Program Manager, Disability and Justice Initiatives

Position Summary :

The Arc, the nation's leading nonprofit advocating with and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is seeking a Program Manager for its National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD).

The NCCJD serves as a bridge between criminal justice and disability communities. NCCJD pursues and promotes safety, fairness, and justice for people with IDD, especially those with hidden disabilities and marginalized identities, as victims, witnesses, suspects, defendants, and incarcerated persons.

The Program Manager of Disability and Justice Initiatives will manage ongoing and future grants and deliverables for advancing criminal justice reform for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.

The ideal candidate will be a team player and self-starter with excellent project management and communications skills, who is able to handle a varied role, and has a range of experience within grant and program management.

Demonstrable experience understanding the landscape of advocating for and working to improve the lives of those with IDD and their families is essential.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading trainings or training trainers and will display excellent verbal and written presentation skills.

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic and self-motivated person. Creativity and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are highly valued in this position.

The Program Manager will work closely with other professional staff of The Arc's national headquarters, The Arc's external partners, and staff from The Arc's nationwide network of chapters.

The Program Manager reports to the Senior Director of Disability and Justice Initiatives. The position is hybrid - the successful candidate can split their time between remote and in-office work in Washington, DC.

Job Responsibilities :

• Work within a well-experienced, seasoned team of professionals to provide individual, systemic, and policy advocacy at the intersection of criminal justice and intellectual and / or developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Provide program administration for NCCJD's activities (oversee NCCJD's Information and Referral service, provide logistical planning and implementation for NCCJD's Community of Practice, quarterly newsletter and annual breakfast at The Arc's convention)
• Provide both administrative and programmatic support for NCCJD as a center and its broad portfolio of projects
• Serve as subject matter expert for NCCJD projects as needed, including when representing the center at in-person and virtual meetings
• Serve as an expert trainer on criminal justice and IDD issues (prior experience necessary).
• Assist in development of and serve as Lead Trainer for COPS Office-funded Just Policing
• Develop, update, and deliver in-person and online rights-based training and educational programming, including NCCJD's signature Pathways to Justice ® Provide oversight and support the growth of the training program, including oversight of the marketing plan.
• Assist in co-developing and co-authoring resources, fact sheets, toolkits, and other educational and advocacy materials, including scholarly publications.
• Assist in creating content for NCCJD's website, social media platforms, and quarterly newsletters. Oversee content development and actively participate in implementation of NCCJD's website and public communication strategy.
• Develop and manage relationships with external partners, including state and local chapters of The Arc, experts in the field, legal professionals and legal organizations, criminal justice organizations and disability organizations.
• Assist and actively participate in developing and promoting program services, initiatives and projects.
• Assist Senior Director with identifying emerging issues in the field, fundraising activities, program evaluation, data collection efforts and budget management.
• Oversee NCCJD Intern program (when active). Assist with hiring and providing in-person supervision and mentoring.
• Work collaboratively across departments / teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree specialization in criminal justice, criminology, social work, psychology, pre-law, public administration, special education, human services, or other relevant field(s) from an accredited college or university. Masters Preferred
• Experience working in disability and / or criminal justice-related advocacy (at least 3-5 years preferred)
• Personal or professional experience living with or working with people with disabilities is preferred and / or personal or professional experience in the criminal justice field
• Passionate about reforming the criminal justice system, especially regarding marginalized communities, with a focus on those with disabilities
• Experience and / or proven track record in public speaking, training, and facilitation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage project logistics and multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent program administrative, time management, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with a broad range of people, including in various professional groups
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team
• Ability to use and navigate various social media and video / web conferencing platforms
• Collegial and self-motivated team player
• Ability to travel

Benefits, Compensation, and Work Environment :

This is an at-will, full time employment position. Competitive salary based on education and experience, base salary range of $68,000 - $78,000.

Comprehensive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, 403(b) employer contribution, accrued vacation and sick leave, and more.

Flexible work environment that includes hybrid options for working in the Washington, DC office and working from home. Majority of work is completed on a computer and in meetings (in-person and virtual).

How to Apply :

Applications are accepted online only. To apply to this position, visit .

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. We value a diverse workforce and strive to be a fully inclusive and equitable workplace.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, record of arrest or conviction, or other legally protected characteristics.

Black people, Indigenous people, people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex people, people of marginalized genders;

people with disabilities; protected veterans; and formerly incarcerated individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply.

When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job, they may request it orally or in writing (please visit the contact us page on the web; ).

More About The Arc :

The Arc is the largest national community-based organization working with and for people with IDD and their families. The Arc supports people with IDD of all ages and varying support needs, including individuals with autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and various other developmental disabilities.

Many of The Arc's state and local chapters are engaged in both public policy advocacy and individual advocacy to assist people with IDD to get the services and supports they need.

Other chapters provide a wide array of services and supports for people with IDD and their families. This varies by chapter and includes but is not limited to : education, employment, residential services, day programs, personal care, peer support, self-advocacy training, person-centered and future planning, recreational activities, and other supports that meet the unique needs of people with IDD in each community.