Senior Program Manager, Crime and Justice Policy Lab; CJP

Senior Program Manager, Crime and Justice Policy Lab (CJP)

The University of Pennsylvania’s Crime and Justice Policy Lab (CJP) seeks a Senior Program Manager to support the disciplined scale‑up and institutionalization of Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS). This role provides targeted technical support, operational problem‑solving, and structured follow‑through with government partners to reinforce management routines, sustained follow‑through and coordinated, consistent execution during the scale‑up of GVRS and other key public‑safety reform efforts.

In addition to GVRS, the position supports related violence‑reduction initiatives, including management and performance structures, capacity‑building efforts, and pilots or adjacent work streams tied to broader public‑safety reform. The Senior Program Manager serves as a strategic deputy to CJP’s Director of Violence Reduction Policy and Programs, providing high‑level support to reinforce focus, follow‑through, and strong, reliable management practices for priority violence‑reduction and institutional reform initiatives.

• Provide collaborative, strategic, and performance‑focused guidance to senior government leaders, strengthening management routines, consistent follow‑through, and execution across GVRS and related public‑safety work streams.
• Coordinate priority work streams, surfacing and jointly addressing operational barriers, and aligning partners around shared goals and a clear, practical path forward.
• Develop briefings, tracking tools, timelines, and other materials that enhance decision‑making, transparency, and accountability.
• Contribute to the citywide GVRS evaluation by reinforcing reliable data routines, documentation, and shared standards for implementation fidelity and synthesizing insights for internal and external audiences.
• Incorporate applied research practices—including field documentation, fidelity observations, hypothesis development, and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative learning—to translate research evidence into operational decisions and institutionalize continuous‑improvement and learning practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, criminology, or a related field is preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience in government, public policy, public safety, or organizational / operational roles is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior leaders in government or complex organizations.
• Proven ability to drive structured execution, project discipline, and follow‑through in dynamic environments.
• Strong analytical, writing, and synthesis skills — able to translate complex ideas into clear plans, memos, and decision support.
• Experience supporting reform, change management, or performance management efforts in a public‑sector context.
• Comfort navigating political and operational environments, exercising discretion and judgment.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize across competing demands, and maintain momentum under tight timelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust and work productively with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience working on violence‑reduction, criminal justice reform, or community safety initiatives.
• Developing or institutionalizing performance‑management or inter‑agency coordination systems in a government setting.
• Providing technical assistance or advisory support to government officials or community‑based organizations.
• Translating applied research into operational recommendations or continuous‑improvement practices.

• Highly organized and detail‑oriented.
• Low‑ego, collaborative, and mission‑driven.
• Able to navigate ambiguity and solve problems proactively.
• Skilled at moving work forward in complex institutional systems.
• Trusted relationship‑builder capable of working with senior leaders and frontline staff.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

$79,500.00 – $ Annual Rate

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.