Careers at WPA

The Women's Prison Association (WPA) is a New York City-based not-for-profit that prioritizes trauma-informed care, supports vulnerable women and their children as they navigate incarceration and homelessness, and provides clients with stability, security, support, and hope for a limitless and fulfilling future. Our mission is to support systems-involved women as they navigate their journey towards freedom, safety, and independence, and we strive to create a diverse team that delivers outstanding services.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect.

Position Description:

The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) is at a critical juncture in its 177-year history, with dynamic new leadership, new ventures such as transitional and permanent housing on the horizon to fill critical service gaps, and a forthcoming strategic planning process to ensure and guide continued growth and expansion of services. Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Finance and Operating Officer (CFOO) will be a key strategic leader overseeing financial outcomes and management, housing development and property management, and the overall implementation of the organization’s forthcoming strategy.  

The CFOO will be a member of the organization’s executive team, will be a key thought partner to the CEO, and will provide a strategic financial vision for the organization. This person will provide direction and leadership to those involved with the finance and real estate functions of the organization, fostering a culture of effective communication, accountability, transparency, and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be an exemplary manager and team builder, dedicated to effectively structuring and leading teams, developing talent, and building strong relationships within and across teams. The CFOO will continuously and adeptly optimize systems and processes, helping teams work more efficiently.  

Finance: The CFOO is a key strategic advisor to the CEO and Board, with the primary responsibility of guiding the organization’s financial strategy and planning to ensure financial health and sustainability. The CFOO must be a keen strategist, maintaining a long-term and strategic view of WPA’s finances.  The CFOO will directly manage the relationship with WPA’s outsourced financial management services provider, to ensure that WPA is able to leverage and maximize financial resources for current and anticipated programs, and to help ensure a robust, sustainable future for WPA. The CFOO will also directly supervise a Contracts team (Director of Contract Management, Contract Associates) and, with the outsourced financial management services provider, the team of auditors.  

The CFOO will be responsible for assessing financial performance against annual budget and long-term objectives and providing actionable, strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis. The CFOO will also be responsible for identifying and mitigating potential financial risks. The CFOO must be able to synthesize financial data and metrics into a clear narrative of what has transpired, what is currently happening, and what possibilities are in the future.  

Housing Development and Real Estate Operations: The CFOO will oversee the organization’s growing housing and real estate portfolio and oversee the critical property management for the organization. Specifically, the CFOO will be responsible for managing the operational functions of the organization’s physical assets. The CFOO will be responsible for implementing strategies to improve the operational efficiency of the organization’s existing and future buildings, doing so in alignment with the organization’s overall mission and strategic goals.  

Operationalizing the Strategy: This will require essential and strong collaboration with each member of the Executive Leadership Team and staff throughout the organization to translate WPA’s strategy into clear organization-wide goals and operating plans that support the organization’s growth strategy. Specifically, the CFOO will partner with the CEO and Data and Quality Management Specialist to develop organization-wide metrics to assess the success and progress of our impact. Equally critical will be a close partnership with the Chief Program Officer to provide guidance and support developing implementation plans. 

 

Responsibilities: 

Financial Management 

  • Provides strategic financial management for WPA, including financial planning, analysis and reporting. 
  • Manages financial reporting to the Board’s finance and investment committees and supports the work of these committees. 
  • Manages relationship with outsourced financial management services provider to ensure timely and accurate financial management by the provider, including maintaining WPA’s financial books and records, managing cash flow and performing the following functions: accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget development, financial grants management, annual audit process coordination, 990 filing and other tax-related regulatory functions, banking and other financial management functions. 
  • Partners with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Team to assess financial performance against annual budget and long-term objectives, providing actionable, strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.  
  • Supervise the Contracts Team (Director of Contract Management, Contract Associates) to ensure timely, accurate performance of all contract management responsibilities. 
  • Identify potential financial risks and implement controls to mitigate these risks while optimizing opportunities for growth.  
  • Work closely with Chief Program Officer to ensure continued clear and effective communication between program staff and fiscal team.  
  • Ensure a strong system of oversight and administration for all funding sources, including government contracts, grants, and foundation funding, through accurate and detailed record keeping and grant reporting.  

Housing Development and Property Management Operations 

  • Develop and manage WPA’s real estate and housing strategic plan. 
  • Manage housing development process, including forming project teams, liaison to housing development consultants, design professionals, government and private funders, housing development partners, etc. 
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures regarding functionality, maintenance, and social design of existing and future facilities. 
  • Report to CEO and Board regarding housing acquisition and development projects, including planning, development, and implementation. 
  • Oversee lease negotiations, ensure favorable terms, and manage relationships with landlords. 
  • Oversee property management of organization’s facilities, including property and asset management, and facility operations. 
  • Develop and manage capital budgets and systems for capital reserve management and growth. 
  • Manage external property-related vendors including contractors, architects, and other consultants in support of property management and strategic facilities plan.  
  • Assess the staffing models of the residential facilities, identify areas of improvement in the organizational infrastructure to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.  Ensure essential functions within the identified roles support operational and programmatic needs, optimize resource allocation, and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across departments. 
  • Manage adherence to all regulatory requirements. 

