Senior Project Associate

Senior Project Associate

The National Policing Institute (NPI), voted one of Nonprofit Times’ Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) committed to improving policing through science and innovation since 1973. NPI’s work is informed by evidence to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The professional staff of NPI works closely with law enforcement and industry experts to develop research, comprehensive reports, model policies, and innovative programs that advance the profession. Additionally, NPI facilitates on-the-ground technical assistance to police and sheriff’s agencies, as well as engages with practitioners from multiple public systems in local, state, and federal jurisdictions to share research and implement policy and practice.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The National Policing Institute is looking for a full-time Senior Project Associate responsible for comprehensive project management within the Knowledge Lab portfolio with the future possibility of other training & technical assistance projects, emphasizing the development and implementation of best practices in policing. This person will regularly collaborate with strategic partners to manage on-site and off-site work. The Senior Project Associate will participate in project-related meetings and site visits with the NPI staff, funders, and law enforcement experts across the country. The ideal candidate will have a background in criminal justice, policing, or public safety with knowledge of, or interest in, technologies related to policing and will be adept at leading various small to large-scale projects and teams. We are looking for a proactive individual who consistently looks for ways to improve their work and add value to their deliverables. This individual must also have strong MS Office skills, including Excel and PowerPoint, and strong project management organization methods using these tools. Spanish language skills are a plus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide comprehensive project management to include monitoring timelines, invoices, and deliverables to help ensure responsibilities to funders and stakeholders are met.
• Engage with funders to exceed their expectations, ensuring project deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and of the highest quality.
• Coordinate teams of colleagues and expert consultants conducting technical assistance or data collection in state and local jurisdictions
• Manage the work of project teams.
• Serve as the logistical and operational (vs. substantive) lead for multiple technical assistance efforts in local police and sheriff's jurisdictions across the country.
• Lead in technical assistance delivery by coordinating and documenting site visits among senior staff and consultants, meeting with site stakeholders independently, and sometimes leading technical assistance site visits.
• Monitor, analyze, and adjust, as necessary, timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure that responsibilities to funders are met in assigned project areas, proactively and independently taking appropriate steps to ensure compliance.
• Work on and coordinate multiple projects across the NPI on issues in which they have advanced knowledge.
• Lead and support the development of web-based products for distance learning, including webinars, interactive documents, and other materials for national and local audiences.
• Develop, design, and distribute written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and presentations that concisely and clearly describe complex analyses and policy options to law enforcement audiences.
• Identify themes and linkages across initiatives within the organization’s diverse portfolio and leverage opportunities to incubate and test new research ideas and technical assistance approaches.
• Identify and research new funding opportunities, contribute to the development of grant proposals, build relationships with funders and partners, and serve as a resource to funding agencies.
• Ensure senior staff and, where applicable, NPI colleagues, consultants, or funders are aware of relevant project, operational, and administrative developments, and ensure that other work in the field is leveraged for the advancement of project goals.
• Independently represent and deliver effective presentations on the NPI’s projects at national industry events, conferences, and meetings when appropriate
• Contribute to the development of the NPI communications content and strategy to promote its goals.
• Travel as required for this position based on project needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned and in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS AND EDUCATION

• A commitment to advancing the National Policing Institute's mission, vision, and core values.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Outstanding research, writing, and analytical skills.
• A strong understanding of the criminal justice system and a wide range of law enforcement issues and their implications.
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise way.
• Experience managing a matrixed project team with internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Ability to solve basic and complex project and operational problems appropriately, proactively, and independently.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.    
• Exceptionally strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with competing deadlines.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively (including listening skills) and appropriately with varied professional audiences, managing an array of professional relationships.
• Knowledge of and ability to identify, use and adapt technology to solve problems and improve operations and results.·       Experience working on federal grants or contracts.
• The equivalent of 5-7 years of work experience in the field of policing, criminal justice, community development, or crime policy analysis.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• The minimum requirements can be satisfied at management's discretion by other factors (e.g., education, professional certifications, language skills, analytical skills, computer skills, etc.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This is a full-time position and is eligible for remote work.
• Salary is commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package.
• Open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Candidates must agree to a background investigation.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Travel required.

The National Policing Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F, D/V