Jobs to Change the Criminal Justice System

One potential silver lining of the worldwide recession we're currently experiencing is a sea change in the way Americans think about work. We're seeing more people enter nonprofit and social enterprise fields, prioritizing doing good over doing well. Perhaps the banking meltdown has opened some eyes to the unsustainability of setting aside morals to chase the dollar. More sustainable models are popping up right and left, and, because of this, the new economy could emerge stronger than ever. We launched Jobs for Change to further fuel this paradigm shift toward work with a mission.

Criminal justice reform organizations are certainly feeling this surge of interest from a new and diverse group of people. Recent college and law school graduates are seeking public interest work in bigger numbers. Seasoned attorneys are making the transition as their firms shrink. I've heard from several of people in just the last few days with questions on transitioning into criminal justice nonprofits or working for reform. It's an extremely good sign - as more talent moves into the sector, the chances for real change in the decade ahead grow stronger.

To make a difference in the world of criminal justice, you can go to law school and work in public interest. We always need more lawyers working for the underprivileged and underrepresented. But there are other paths, too. Criminal justice reform needs policy experts, fundraising professionals, social workers, psychologists, writers, researchers, investigators, health care professionals - and the list goes on.

If you're looking for a job in criminal justice, check out a few great opportunities from Jobs for Change after the jump.

• Death Penalty Focus, a small nonprofit devoted to abolishing the death penalty nationwide, is seeking a development professional to manage fundraising as a part of their small team.
• The Southern Poverty Law Center, a powerhouse in legal representation for death row inmates in the south and advocacy to end the death penalty and mass incarceration, is seeking an investigator/paralegal. This could be an incredible position for a new college graduate or someone transitioning careers to play a hands-on role in representing defendant in important (and exciting) criminal cases.
• Equal Justice Works, which mobilizes attorneys to work in the public interest through fellowships, communications, conference and training, is seeking a communications director to manage the organization's messaging and outreach.

These are just a few of the postings on Jobs for Change right now. Check out the site for yourself here.