Chief Program Officer, Exoneration Strategy & Support

The Chief Program Officer, Exoneration Strategy & Support is responsible for oversight, management, and supervision of the Post-conviction Litigation, Special Litigation, Social Work, and Intake & Case Evaluation program areas at the Innocence Project. The role serves as a primary thought partner to the team of experienced professionals they lead, is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and reports to the Executive Director. The position requires approximately 40 hours of work per week, performed virtually/in-office under a hybrid model with all employees in the office three days per week (Wednesday is the 'anchor day'). The organization is not able to sponsor visas and is not an e-verify employer.

Responsibilities

Oversee, manage, and supervise Post-conviction Litigation, Special Litigation, Social Work, and Intake & Case Evaluation program areas; Serve as a primary thought partner to the teams led and keep them aligned, focused, motivated, and high performing; Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to overall organizational direction, strategy, and health; Contribute to organization-wide strategic planning, decision making, and resource allocation; Achieve departmental objectives and regularly report on progress and outcomes to the Board, senior leadership, and staff; Report to the Executive Director and implement the strategic vision and plan for substantive program departments; Serve as a spokesperson for the Innocence Project; Plan and manage budgets with program directors; Cultivate, coordinate and maintain pro bono legal relationships and resources; Effectively manage and coach Directors and develop processes to enhance clarity, efficiency, efficacy, and morale; Model and encourage the organization's values of an inclusive and respectful workplace

Requirements

15+ years of professional experience, including at least 5 years managing teams involving complex coordination; Juris Doctor (JD) degree required; Current member, in good standing, of the New York bar or eligibility for admission to the New York bar via motion pursuant to Section 520.10 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law within 6 months of start date is required; Broad background in criminal justice, including familiarity with the Innocence Project's program areas; Experience with and/or demonstrated understanding of social work, record collection, and other litigation support processes; A demonstrated commitment to criminal, racial and social justice and to the Innocence Project's goals, mission, and values; Demonstrated success working effectively with external partners including donors, pro-bono law firms, and government officials; Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice to have

Management style that is open and consultative with a focus on team building and creating a culture of belonging and inclusion; Capacity to deeply engage in equity work internally and externally; Ability to listen, communicate effectively, coach, shepherd, and support people to achieve shared goals; Ability to manage multiple competing demands and resources in a fast-paced environment; Excellent research and writing skills; Superior attention to detail; Outstanding judgment and problem-solving abilities; Flexibility, grace and a sense of humor; Enthusiasm for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest; Personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply

Benefits

Fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance; Flexible Spending Account; 401k plan with 6% company-match; Paid disability and family care leave; Adoption and fertility expense reimbursements; Company-paid transportation benefits