Program Innovation Manager

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,300 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Program Innovation Manager to lead the development of cutting-edge tools and training, advances tech-enabled solutions and manages prototype development for program products and data management platforms. This role manages IJM‘s most advanced innovation and technology initiatives and partners with global and regional program leaders and subject matter experts to scale and adopt proven solutions.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to Director, Program Innovation and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and drive innovation strategy integrating emerging technologies and innovation methodologies to advance the Program Roadmap.
• Lead research, program management, and monitoring and evaluation efforts inclusive of major prototyping, rapid research, and pilot management for technology-driven solutions; synthesize evidence and monitor outcomes to inform scale-up decisions and global guidance.
• Develop and institutionalize ethical and operational guidelines for technology-driven programming and interventions ensuring compliance with safeguarding, data privacy, and global standards.
• Translate complex technology and insights into clear, actionable briefs and presentations for senior leadership and field teams to inform decision-making and scaling strategies.
• Design and deliver advanced training programs on innovation tools and technology applications, equipping IJM teams to prototype and scale tech-enabled interventions effectively.
• Participation in IJM’s community of spiritual formation.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Ability to translate complex technology and insights into clear, actionable briefs and presentations for senior leadership and field teams to inform decision-making and scaling strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional meetings with global and regional stakeholders to align priorities, track progress, and ensure timely execution of technology initiatives.
• Experience in human-centered design, program innovation, technology-enabled solutions, or systems change in global development contexts; experience with AI, digital platforms, and emerging tech for social impact.
• Proven track record in designing and scaling interventions across multiple geographies.
• Experience working in cross-cultural contexts and survivor-centered program development.
  
  

Critical Qualities:

• Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building;
• Self-starter with strong initiative;
• Disciplined with priorities;
• Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness;
• Exceptional verbal and written communication;
• Flexible, collaborative and eager to support others;
• Effective team player who fosters collaborative environment; and
• Adept at creative problem solving.
  
  

Application Process:

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.

• What is a statement of faith? A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.
  
  

What does IJM have to offer?

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits
• Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area
• Retirement benefit options
• Paid leave starting at 23 days
• 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)
• Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation
• Robust staff care resources
  
  

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.