Program Officer, Criminal Justice Reform

At Galaxy Gives, we invest in leaders building a more just world.

Galaxy Gives leads the Novogratz family’s cross-sector philanthropic efforts to advance justice, strengthen democracy, and build more humane systems of safety and care. We support leaders and organizations building power, shaping narrative, and advancing solutions that heal communities and transform the future.

Galaxy Gives seeks a Program Officer (PO) to support and advance our criminal justice reform portfolio and the organization’s broader mission. Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Officer will play a central role in implementing strategy, managing grantmaking, supporting special projects, and stewarding relationships with grantees, partners, and field leaders.

Based in New York, the Program Officer will work closely with the Program Director to support all aspects of the criminal justice portfolio, spanning its strategy refresh, supporting the Galaxy Leader Fellowship program, and its donor network, One for Justice. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of mass incarceration, strong judgment, and the ability to move fluidly between strategy, execution, and relationship-building.

This role is well-suited for someone who is intellectually rigorous, values-driven, and comfortable operating in a dynamic philanthropic environment that bridges policy, movement building, and direct investment in leaders.

The Criminal Justice Reform Program Officer will further develop grantmaking strategies; identify prospective grantees; solicit, review and respond to grant proposals; and prepare recommendations for funding. The Program Officer will also be expected to collaborate internally with other Galaxy Gives staff throughout the Foundation to identify and foster intersectional connections, coordination, and education opportunities. In addition, the program officer will help to manage external relationships, track needs and opportunities in the criminal justice reform field and at times support convenings with grantee, funder, and government partners.

• Manage, monitor, and coordinate all aspects of the criminal justice grants portfolio, in close partnership with the Program Director
• Support the application, review, and selection process for the Galaxy Leader Fellowship, Galaxy Gives’ flagship leadership development program for impacted leaders in partnership with the Fellowship staff
• Support long-term grant planning and portfolio development aligned with Galaxy Gives’ strategic priorities
• Identify, assess, and support prospective grantees; collaborate on proposal development, including grant goals, activities, outcomes, success indicators, and budgets
• Conduct organizational and leadership assessments to inform grant recommendations
• Review and analyze narrative and financial reports; support learning, accountability, and course correction as needed
• Track grant progress and ensure strong internal documentation and reporting

• Serve as a thought partner to grantees, engaging on strategy, challenges, and opportunities for growth and collaboration
• Support cross-organizational learning, partnerships, and field-building efforts
• Stay closely attuned to developments, trends, and power dynamics within the criminal justice reform ecosystem

• Support the Program Director in shaping and implementing strategy across grantmaking, donor organizing, and narrative work
• Represent Galaxy Gives and its work in relevant meetings, convenings, and public forums
• Contribute to written materials including briefings, memos, blog posts, and external communications
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