EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Job Description 

Who We Are

Founded in 2005 by the late civil rights leader and actor Harry Belafonte and led since 2010 by President and CEO Carmen Perez-Jordan, The Gathering for Justice is committed to transforming the criminal legal system and advancing civil rights to build a beloved community grounded in justice, equity, and compassion. We achieve our mission by developing leaders, leveraging cultural organizing, and uniting our community's collective power across generations. Our ultimate goal is to dismantle systemic injustice and end racial inequity for all.

What We’ve Done

  • Founding and Early Years: Established in response to the  arrest of a 5-year-old Black girl, the organization has a long history of addressing child incarceration and racial inequities.

  • Juvenile Justice: Organized retreats and conferences across the U.S., including the impactful and historical "Growing Up Locked Down" conference on juvenile justice in 2014 and 2016.

  • Marches and Mobilizations: Led significant mobilizations such as the 9-day, 250-mile March 2 Justice in 2015 and the March for Stolen Lives & Looted Dreams in 2020, which mobilized over 35,000 people.

  • Policy Advocacy: Played a pivotal role in policy changes like the "Raise the Age" legislation in New York and the #TakeAKnee campaign in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and Free Meek Mill. 

  • Women’s March: Co-organized the historic Women’s March on Washington in 2017, the largest single-day protest in history.

  • Police Accountability: Has been working since 2013 to stop police violence in black and brown communities and, in 2023, established the Latinx Police Accountability Network to address police violence against Latinos.

The Gathering for Justice has expanded its impact promoting peace and justice, and influencing policy at state and federal levels. Through two state based task forces, Justice League NYC and CA, and The Gathering has co-led various campaigns including Free Meek Mill, Take a Knee with Colin Kaepernick, and the Women’s March on Washington. As we enter 2026, The Gathering is in year three of five of its most recent strategic plan, which will serve as a guide for our continued efforts in achieving systemic change and advancing justice for all.

Who We Are Looking For

The Gathering for Justice is seeking a visionary, strategic and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization's strategic and operational direction. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. The Executive Director will receive guidance to ensure a seamless transition into the role and alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.

The Executive Director will drive The Gathering’s mission to end child incarceration, eliminate racial inequities in the justice system, and lead transformative social justice initiatives. They will oversee strategic planning, build partnerships, secure diverse funding streams, and ensure operational excellence while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative culture. This role is essential in cultivating the organization’s growth, impact, and sustainability while strengthening its leadership in the social justice space.

What They’ll Do

Strategic Leadership and Vision

  • Collaborate closely with the Board Chair and senior leadership team to develop a clear and compelling vision for the organization’s future

  • Oversee strategic planning processes to align organizational goals with long-term sustainability and impact

  • Represent The Gathering in public forums, coalitions, and partnerships to amplify its mission and influence

    Management

  • Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and leadership to staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture

  • Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of talented staff, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values

  • Implement performance management processes, including regular evaluations, feedback mechanisms, and opportunities for professional growth

  • Ensure effective internal communication to maintain transparency, alignment, and team morale

  • Lead staff retreats, training sessions, and professional development initiatives to build capacity and strengthen organizational cohesion

  • Monitor and assess team workflows to optimize efficiency and accountability across departments

Operational Excellence and Organizational Management

  • Oversee operational functions, including financial management, human resources, compliance, and risk management, ensuring organizational efficiency and sustainability

  • Collaborate with staff to implement systems and processes that support effective project management and cross-functional collaboration

  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring staff have the tools and resources needed to succeed

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

  • Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the organization, ensuring practices, policies, and culture reflect the values of equity and justice

  • Develop strategies to build a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive workplace environment that empowers team members

  • Ensure programmatic efforts address systemic inequities and center the voices and experiences of impacted communities

Risk Management

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management framework to safeguard the organization’s financial, legal, and operational sustainability.

  • Identify, analyze, and mitigate risks across all organizational activities, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations

  • Collaborate with the Operations Lead to establish policies and procedures that protect the organization’s reputation and resources

Fundraising and Financial Sustainability

  • Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure diverse funding streams, including grants, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grassroots donations

  • Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to ensure long-term financial stability

  • Collaborate with the Operations Lead to ensure sound fiscal management, including budget development, financial reporting, and compliance with funding requirements

Program Development and Oversight

  • Lead the design and evaluation of programs and initiatives that advance The Gathering’s mission and create measurable impact

  • Ensure programs are rooted in community needs and aligned with organizational priorities

  • Strengthen partnerships with grassroots organizations, policymakers, and thought leaders to amplify programmatic efforts

Advocacy and Public Engagement

  • Represent The Gathering in public forums, coalitions, and strategic partnerships, advocating for systemic change and justice reform

  • Serve as a leading public voice for the organization, working closely with the Director of Communications to implement national campaigns and public awareness initiatives

  • Mobilize communities, allies, and networks to advance advocacy efforts and increase the organization’s visibility and influence

  • Lead efforts to develop and disseminate messaging that effectively communicates the organization’s mission, values, and impact

Performance Metrics and Reporting

  • Establish clear performance benchmarks and metrics to evaluate organizational effectiveness and impact

  • Provide regular updates to the Board Chair and Board of Directors, ensuring alignment on organizational performance and strategic priorities

  • Oversee the development of reports, analyses, and materials for funders, partners, and external audience

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Mission-Driven Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to social justice, equity, and the values of The Gathering for Justice

  • Executive Leadership Experience: At least 7 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a national nonprofit or movement-building organization

  • Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to secure and manage diverse funding streams, including major gifts, grants, and government funding

  • Strategic Visionary: Experience leading strategic planning processes and implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges

  • Operational Knowledge: Familiarity with nonprofit operations, including human resources, financial management, and compliance

  • Strong Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences

  • Collaborative Leader: A proven ability to build and lead inclusive, high-performing teams

  • Advocacy Skills: Experience engaging with policymakers, coalitions, and grassroots movements to drive systemic change

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with racial justice frameworks and abolitionist principles

  • Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and government grant management

  • Bachelor’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, social work, criminal justice, public policy or related field (advanced degree preferred)

  • Grounded and trained in Kingian Nonviolence (training provided, if not)

Core Competencies

  • Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and mobilize others

  • Financial acumen and resource management expertise

  • High emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and adaptability

  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments

  • Commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning

Application procedure:  

Please email your Cover Letter and Resume to operations@gatheringforjustice.org and include “Executive Director” in the email subject line.

The Gathering for Justice is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, LGBTQIA2A+ persons, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.