Program Manager for Preventative & Restorative Justice

Position Description

The General Sessions Music City Community Court, Division VIII (8) hereinafter referred to as “GSMCCC” is a unique project and the first of its kind in the State of Tennessee and Davidson County. The vision of this court rests upon a robust partnership between the community and the criminal justice system in both operational and policy support to the judiciary and community court team members.

These responsibilities include assisting Judge Rachel L. Bell and the GSMCCC Team in management services essential with supporting the court's daily operations, strategic planning, development, and coordination of interagency and community partnerships.

The Program Manager for Preventative & Restorative Justice will report and provide support to Judge Rachel L. Bell, the presiding judge of the General Sessions Music City Community Court, Division VIII (8), for operational purposes in addition to working directly with the GSMCCC staff. Finally, the Program Manager for Preventative & Restorative Justice will be expected to work closely with GSMCCC staff, work directly with participants and community stakeholders with the C.A.R.E. Diversionary Court for Ages 18-30, the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Housing Resource Diversionary Court/Program the RESTORE Re-Entry Court for Returning Citizens, the ASPIRE After-Care Program, the R.E.A.C.H. Summer Literacy Program and the FUTURE Internship & Judicial Fellow Program. While the Program Manager will be working with the GSMCCC team this position will be focused on 3 of the programs listed above, R.E.A.C.H., FUTURE and ASPIRE.

Judge Rachel L. Bell started the General Sessions Music City Community Court in 2012 and since its inception, the court has piloted several community initiatives focused on preventative, restorative and diversionary justice with the concept, that “Justice does NOT stop and the courthouse steps!” and charged to use all of its power and resources to help move the needle for marginalized people.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Goals

The Program Manager for Preventative & Restorative Justice is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing innovative programs that reduce system involvement, promote accountability, and support restoration for individuals and communities. This role advances MCCC’s mission of shifting from probation to restoration by centering equity, access to justice, and community-based solutions.

The Program Manager will lead initiatives that focus on early intervention, diversion, re-entry support, and restorative practices, particularly for vulnerable populations including young adults, returning citizens, and historically marginalized communities.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of assigned programs, including timelines, deliverables, and participant outcomes
• Track and evaluate program performance using data, metrics, and participant feedback
• Prepare regular reports for court leadership, stakeholders, and funders
• Ensure compliance with court policies, legal standards, and grant requirements

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with community-based organizations, service providers, and government agencies
• Collaborate with housing navigators, workforce development partners, behavioral health providers, and legal aid organizations
• Represent MCCC in community meetings, panels, and stakeholder convenings
• Strengthen pathways to resources such as housing, employment, education, and expungement services

Participant Support & Case Coordination

• Oversee participant engagement strategies that promote accountability and long-term success
• Coordinate with case managers, probation officers, and court staff to support individualized service plans
• Identify barriers to success and develop solutions to address participant needs

Staff Leadership & Training

• Supervise program volunteers, interns, and volunteers as assigned
• Provide training on restorative justice practices, procedural fairness, and community engagement
• Support staff development and foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field and three (3) years of experience in program management, community-based justice, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong understanding of preventative and restorative justice principles
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs and multi-sector partnerships
• Experience working with justice-involved populations and diverse communities
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills
• Ability to analyze data and use outcomes to improve program effectiveness
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and deadlines

Core Competencies

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and procedural fairness
• Trauma-informed and participant-centered approach
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Relationship-building and community trust development
• Adaptability in a dynamic court and community environment

Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid environment including courtroom settings, community-based locations, and office space
• Requires regular interaction with justice-involved individuals and community partners

Impact Statement

This role is critical to advancing GSMCCC’s vision of transforming the justice system into a pathway for restoration, stability, and opportunity. The Program Manager will play a key role in ensuring that individuals are not defined by their past involvement but are supported in building a sustainable and successful future.

The Program Manager at GSMCCC will also work with the continued work of GSMCCC at the dedicated courtroom located inside the McGruder Family Resource Center called the Bordeaux North Community Justice Center located in the heart of Davidson County, Nashville, TN aiming to assist participants in diverse types of cases access a wide array of services that can help address the underlying issues that may have brought them to court.

The Program Manager helps to guide participants through the court process, links them to court-mandated and voluntary services, and offers support as they complete their programs. To facilitate these linkages, the Program Manager works closely with all GSMCCC staff (the Housing Court Navigator, Program & Social Work Coordinator, Community Client Advocate and Division VIII (8) along with the General Sessions Court Probation Department) and at times acts as the liaison between clinicians and the court.

