Front Desk Receptionist

Overview

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: operating programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;

conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and 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 ovatingjustice.org.

The Receptionist/Administrative Assistant serves as the first point of contact for the headquarters office, providing front desk coverage and essential administrative support. Reporting to the Office Manager (HQ), this role ensures a welcoming and professional environment by managing visitor interactions, directing calls, coordinating mail and office supplies, and assisting with scheduling and event logistics. The position supports general office operations to help maintain an organized and efficient workspace.

• Provide primary support for the reception areas for the Center’s Manhattan Office at 520 8th Avenue — greet visitors, ascertain their needs, answer basic questions, and direct them to the appropriate staff or department.
• Provide high-quality service and communication to all Center staff, guests, visitors, clients, stakeholders, and participants.
• Answer and direct incoming telephone calls and email inquiries.
• Receive and sort mail and packages; place mail and packages at appropriate mailboxes and locations.
• Assist with the submission of invoices into Coupa.
• Support office supply inventory management and distribution.
• Screen visitors and ensure they are identified and signed in.
• Assist with event planning, conference room setup and breakdown, and catering services when needed.
• Assist in immediate crisis issues, use de-escalation skills, and collaborate with managers and leadership.
• Support printing and distribution of staff IDs and secure passes.
• Support the Central Support teams with outgoing shipments and mail deliveries.
• Maintain visitor logs and ensure security protocols are followed.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as invoice processing and data entry.
• Provide administrative support for HQ staff as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

• High school diploma with 1-2 years of experience in a receptionist, front desk, administrative support, or office coordination role. Demonstrated ability to be the primary point of contact for a busy office, provide exceptional customer service, manage high-volume calls and visitor check-ins, handle mail and vendor interactions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Energetic, motivated, and well-organized with strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to synthesize and provide clear, precise, and helpful information to staff, guests, and project sites.
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills to manage multiple requests and tasks.

Position Type: Temporary position for 3-6 months, Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Position Location: Midtown Manhattan.

Compensation: $28.57 - $35.11 per hour, annualized to $52,000 - $63,900 based on a 35-hour work week and experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare with a national network, basic dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. Mental health support through Talkspace and Ginger. Eligible employees may participate in a 403(b) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth contributions.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected category. We encourage applicants from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

We do not sponsor visas for this role. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment. All hires verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. and complete required forms upon hire. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps.