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Senior Advisor on Racial Justice and Wrongful Conviction
2 months ago
ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
The Innocence Project is dedicated to liberating the wrongfully convicted, preventing future injustices, and fostering a just and equitable legal system for all individuals. Our mission is driven by scientific evidence and a commitment to anti-racism. Since our establishment, we have utilized DNA and other scientific breakthroughs to demonstrate wrongful convictions, successfully exonerating over 200 individuals who collectively endured more than 3,600 years of wrongful imprisonment. Our advocacy has resulted in the enactment of over 200 significant state laws and federal reforms. The Innocence Project remains committed to advocating for justice, driving systemic reform, and advancing the movement for innocence.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Racial bias and discrimination have historically influenced the criminal justice system, contributing to wrongful convictions. Notably, two-thirds of the 239 individuals exonerated by the Innocence Project are people of color, with 58% being Black. Data from the National Registry of Exonerations reveals that Black individuals account for 47% of all known exonerations since 1989, despite representing only 13% of the U.S. population. Furthermore, Black individuals are disproportionately affected by wrongful convictions, being seven times more likely to be wrongfully convicted of murder compared to their white counterparts. The Innocence Project has highlighted systemic biases in prosecution, law enforcement, public defense, and forensic science.
The Senior Advisor on Racial Justice and Wrongful Conviction will act as a consultant, thought leader, and in-house expert on issues of racial equity, bias, and discrimination, particularly in relation to wrongful convictions. This role will establish a vision for addressing these critical issues and will collaborate with Innocence Project staff to ensure that our initiatives are informed by comprehensive historical, academic, forensic, and social science research. The advisor will guide the organization in identifying cases where racial bias may have contributed to wrongful convictions, ensuring that our litigation strategies reflect the latest legal and scientific insights regarding racial discrimination. Additionally, the advisor will work to ensure that our social work policies are responsive to the challenges posed by systemic bias and that our advocacy efforts contribute to dismantling institutional racism.
The Senior Advisor will support various departments within the organization but will not engage directly in litigation or policy advocacy campaigns. This position reports to the Executive Director and is part of the Executive Department.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a proactive thought leader with expertise in racial injustice and its intersection with civil rights and the criminal justice system. They will possess a passion for educating and disseminating research on these critical topics to diverse audiences.
All employees of the Innocence Project are expected to embrace and value the diverse perspectives and experiences within our team. We believe that our work is enriched by a variety of viewpoints and collaborative partnerships. The ideal candidate will thrive in this inclusive environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Provide ongoing expertise and strategic guidance to program directors and executive leadership regarding the impact of racial bias in the criminal justice system and its role in wrongful convictions.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with organizations, academics, and experts focused on racial bias and discrimination within the legal system.
- Monitor relevant state and federal court decisions related to racial bias claims in criminal justice.
- Stay informed on emerging research and policy developments regarding racial bias and its implications for wrongful convictions.
- Deliver regular updates, training, and resources to staff on pertinent research findings.
- Produce publications to share original research with both lay and academic audiences.
- Collaborate with teams on cases and strategies that involve issues of race and wrongful conviction.
- Participate in relevant trainings and conferences to enhance the organization's engagement in discussions surrounding racial bias in the criminal justice system.
- A JD or Master's degree in a relevant field is required; JD preferred.
- 12+ years of progressive experience in academia, policy advocacy, or litigation focused on racial justice and civil rights.
- Deep understanding of racial injustice in America and the historical context of these issues.
- Proven track record of collaboration with communities of color on matters of race and criminal justice.
- Strong project management skills, including attention to detail and follow-through.
- Experience in strategic planning and problem-solving.
- Willingness to travel as necessary for events and meetings.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Expertise in racial injustice and its intersections with criminal justice and civil rights.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Strong research and analytical capabilities.
- Commitment to social justice and the mission of the Innocence Project.
- Alignment with the values of accountability, collaboration, empathy, equity, and self-awareness.
The salary for this position is competitive, and the Innocence Project offers a comprehensive benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental, and vision insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, a 401k plan with a 6% company match, paid disability and family care leave, and other benefits.
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Innocence Project values diversity within its workforce as essential to fulfilling its mission. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, including those with personal connections to the criminal justice system. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate based on any protected category.