By bridging the social services, clients, and court actors the GSMCCC staff help make the court process more efficient. When there is one caring and knowledgeable point person, the court saves clients the frustrating experience of being sent to different people and never reaching anyone who can help. Often the GSMCCC staff are the only people stationed in the courtroom who can answer detailed questions about the GSMCCC programs and make sure that all the court representatives are on the same page.

Dedication & Personable

Dedication and people skills lie at the heart of the Program Manager’s role, since there are many challenges and clients have their unique struggles and circumstances. Applicant MUST possess strong interpersonal and communication skills; are highly capable of adapting to a variety of situations and environments; and display strong empathy and an ability to see different perspectives. The Program Manager is seen as an ally and “cheerleader” in the court for the participants and the overall GSMCCC operation.

The best person for this position will have a serious appreciation for criminal justice reform, working diligently each and every day, is self-motivated and able to pivot when needed. This position requires you to have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living in poverty.

This job allows you to solve problems, address concerns and ensure people are aware of services available to them. You will help create a unified sense among a group and strengthen relationships between group members and others who can offer them assistance.

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience with diversion programs, re-entry initiatives, or restorative justice practices strongly preferred.
• Critical qualities for this position include an appreciation for the vision, mission and purposes of GSMCCC, a strong work ethic and the ability to work well within a team of diverse professionals
• Knowledge of pertinent professional subject matter field(s).
• Knowledge of principles and practices of business management.
• Knowledge of managerial and administrative principles and practices.
• Knowledge of community resources and agencies and the services they provide.
• Knowledge of programs or organizations and activities to which the subject matter knowledge relates.
• Skills in dealing with voluminous amounts of information.
• Skills in following up and gaining accurate information for request made for community appearances, events and speaking engagements.
• Ability to guide GSMCCC participants through the court process, linking them to court-mandated and voluntary services, and offers support as participants complete their programs.
• Ability to help GSMCCC participants access a wide array of services.
• Ability to analyze, monitor, and evaluate programs and to measure their effectiveness.
• Ability to assess situations accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to keep accurate records and write detailed reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Performs related duties as required.

The Program Manager serves as both a strategist and relationship-builder, ensuring that Judge Rachel L. Bell and GSMCCC’s mission is brought to life through impactful programming and strong community connections.

Programming Leadership

• Design and oversee programs that align with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
• Develop content and curricula for workshops, events, conferences, and ongoing initiatives.
• Supervise program staff and volunteers, ensuring quality delivery and consistency.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through feedback, data collection, and reporting.
• Secure partnerships and funding to sustain and expand programming.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership & Vision: Ability to design and execute programs that advance GSMCCC’s mission.
• Relationship-Building: Skilled at developing partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Program Management: Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to the needs of marginalized and underserved populations.
• Advocacy: Ability to represent GSMCCC with professionalism, credibility, and passion.

Community Engagement

• Build relationships with community stakeholders, partners, and organizations.
• Serve along Judge Rachel L. Bell as the public face of GSMCCC at community events, forums, and meetings.
• Engage diverse communities by designing culturally relevant, accessible, and inclusive initiatives.
• Facilitate collaborations between the organization and local businesses, schools, faith groups, and civic organizations.
• Lead outreach campaigns (social media, newsletters, presentations) to boost participation and awareness.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Judge Rachel L. Bell / GSMCCC and community partners, including nonprofits, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government agencies.
• Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships to expand resources and services for participants.
• Represent GSMCCC at community events, civic forums, and professional conferences.
• Lead outreach strategies to engage underserved and marginalized populations.
• Foster opportunities for community education around restorative justice and civic responsibility.

Strategic & Administrative Duties

• Align programming with organizational strategy, budget, and mission.
• Report outcomes to leadership, board members, and funders.
• Assist with fundraising by preparing proposals, grant reports, and showcasing program impact.
• Stay informed on community needs and emerging trends, adapting programming accordingly.
• Represent the organization in coalitions and working groups, advocating for shared priorities.

Typical Skills And Qualities

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to work across sectors and with diverse populations.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on leadership.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
• Can use all Microsoft Applications
• Experience with Canva for Flyer Designs and Newsletters
• Has experience in designing power point presentations

Job Hours Of Operation

• 40 hours a week
• Monday- Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
• Occasional work on Saturdays
• Occasional work on Sundays
• Comp Time available for hours worked over 40 in any given week
• 2-3 days of admin time gifted for exceptional work during Judge Rachel L. Bell’s ADMIN and MTMHI Docket Weeks.

All applicants MUST attach a resume, three references, and a cover letter of interest in 500 words or less.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be dir