People Partner

Job description

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.

Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Center is seeking an experienced People Partner to join our growing People department. This role will serve as a senior employee relations partner, offering credible, strategic advice to business units and acting as a trusted advisor to enhance the employee experience. Reporting to the Director of Employee Relations, the People Partner will serve as the primary contact for a dozen business units (between 350 and 400 employees), providing trusted human resources and employee relations guidance in alignment with organizational and programmatic goals, and reinforcing the Center for Justice Innovation’s mission, values, and culture.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Business Unit Support and Guidance:

• Build strong, consultative relationships with business unit leaders by gaining a deep understanding of program strategy and objectives, establishing this role as the primary employee relations contact and strategic partner for assigned units;
• Advise and guide managers and staff on a wide range of employee relations matters, including performance issues, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns; interpret and apply HR policies, procedures, and best practices to support fair and consistent outcomes;
• Provide day-to-day performance management support to managers, including coaching, counseling, and assistance with employee development and performance improvement plans;
• Partner closely with team leaders to identify and resolve people-related challenges with professionalism, discretion, and objectivity; offer specialized HR expertise to support areas such as conflict resolution, development of effective communication strategies, and team building initiatives;
• Support thorough investigations as needed and ensure appropriate documentation, resolution and follow up as needed;
• Conduct routine meetings with business unit leaders to proactively assess and address emerging employee relations needs; document key themes and integrate insights into broader HR strategies, training efforts, and employee development initiatives; and
• Monitor and track employee relations trends within assigned business units using a centralized tracker; analyze data to identify patterns and deliver targeted training or interventions to mitigate risk and strengthen workplace culture.

Organizational Support and Strategy:

• Communicate and collaborate with other People Partners to ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across business units; serve as both an employee advocate and a strategic HR partner;
• Under the guidance of the Director of Employee Relations, help ensure HR compliance by staying informed of employment laws, EEO regulations, and HR best practices; contribute to updates and enhancements to HR policies and procedures as needed; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree required; HR certifications (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) strongly preferred;
• Minimum of 4–5 years of experience in human resources or a related people-facing role (e.g., program management, employee engagement, or workplace culture leadership), with demonstrated exposure to employee relations or HR functions;
• Foundational understanding of HR policies and employment law preferred; willingness to grow into compliance and policy advisory responsibilities;
• Ideal for someone transitioning into an People Partner role with strong project management, cultural engagement, and stakeholder partnership experience;
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism;
• Skilled relationship-builder with excellent consultative, organizational, and project management abilities;
• Hands-on, action-oriented approach with the ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with a geographically dispersed and diverse team;
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and responsiveness;
• Technologically proficient; experience with HRIS, ATS, and performance management tools, with a preference for JazzHR and Paycom;
• Demonstrate commitment to cultural competency, equity, and inclusion; able to engage respectfully and effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives; and
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and OneDrive.

Position Type: Full time.

Position Location: Midtown Manhattan. Hybrid role with a requirement to be on-site 2-3 days a week.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 and is commensurate with experience. The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.