Strategic Implementation

  • Serve as an essential thought partner to the CEO, executive team, and partners throughout the organization in developing and strengthening the organization’s strategic plan. 
  • Partner with the CEO, CPO, and Data and Quality Management Specialist to develop organization-wide metrics to assess the success and progress of our internal impact as we develop the operations infrastructure to support our strategy. 
  • Provide strategic operational guidance and operational planning support as new initiatives are developed and implemented 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

 

Qualifications:

  • Exceptional strategic financial acumen, with the ability to interpret and apply understanding of key financial indicators to support high-quality decision-making.  
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance and strong knowledge of property and facilities management. 
  • Strong analytical and financials modeling and forecasting skills as well as knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofits; if coming from the for-profit sector, significant nonprofit board experience or the equivalent is required.  
  • Experience managing contracts and grants from New York City and New York State government agencies.  
  • Strong understanding of New York State and New York City housing programs, particularly supportive housing programs and housing development.  
  • Demonstrated commitment to the WPA mission of serving communities, families, and individuals affected by the criminal legal system. 
  • A keen perception of the racial, gender, and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities, with a particular familiarity with issues facing systems-involved women. 
  • Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the intellectual depth and maturity to work with executive leaders, staff, and vendors across WPA.  
  • Proven track record of strong change management, with demonstrable experience in methodically tracking progress and plans to achieve short- and long-term goals. 
  • Deep experience leading and managing diverse teams, serving as a coach and mentor to management staff in a range of functional areas, particularly around giving constructive feedback, developing supervisory skills, assessing, and supporting professional growth of staff. 
  • Deep experience developing strong partnerships in government and with non-profit organizations across a variety of sectors. 
  • Outstanding organizational and project management skills with an overall execution orientation and high attention to detail. 

 

Compensation:

Compensation for this role is between $160,000 - $175,000 commensurate with education and experience. WPA offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, employer paid dental insurance, extremely generous paid time off, paid leave, as well as: 

  • Employee Assistance Program via Telus 
  • Direct Deposit Money Paycard 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • Tax Deferred Commuting Benefits 
  • 529 College Savings Plan 
  • 403b Retirement Plan 
  • PTO between Christmas and New Year’s 
  • “Alcott HR Marketplace” Employee Discount Program 
  • “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program 

 

WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. WPA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, religious or political affiliation or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Chief Finance and Operating Officer” in the subject line of your email.

Apply Today

Position Description:

The Law Project Director oversees the administration of WPA’s legal service program which provides a broad range of civil legal assistance to WPA client-participants. The Law Project Director coordinates and collaborates with WPA administrative staff and program staff to ensure that accessible, high quality legal services are readily available to every client-participant seeking legal help, information, advice or counsel and that services are responsive and sensitive to their individual needs. The Law Project Director provides mentoring and supervision to Legal Project staff and volunteers and serves as a resource for agency staff and other community partners serving justice system involved women. The Law Project Director supports justice system involved women in their efforts to understand and enforce their legal rights and to overcome obstacles, harms and adverse collateral consequences resulting from carceral system involvement. The Law Project Director plans and participates in outreach opportunities and educational programs on matters impacting systems-involved women and their families. The Law Project Director initiates and participates in opportunities for social change through legislative reform, as amicus in class action lawsuits, by coalition membership and by participating in advocacy and social reform initiatives.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide in-house family law and other civil legal services to WPA client-participants and systems impacted women in the community and in prison or jail 
  • Provide support, mentoring, training, administrative supervision and professional development opportunities to the Coordinator for Client Support and Advocacy 
  • Assist women returning to the community following incarceration to overcome barriers to successful re-entry and re-integration into their communities 
  • Provide gender-responsive and trauma-informed legal services to systems impacted women 
  • Provide technical support and legal consultations to WPA colleagues on legal issues impacting client-participants  
  • Provide outreach on relevant legal issues to community based service providers and their client-participants with justice system involvement 
  • Conduct educational trainings on legal issues impacting justice system involved women and their families and communities 
  • Provide family law consultations, advice, legal counsel, advocacy, referrals, crisis intervention, pro se assistance and, as appropriate, direct representation on issues including: family reunification, child protection, foster care, termination of parental rights, adoption, custody, visitation/parenting time, guardianship, child support, paternity, intimate partner/family violence and divorce.  
  • Provide civil legal services on issues including, but not limited to, economic and employment issues, housing/eviction, discrimination, identity theft, disability rights and benefits, immigration and bankruptcy, public benefits 
  • Provide legal assistance on issues related to collateral consequences of criminal convictions including review and corrections to RAP sheets, application for certificates of relief from disability or good conduct, sealing records, clemency applications, as well as advocacy and support in vacatur of warrants 
  • Coordinate and collaborate with each WPA program to ensure that staff and client-participants are familiar with and able to access Law Project services 
  • Participate with senior and executive staff in promoting the agency’s mission and values, both within and outside of the agency.  
  • Participate and represent WPA in coalitions, collaborations, and other initiatives involving legislation, public policies, and administrative procedures affecting women involved in the justice and child protective systems. 
  • Maintain client records in secure, confidential manner 
  • Complete funding reports and ensure compliance with grants and other funding requirements 
  • Explore opportunities to expand and re-envision Law Project services to meet client and community need 
  • Access pro bono services, as appropriate, for Law Project clients and provide support and mentoring to pro bono attorneys assisting WPA Law Project clients 
  • Provide opportunities and mentoring for law students through summer and academic year internships 
  • Remain informed about and engaged in policy and legislative reforms relevant to the WPA mission  
  • Other duties as assigned 

