Job Opportunities

Position: Associate Director of Monitoring 
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Start Date: November 2019

About the Correctional Association of New York 

The Correctional Association of New York (CANY) is an independent, non-profit criminal justice advocacy organization authorized under state law to provide oversight of New York State prisons and to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature and the public. In addition to carrying out this unique mandate through onsite prison monitoring visits, we confidentially communicate with incarcerated people about their experiences through the mail, one-on-one interviews, and collect phone calls. The organization’s key objectives include advocating for improved conditions in prison while highlighting the urgent need for reform in closely related areas of the criminal justice system (e.g., sentencing, parole, and reentry); leveraging our unique access to promote transparency and accountability in New York state prisons; and further building the field of civilian oversight of correctional agencies through the development and dissemination of best practices and methodologies.

About the Position

CANY seeks a highly qualified, accomplished professional to administer the organization’s core programming. Activities include assisting in planning and conducting comprehensive prison monitoring work; drafting and authoring reports on findings and recommendations; and educating elected officials and the public about prison conditions and the impact of incarceration on individuals, families, and communities. This role is an exciting opportunity for a senior-level professional with experience conducting systems reform advocacy, leading major initiatives, and authoring high-impact written materials. The Associate Director of Monitoring will join a small, dedicated team of staff who are intensely committed to criminal justice reform.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Director of Monitoring will carry out activities related to providing meaningful oversight of New York’s state prisons and advancing criminal justice reform more broadly. Specific areas of responsibility include:

• Designing and leading monitoring visits to state prisons, including protocols for preparation, on site engagement, and post-visit follow-up. Travel is required.

• Develop and maintain expertise on NYS DOCCS policies and practices as well as other legal, advocacy, and compliance frameworks influencing current conditions and opportunities for change.

• Overseeing communication with or on behalf of incarcerated individuals through mail, phone calls, and website inquiries.

• Authoring reports, delivering testimony, making public presentations, and supporting the communication of findings to the public.

• Working with colleagues to design surveys, collect and manage data, and interpret results.

• Working with colleagues and allies to set and advance policy and research goals.

• Planning ways and projects to learn from reforms in other jurisdictions and other oversight organizations and to identify new ideas for monitoring, oversight, and pushing reform.

• Guiding and supporting the work of staff and interns.

• Other administrative and operational duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

CANY is seeking an accomplished candidate comfortable working across a variety of functions as part of a small, hard-working team. Necessary attributes include:

• Experience working on issues in jails and prisons, with a strong preference for prior experience in New York state prisons.

• Experience working in teams, launching and completing complex projects, and writing high quality materials for external audiences.

• At least seven years of prior professional experience in the field, which may be substituted for a relevant combination of education and/or life experience.

• Advanced degree in a related field strongly preferred.

• Exceptional written, oral communication, and problem solving skills.

• Excellent administrative skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office and other relevant industry software.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and produce high quality work products that demonstrate strong attention to detail.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people in a variety of professional settings and situations.

Compensation

Compensation includes a competitive starting salary commensurate with experience, and generous benefits and time-off allowances.

How to Apply

Candidates who represent or have worked directly with the populations most impacted by the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. CANY is currently actively recruiting highly qualified candidates. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible by sending a cover letter, resume, and references to the attention of Jennifer Scaife, Executive Director at info@correctionalassociation.org