Project Finance Manager (Hybrid or Remote)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

As a project finance manager you'll serve as a critically important partner to leaders and staff managing projects in divisions across a range of high-profile projects. You'll be charged with monitoring, adjusting, and providing insightful analysis across a portfolio of individual project budgets totaling several million dollars. You'll help project managers forecast and adjust staffing allocations for each project, while ensuring sufficient and manageable workloads are maintained across a team of staff. You'll also work with the project team to establish and monitor contracts with project partners where applicable, working as the critical streamlining conduit between the project manager, the partner, and our legal team. Additionally, you'll play a key role in ensuring all foundation, state, and federal grants remain in compliance with funder requirements and coordinate funding activities in close partnership with policy divisions.   

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the project finance manager include the following: 

• Proactively collaborate with project managers and other relevant teams to ensure projects remain on track for successful completion through project monitoring activities (budgeting, planning, resource allocation, aligning spend-down timeline with deliverable schedule, etc). 
• Maintain regular communication and meetings with division and project teams to align cross-division solutions, resolve budgetary constraints, and initiate early contract and project planning. 
• Work strategically with other project finance managers to identify opportunities across policy teams to advance staffing and project priorities. 
• In conjunction with CSG's legal department, coordinate the timely execution of contracts and amendments for CSG Justice Center consultants, subcontractors, and vendors collaboratively with policy teams. 
• Manage contract requirements and invoicing to ensure the timely execution of contracts and payments to vendors, including reviewing and signing invoices for processing. 
• Participate in, develop, and conduct trainings to increase staff knowledge in contracting processes, requirements, and staff responsibilities to ensure contract priorities are met effectively across the organization. 
• In conjunction with headquarters and policy teams, ensure financial compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and foundation guidelines, as applicable.  
• Work closely with funders, subcontractors, and headquarters to ensure accurate and timely billing and payments for foundation grants and state and local contracts.