We’re Hiring: Policy & Research Deputy Director – Fines and Fees Justice Center

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The Policy & Research Deputy Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the growth of FFJC’s think-tank capacity. Reporting to the Policy & Research Director, the Deputy will be a key partner in developing talent on the Policy & Research team, helping to set the organization’s research agenda, and ensuring that the culture of learning and collaboration within the organization continues to thrive.
The Deputy Director will supervise several members of the Policy & Research team and play a significant role in the administration of the team. The Deputy will also serve as a thought-partner to the Director, helping identify and leverage new opportunities for research and policy analysis, while also owning a portfolio of substantive projects.
The ideal candidate brings substantial experience leading a multi-disciplinary team of seasoned professionals, with a deep interest in developing their growth and success, both individually and collectively. To excel in the position, it will also be critical for the successful candidate to be experienced with data analysis, have familiarity with scholarly research and its methods, understand the fiscal concerns and impacts of criminal justice reform, and be able to translate complex information into materials for non-expert advocates and policymakers.
Nearly every interaction a person has with the justice system, regardless of guilt or innocence, comes with a bill. But for those without the means to immediately pay up or fight back, one missed payment opens the door to dire, lifelong consequences. 
The Fines and Fees Justice Center was founded to end the immoral practice of governments’ using fines and fees to profit off the most vulnerable. We empower state and local efforts to end fees in the justice system and ensure that fines are fair and equitably imposed.
FFJC has led or actively supported more than 70 successful legislative reforms across the country, authored two dozen original research and policy reports, and partnered with more than 300 organizations to advance the national fines and fees reform movement.
Specifically, the Policy & Research division within FFJC functions as the organization’s “think tank.” The team is responsible for conducting unique research on fines and fees, assessing policy impacts, and evaluating reform efforts. It also collects, analyzes, and synthesizes research and policy reports produced by scholars and other organizations; develops tools and information useful to decisionmakers in the field; monitors and assesses trends in laws, procedures, and reforms related to fines and fees; identifies opportunities for and challenges to the organization’s mission; develops policy guidance on fine and fee issues that can inform reform efforts; and provides direct technical assistance to advocates, policymakers, or any stakeholder seeking fine and fee reform in their jurisdictions.
The candidate who fills this positions will:
This role is full-time and remote within the continental United States. All FFJC staff work core hours from 12-4pm ET, Monday through Friday, with the remainder of working hours flexible according to the time zones in which they are located and as agreed with their direct supervisors. This position must be able to travel domestically for in-person meetings and national gatherings, including two mandatory staff retreats each year. All positions are required to understand and implement FFJC’s Administrative policies.
Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Though not required for the position, a candidate who can demonstrate the following may have a stronger application:
FFJC encourages and welcomes those who have personal experience with the impacts of the criminal legal system, or the social systems connected to poverty or debt relief, to apply for this role.
FFJC’s compensation philosophy consists of a 5-band salary structure. The Deputy Director is a band 3 position. The starting salary for the position is between $110,000 – $120,000 based on the qualifications of the candidate at the time of hire. FFJC offers excellent benefits including: 
Interested candidates should fill out the application form.
If you need any assistance or accommodations during the application process, please reach out to us at jobs@finesandfeesjusticecenter.org. 
Applications close on 6/21/26 at 11:59PM EST.
We hope to make an offer for this position by August 7, 2026.
Our ideal start date for this position is in late August.
The Fines & Fees Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer and will consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. FFJC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, FFJC will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. 

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