Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Associate

at Partners for Justice

🏢 About Partners for Justice

Partners for Justice is a unique organization dedicated to transforming public defense systems and reducing incarceration through direct advocacy. Unlike traditional legal nonprofits, PFJ embeds Client Advocates within public defender offices to provide holistic support, addressing both legal and social needs of clients. Working here means contributing to systemic change in criminal justice while supporting frontline advocates who make daily impacts.

About This Role

As a Program Associate at Partners for Justice, you'll be responsible for developing and managing training programs that directly empower Client Advocates, Supervisors, and the national team to better serve individuals facing incarceration. This role is impactful because effective training translates to better client outcomes and strengthens PFJ's mission of transforming public defense systems. You'll implement systems that streamline operations across training, recruitment, and knowledge management.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing feedback from recent training sessions to identify improvement areas, coordinating with Client Advocate supervisors to understand their teams' learning needs, and developing content for upcoming training modules. You could spend time implementing a new knowledge management system to streamline resource sharing across PFJ's national network, while also planning logistics for the next virtual training event.

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🎯 Who Partners for Justice Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years experience developing and evaluating training programs, preferably in social justice, legal services, or nonprofit contexts
  • Demonstrates passion for criminal justice reform and understands the unique challenges faced by public defense systems
  • Possesses strong organizational skills with experience creating training calendars and coordinating events for diverse stakeholders
  • Has implemented operational systems to improve efficiency in previous roles, with examples of measurable improvements

📝 Tips for Applying to Partners for Justice

1

Highlight specific experience with training program development and evaluation, quantifying results when possible (e.g., 'developed training that improved participant knowledge by X%')

2

Demonstrate understanding of PFJ's model by mentioning their embedded Client Advocate approach in your materials

3

Show how you've streamlined operations in past roles, particularly in training or knowledge management contexts

4

Connect your passion for criminal justice reform to PFJ's specific mission of improving outcomes for people facing incarceration

5

Include examples of arranging complex training calendars or events, especially for remote or distributed teams

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience developing and evaluating training programs, with specific examples relevant to social justice or legal services', "How you've successfully implemented systems to streamline operations in previous roles", "Your understanding of PFJ's unique model of embedding Client Advocates in public defender offices", "Why you're specifically passionate about improving public defense systems and reducing incarceration"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PFJ's Client Advocate model and how it differs from traditional public defense
  • → Recent PFJ initiatives or partnerships mentioned in their annual reports or news section
  • → The organization's stated values and how they manifest in their work
  • → Challenges facing public defense systems that PFJ specifically addresses
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience developing training programs from conception to evaluation
2 How would you ensure training content aligns with PFJ's values while meeting diverse participant needs?
3 What systems have you implemented to streamline operations in previous roles?
4 How would you approach creating an annual training calendar for a remote, national team?
5 What experience do you have with recruitment processes, particularly for mission-driven organizations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic training experience without connection to social justice or mission-driven work
  • Focusing only on training delivery without demonstrating program development and evaluation skills
  • Failing to show understanding of PFJ's specific model and mission in application materials

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Partners for Justice!

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