About the New York City Board of Correction
The New York City Board of Correction ("BOC") is a nine‑person, non‑judicial oversight board that regulates, monitors, and inspects the correctional facilities of the City. Established in 1957, BOC is one of the earliest independent oversight boards of custodial and detention settings in the United States. The Board’s five functions are to establish and ensure compliance with minimum standards for the care and security of persons in custody; investigate serious incidents; review grievances from people in custody and staff; evaluate the performance of the Department of Correction; and make recommendations on key correctional planning.
Job Description
Responsibilities
Intergovernmental Affairs
- Work closely and collaboratively with all BOC teams to coordinate communication and meetings with various stakeholders.
- Assist with preparation of testimony and background materials for City Council oversight and budget hearings.
- Review and prepare comments on relevant legislative proposals.
- Proactively develop the Board’s legislative agenda and propose legislation that positively impacts BOC’s oversight authority.
- Assist in the successful identification of meeting spaces that allow for hybrid remote and in‑person public Board meetings.
- Coordinate intergovernmental/public affairs activities with other agencies and organizations.
- Maintain an up‑to‑date knowledge base on critical issues in correctional and criminal justice reform and policy.
- Ensure materials provided to the jails for use of people in custody and DOC staff in the jails, including Minimum Standards, are accessible, current, and accurate.
- Develop & maintain relationships with DOC, CHS, elected officials, advocates, and community‑based organizations on behalf of BOC.
- Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned, including serving as the agency’s Records Management Officer.
Board Management
- Onboard new Board Members.
- Oversee all Board meetings (typically monthly), including agenda preparation, meeting materials, and coordination with relevant agencies.
- Manage Board Member materials in advance of every public meeting.
- Prepare and produce confidential reports and documents, including original research and briefing sheets, compiling/reformatting materials, and assisting with Board mailing distributions.
Communications
- Oversee all communications and press‑related items for the Board.
- Draft internal and external communications, including brochures, posters, press releases, reports, and other materials.
- Serve as agency contact and spokesperson for press and for coordination with press offices of other city agencies.
- Maintain the agency website, including producing content.
- Prepare briefing materials, speeches, statements, and talking points, and compile background information in a timely fashion.
- Prepare Executive Director and General Counsel for internal and external meetings, attend meetings, and conduct follow‑up on their behalf.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Juris Doctor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, psychology, law, criminal justice or public administration, and at least four (4) years of full‑time experience in corrections, social work, psychology, law, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field providing direct services to an inmate or detention population within a correctional or related facility. At least eighteen (18) months of that experience must have been in a responsible executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory capacity.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and at least six (6) years of full‑time experience as described above.
- Education and/or experience equivalent to either (1) or (2). All candidates must have at least eighteen (18) months of executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory experience as described in (1).
Preferred Experience / Skills
- Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills, and a strong customer‑service approach.
- Commitment to BOC’s mission and to excellence in public management.
- Familiarity with local government structure and elected officials’ offices.
- Experience working with New York City based media.
- Knowledge of the New York City criminal justice system.
- Excellent organizational, time‑management, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to take initiative, problem‑solve, prioritize duties, balance competing priorities, work independently, and within a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience handling sensitive and controversial issues.
- Highly collaborative style, high energy, initiative, maturity, and leadership skills.
- Confidentiality and discretion; integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Hours / Shift
Full‑time, at least 35 hours per week.
Work Location
2 Lafayette Street, NYC (with periodic travel to Rikers Island).
Equal Opportunity Statement
The City of New York and the Board of Correction is an equal‑opportunity employer and committed to diversity. The City of New York is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for two continuous years may also be eligible to reside in selected surrounding counties. To determine if the residency requirement applies, discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
Appointments
Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget approval.
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