Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

As a project finance manager you'll serve as a critically important partner to leaders and staff managing projects in divisions across a range of high-profile projects. You'll be charged with monitoring, adjusting, and providing insightful analysis across a portfolio of individual project budgets totaling several million dollars. You'll help project managers forecast and adjust staffing allocations for each project, while ensuring sufficient and manageable workloads are maintained across a team of staff. You'll also work with the project team to establish and monitor contracts with project partners where applicable, working as the critical streamlining conduit between the project manager, the partner, and our legal team. Additionally, you'll play a key role in ensuring all foundation, state, and federal grants remain in compliance with funder requirements and coordinate funding activities in close partnership with policy divisions.   

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the project finance manager include the following: 

• Proactively collaborate with project managers and other relevant teams to ensure projects remain on track for successful completion through project monitoring activities (budgeting, planning, resource allocation, aligning spend-down timeline with deliverable schedule, etc). 
• Maintain regular communication and meetings with division and project teams to align cross-division solutions, resolve budgetary constraints, and initiate early contract and project planning. 
• Work strategically with other project finance managers to identify opportunities across policy teams to advance staffing and project priorities. 
• In conjunction with CSG's legal department, coordinate the timely execution of contracts and amendments for CSG Justice Center consultants, subcontractors, and vendors collaboratively with policy teams. 
• Manage contract requirements and invoicing to ensure the timely execution of contracts and payments to vendors, including reviewing and signing invoices for processing. 
• Participate in, develop, and conduct trainings to increase staff knowledge in contracting processes, requirements, and staff responsibilities to ensure contract priorities are met effectively across the organization. 
• In conjunction with headquarters and policy teams, ensure financial compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and foundation guidelines, as applicable.  
• Work closely with funders, subcontractors, and headquarters to ensure accurate and timely billing and payments for foundation grants and state and local contracts.  
• Track grant and project lifecycles to ensure proper budgeting and closing processes are managed collaboratively with project, finance and development teams. 
• Drive all updates and modifications to the CSG Justice Center's Forecasting Tool in Google Sheets in support of project monitoring activities, while training staff on its use. 
• Maintain and edit the Forecasting Tool with updated project information working in conjunction with division and project staff. 
• Assist the deputy division director with building program and organizational budgets, budget reports/presentations and analysis/research as needed.   

What you'll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• At least six years of experience working as a business/project manager with budgeting, financial, or contracting responsibilities, or equivalent educational experience.
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets, including advanced formula writing. 
• Experience with managing project budgets in excess of $1 million. 
• Experience with grants management, finance, accounting, and/or auditing. 
• Experience with federal and state grants/contracts and related compliance policies. 
• Experience providing excellent customer service to all levels of management and external relationships. 
• Ability to responsibly handle sensitive financial materials and adhere to confidentiality policies. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and work with staff at all levels of the organization.  
• A detail-oriented, proactive, and strategic approach to navigating this position's priorities. 
• Ability to build relationships and work effectively across divisions with competing priorities and deadlines. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a multitude of competing organizational priorities. 
• Ability to use problem solving and critical thinking skills to proactively build and implement solutions across teams. 
• Ability to interpret complex grant funding requirements, submissions, and budget projections. 
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local government laws and regulations regarding grant administration. 
• Ability to review the work of others to ensure conformance to standards. 
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by CSG.

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relative to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position is $88,200-$129,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/3419870-17890

Minimum Salary: 88,200 Maximum Salary: 129,000 Salary Unit: Yearly