving in the right direction, the coach should help to identify the causal factors involved. The site should be supported and recognized if it is on the right course. This positive activity should be documented for other PbS sites/jurisdictions to learn from.

In this light, the PbS Coach observes and encourages positive developments, improvements and learning opportunities at each site and jurisdiction. It is important that they take note and provides meaningful feedback.

Areas where the Coach believes, based upon data, reports and experience that additional work or change may be warranted are noted and presented to site/jurisdictional staff confidentially in a pro-active, constructive manner.  In essence, the strategies suggested for improvement and change are communicated sensitively between all stakeholders.

How to apply:

The PbS Learning Institute is always looking for talented individuals motivated to drive change across youth-serving organizations. Coaches bring their many years of experience leading juvenile programs and agencies and get to apply that experience nationally. If coaching is something that interests you, use our contact page to let us know more about you.

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