 

Qualifications:

  • Law Degree (JD or LLM)  
  • Admission to the New York State Bar 
  • Minimum of five years experience as a family law practitioner or generalist civil legal practitioner with background in re-entry, housing, public benefits, disability, employment and/or immigration law 
  • Familiarity with and sensitivity to the impact that carceral systems have on women, families and communities  
  • Commitment to providing high caliber, supportive, non-judgmental legal assistance to clients of diverse backgrounds 
  • Must have strong written and verbal skills 
  • Must have substantial knowledge of public and not-for-profit legal and social service resources in New York City and the metropolitan area 
  • Must be organized, detail oriented, solution oriented, and able to work well both in collaboration with others and independently  
  • Must have commitment to protecting attorney-client privilege and to maintaining the highest ethical standards of the legal profession  
  • Litigation and legal writing skills strongly preferred 
  • Spanish or other bilingual proficiency preferred 
  • Must appreciate the racial, gender, and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities, with a particular familiarity with issues facing systems-involved women 
  • Must believe in WPA’s mission, with a passion to serve underserved populations. 

 

Compensation:

Compensation for this role is $45 per hour for up to 30 hours per week, commensurate with year of admission to practice law and relevant experience. WPA offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, employer paid dental insurance, extremely generous paid time off, 403(b) and paid leave, as well as: 

  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Credit Union Membership Options 
  • Direct Deposit Money Paycard 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • Tax Deferred Commuting Benefits 
  • 529 College Savings Plan 
  • “Alcott HR Marketplace” Employee Discount Program 
  • “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program  

 

WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. WPA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, religious or political affiliation or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Law Project Director” in the subject line of your email.

Apply Today

Position Description:

The Resident Monitor, SPHH (Full-time) plays a critical role in the daily orderly operation of our Manhattan-based family shelter. The role will maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, staff and visitors at WPA’s DHS-funded 28-family shelter for women and children with/without criminal legal involvement. Resident Monitors also work closely with residents on supporting their day-to-day independent living plan goals, teaching and modeling strategies for living independently in the community.

The Resident Monitor, SPHH (Full-time) will be organized, technically savvy, adaptable, and enjoy collaborating with a team in providing support and essential services to families residing in temporary shelter.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide clerical support by answering telephone inquiries, data entry, light typing, filing and sorting of mail and other files as needed.
  • Conduct monthly emergency fire drills under the direction of Director of Facilities.
    Adherence to all policies and procedures developed by DHS and WPA.
  • Intervene and diffuse crisis situations as needed.
  • Participate in required training and maintain certification, including CPR/First Aid Certification and FDNY Fire Safety Coordinator for Shelters (F-80) and FDNY Fire Guard (F-02).
  • Monitor and document all resident and staff departure/arrival times and activities in the internal communications book.
  • Assist the clients with checking in and out of SPHH, monitoring and assessing their behavior and overall well-being. Notifying the Sr. Resident Monitor and Director of Facilities with any concerns.
  • Conduct daily security and safety walkthroughs, including the laundry room and other rooms as assigned by Director of Facilities, document findings and monitor security camera feeds.
  • Oversee and record use of any/all facility rooms – Multi-purpose, Conference and Laundry room. Maintain a log of all areas and conduct inspections of spaces before and after each use.
  • Notify Director of Facilities of any suspicious or concerning activities.
  • Complies with 42CFR confidentiality and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
  • Assist with provision of on-site recreational activities.
  • Perform any other department or agency related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma/GED strongly preferred; BA preferred.
    NYS Security Guard Licensed
  • In possession of FDNY Fire Safety Coordinator for Shelters (F-80) and FDNY Fire Guard (F-02) or able to secure within 90 days
  • Ability to interact with a diverse population challenged by issues such as substance abuse, incarceration, HIV/ AIDS, mental health, domestic abuse and communication barriers
  • At least 2 years of documented relevant human services experience
    Certificate in First Aid, CPR or ability to obtain certificate
  • Ability to effectively analyze situations quickly and apply sound judgment
  • Ability to work and build rapport with others
  • Good documentation skills, computer literate or willingness to learn; knowledge of CARES database a plus
  • Ability to distinguish boundary issues and transference issues with clients
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Must be highly organized, process driven, detail oriented, solution oriented, and able to work under pressure while managing
  • conflicting priorities and meeting/coordinating both short and long-term deadlines.
  • Strong written, verbal, and training interpersonal skills.
  • Must have professional maturity and maintain confidentiality around all participant records.
  • Must believe in WPAs mission, with a passion to serve underserved populations.
  • A keen perception of the racial, gender, and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities, with a particular familiarity with issues facing systems-involved women.

