The Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) is a collective of national policy and practice centers at the intersection of gender-based violence and legal systems. With U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) funding, BWJP operates the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms to promote policies and practices that effectively implement DV-related restrictions on access to firearms.

See our websites: www.bwjp.org and www.preventdvgunviolence.org.

BWJP is seeking an experienced, dynamic leader to serve as Director of the Center. With this position you will be at the forefront of the movement to create systemic change that saves lives.

The Director of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight to advance the center's mission of addressing the intersection of domestic violence and firearms in the United States. This senior-level position involves working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community organizations, to develop and implement effective strategies to prevent domestic violence incidents involving firearms and promote safety for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the center's strategic vision, goals, and objectives in alignment with the organization's mission and values. 
• Program Development: Lead the development and implementation of evidence-based programs and initiatives that address domestic violence and firearms, including prevention efforts, policy advocacy, and community education. 
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders, such as government agencies, law enforcement, legal professionals, victim advocates, and survivors, to promote collaborative solutions and policy changes. 
• Research and Policy Analysis: Stay updated on current research, trends, and policy developments related to domestic violence and firearms, and provide expert analysis and recommendations for effective policy reform, including through development of amicus briefs, position papers, and talking points. 
• Training and Technical Assistance: Oversee the creation and delivery of training programs, workshops, and educational materials for diverse audiences, including professionals working in the domestic violence field, law enforcement, legal professionals, and community members. Develop and maintain a network of subject matter experts to serve as resources on this topic. Consult with other allied organizations or government agencies on related local or national projects, upon request. Offer tailored technical assistance and training to individual communities upon request, especially following incidents of gun violence.
• Resource Development: Seek and secure funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, and donations to support the center's operations, programs, and research efforts. 
• Team Management: Supervise and provide guidance to a team of professionals, including the Deputy Director, contracted consultants, interns, and other staff to be hired. Willingness to utilize a shared leadership model, in which supervisors are viewed as resources rather than managers, and in which all staff are empowered to take initiative and encouraged to exercise discretion and autonomy.
• Public Relations and Advocacy: Serve as a spokesperson for the center, representing its mission and goals in public forums, media interviews, conferences, and policy discussions. Develop and maintain a robust website. Seek opportunities to write articles for national publications.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate the center's activities and outcomes, and prepare comprehensive reports for funders, stakeholders, and the organization's leadership.

Qualifications Required:

• Education: J.D. required. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered. 
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of gender-based violence, firearms policy, public health, or related areas. Previous experience in program development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable. 
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel nationwide up to 30% of the time. 
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep understanding of domestic violence issues, firearms policy, and their intersection, including relevant laws and regulations, research findings, and best practices. Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to issues of cultural diversity as they pertain to prevention, intervention, and services, as well as to addressing the needs of underserved communities. Experience in developing and conducting successful training events for adult learners, preferably for justice personnel and advocates. 
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to provide visionary leadership, set strategic direction, and manage complex initiatives and projects. Experience in managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment. 
• Policy and Advocacy: Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, development, and advocacy related to domestic violence, firearms, or related fields. Outstanding ability to apply critical thinking and an intersectional analysis to identify and promote effective policies and practices. Familiarity with legislative processes and coalition building is a plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex issues to diverse audiences. Experience in public speaking, media engagement, and public relations is highly desirable. 
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community organizations. Ability to work well with diverse groups and to work effectively as part of a team. 
• Research and Evaluation: Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis, and evaluation techniques to assess program effectiveness and inform evidence-based practices. 
• Commitment to Social Justice: Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, gender equity, and the empowerment of survivors of gender-based violence.

Position: Full-time exempt    
Location: Remote position
Salary: $120,000-$130,000
Benefits:  Employer paid individual health, dental, vision, group life, ST/LT disability insurance, and accident insurance, in addition to a competitive paid time off package.

Application: Send resume, cover letter, and three professional references to hr@bwjp.org or to BWJP, 540 Fairview Avenue North, Ste. 208, St. Paul, MN 55104.

BWJP is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination.