ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
The Innocence Project was founded in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University to assist the wrongly convicted who could be proven innocent through DNA testing. The Innocence Project’s groundbreaking use of DNA technology to free innocent people has provided irrefutable proof that wrongful convictions are not isolated or rare events but instead arise from systemic defects. Now an independent nonprofit organization closely affiliated with Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, the Innocence Project’s mission is to free the staggering numbers of innocent people who remain incarcerated and to bring substantive reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Network Support Unit (NSU), a department within the Innocence Project, works to strengthen the Innocence Network and its member organizations to achieve breakthrough results in addressing and preventing wrongful conviction.
The Innocence Network Coordinator oversees operations of the Network, contributes to the governance function of the Network by supporting the work of its Executive Board (the steering committee that guides the Network) and the board’s standing committees and ad hoc working groups, and supports the overall work of the NSU. They serve as the primary point of contact for applying organizations and facilitate resource sharing and communication among Network member organizations. The Innocence Network Coordinator collaborates with other members of the Network Support Unit to produce organizational development resources and training materials to further the aims of Innocence Network members. The Innocence Network Coordinator also plays a leading role in the planning and production of the Innocence Network Conference, a large annual gathering of the innocence community.
All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.
This position requires 40 hours of work per week to be performed in-office. IP is working under a voluntary hybrid remote model until October.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate is an organized, thoughtful and diligent individual who brings a confident presence into group conversations. This person is comfortable with both the administrative and substantive aspects of the role, and appreciates the balance between those functions. This could be an ideal role for someone who is interested in this job as a springboard to a career in nonprofit management or organizational development, and who is interested in gaining lots of hands-on experience working with teams doing consultancy and training, and exposure to boards, committees, and organizational governance.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
COORDINATION OF THE INNOCENCE NETWORK:
Coordinate application process for organizations applying to the Network and onboarding process for new member organizations and individuals new to positions of leadership within the Network
Schedule and coordinate the logistics of meetings for the Innocence Network Executive Board, the Membership Committee, and visitors from allied organizations; prepare meeting agendas and materials and record minutes
Coordinate the work of the Membership Committee, including review of membership applications and evaluation of the health and activities of existing members, as well as issues concerning compliance with membership and ethics and best practices criteria. Serve as the NSU representative in conversations and represent the interests of the NSU team
Coordinate submission of annual report surveys and the calculation and collection of membership dues from all Network member organizations
Maintain critical Network records, including databases that track legal victories, the Network’s member directories, key points of contact lists, and information on the overall Network governance structure
Coordinate the administration of the Edmondson Walking Fund grant that supports Network exonerees upon release; determine eligibility of applicants, conduct outreach to Network members with eligible clients, track funding, and compile materials needed for renewal report
Coordinate the hiring and supervise one department intern each semester; assign projects, serve as liaison between intern and other members of the NSU, and provide relevant feedback on work produced
Coordinate the nomination and selection of the annual Network Champion of Justice and Journalism Awards
COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FOR THE INNOCENCE NETWORK:
Respond to and appropriately direct individuals seeking legal assistance from Network member organizations
Serve as point of contact for organizations and individuals interested in starting innocence efforts or student innocence clubs
Coordinate the administration of the Network’s Intranet site and email listservs ● Maintain the Innocence Network website, ensuring it is regularly populated with relevant news and information, and collaborate with other members of the team to update the Network’s social media accounts
Compile, draft and disseminate a monthly e-newsletter to staff of all Innocence Network members ● Respond to inquiries made through the Network website and to info@innocenceproject.org regarding the work of the Network
INNOCENCE NETWORK CONFERENCE:
Support the planning of the Innocence Network Conference, including helping oversee the call for session proposals and session evaluation process, generating materials, organizing the printing of materials, overseeing the packing and shipment of materials to conference venue, and other logistics as needed
Coordinate the registration process, including review of registrants, liaising with registration tool software maker, and the switch from early bird to regular registration
Populate the conference website and app, updating content frequently as conference approaches ● Coordinate the schedule and orientation of conference session monitors and other conference volunteers
Handle inquiries from attendees prior to and during the conference and provide on-site support; record minutes at the Network directors’ meeting
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING:
Research and create resources for Innocence Network members on pertinent topics, such as board governance, case management systems, and education advocacy
Research and create resources for advocates outside of the Network on pertinent topics, such as establishing new innocence organizations and guidance for high school and undergraduate innocence clubs
With the rest of the Network Support Unit, analyze the results of the Innocence Network’s annual member evaluations and compile summary documents illustrating trends and red flags ● Participate in the formulation of ongoing outreach activities in response to annual report survey data
Work on special projects that serve to strengthen the work of Network members, such as tracking data concerning Network exonerations and legal victories
Facilitate Network members’ access to legal resource offerings, such as pro bono subscriptions to legal services and databases
Support the Executive Board and committees’ work creating resources for Network members
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
A passion for the Network’s work and a keen interest in organizational development and nonprofit management
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of four years of work experience
Excellent writing and editing skills
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure and deadlines ● Experience in event management a plus
KEY COMPETENCIES
Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and adhere to timelines with meticulous attention to detail
Ability to handle a broad range of stakeholders with grace and diplomacy
Particular eye for systems and operational management
Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability for delivering high-quality work ● Must be able to work with groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways. ● Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
Shares values of equity, excellence, collaboration, humanity, integrity, respect, and accountability
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with company-match. While the office is currently remote in consideration of the ongoing pandemic, once commuting into the office (located in downtown Manhattan, New York) becomes again viable we will also offer company-paid transportation benefits.
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial
status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please visit Paycom. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.
**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**
Salary Range
$33.71 per hour
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