Compensation:

Salary range is $20/hour commensurate with certifications, education and experience. WPA offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, employer paid dental insurance, generous paid time off along with 10 paid holidays, including paid holiday week between Christmas & New Year’s Day, 403(b) and paid leave, as well as:

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Credit Union Membership Options
  • Direct Deposit Money Paycard
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tax Deferred Commuting Benefits
  • 529 College Savings Plan
  • “Alcott HR Marketplace” Employee Discount Program
  • “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program

WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. WPA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, religious or political affiliation or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Resident Monitor, SPHH (Full-time)” in the subject line of your email.

Apply Today

Position Description:

The Custodian plays a critical role in the daily orderly operation of our Manhattan-based family shelter. The role will be responsible for daily maintenance, cleaning and to ensure a clean and safe environment for staff and residents. The schedule for this position consists of four (4) weekdays and one (1) weekend day per week. The Custodian also works closely with Social Services and Security staff alongside the facility’s Maintenance Mechanic.

The Custodian will be organized, adaptable and enjoy collaborating with a team in providing a safe and sanitary space for families residing in temporary shelter.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Perform daily cleaning and maintenance of dormitories, restrooms, offices, hallways, shared spaces, and entrances.
  • Remove garbage and sort/discard recyclables in accordance with building and NYC Department of Sanitation regulations
  • Perform basic maintenance and repairs in the areas of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, dry wall and plastering, painting, and machine servicing in support of the Facilities Mechanic.
  • Identify needed/anticipated repairs in the facility
  • Complete preventive maintenance checklist as directed by supervisor.
  • Assist in the preparation for regular DHS, OTDA, FDNY, DOHMH, DOB and all other site inspections.
  • Maintain inventory of cleaning and paper goods supplies.
  • Unload and load equipment and supplies.
  • Accept and verify deliveries of equipment and supplies and provide receipts to supervisor.
  • Arrange furniture and equipment as needed.
  • Escort outside contractors, inspectors and other visitors as directed by supervisor.
  • Perform any other department or agency related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.
  • Work collaboratively with facility Program and Security staff around maintenance needs and concerns
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Diverse experience in facility cleaning, maintenance and repairs.
  • Possess basic plumbing, electrical, carpentry, dry wall, painting and other related skills a plus
  • Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Detail-oriented.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record preferred.
  • Physical ability to lift, carry and move large and/or heavy items, as well as ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, climbing stairs and ladders, and/or other physical activities necessary to perform job duties
  • Trade school or other training in building maintenance and repairs preferred.
  • Ability to patiently interact with a diverse population challenged by issues such as substance abuse, incarceration, HIV/ AIDS, mental health, domestic abuse and communication barriers
  • Ability to distinguish boundary issues and transference issues with clients
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Must be highly organized, process driven, detail oriented, solution oriented, and able to work under pressure while managing conflicting priorities and meeting/coordinating both short and long-term deadlines.
  • Must have professional maturity and maintain confidentiality around all participant records.
  • Must believe in WPAs mission, with a passion to serve underserved populations.
  • A keen perception of the racial, gender, and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities, with a particular familiarity with issues facing systems-involved women.

 

Compensation:

Compensation for this role is $20.00 per hour commensurate with education and experience. WPA offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, employer paid dental insurance, generous paid time off along with 10 paid holidays, including paid holiday week between Christmas & New Year’s Day, 403(b) and paid leave, as well as:

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Credit Union Membership Options
  • Direct Deposit Money Paycard
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tax Deferred Commuting Benefits
  • 529 College Savings Plan
  • “Alcott HR Marketplace” Employee Discount Program
  • “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program

WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. WPA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, religious or political affiliation or any other classification considered discriminatory under applicable law. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Custodian/Maintenance Services" in the subject line of your email.

Apply Today