Policy Advocate

The Innocence Project, Inc. (the “Project”) is seeking a Policy Advocate to work within the Policy Department. The Project is a non-profit pro bono legal clinic, founded in 1992 by Professor Barry Scheck and civil rights lawyer Peter Neufeld, affiliated with the Cardozo School of Law/Yeshiva University. The Project represents prisoners nationwide for whom post-conviction DNA testing can prove innocence, and seeks to redress the underlying causes of wrongful convictions through systemic criminal justice reform.

As forerunners in the field of wrongful convictions, the Project has grown to become much more than the "court of last resort" for inmates who have exhausted their appeals and their means.  We consult with policymakers on the state, local, and federal level, conduct research and training, produce scholarship, and propose a wide range of remedies to prevent wrongful convictions while continuing our work to free innocent inmates through the use of post conviction DNA testing.

Position Description

Working with one of the nation’s most prestigious nonprofits, this is an opportunity for a seasoned policy professional to have a significant impact on the lives of people and legislation across the country.  

Primary issues of concern for the Policy Advocate include post-conviction access to DNA testing, eyewitness identification reform, establishing moratoria on executions to consider reforms to minimize the possibility of executing the innocent, and providing services and compensation for the wrongfully convicted.  Additional priorities include preserving biological evidence, recording custodial interrogations, and establishing innocence commissions.

Reporting Relationships

Reporting to the Policy Director, working closely with the Policy Analyst as part the Policy team, and in consultation with the over thirty local Innocence Projects throughout the country, the Policy Advocate will track, coordinate, initiate and participate in targeted advocacy campaigns throughout the country.  

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead advocacy campaigns in targeted jurisdictions
• Lobby and brief policymakers and staff on key policy priorities
• Help devise and implement proactive strategies both for and against legislation and other policy developments
• Monitor and provide local partners in multiple states with advice and support from the IP Policy Department on multiple policy initiatives
• Prepare for legislative hearings
• Track and, as necessary, effect implementation of enacted legislation
• All other tasks related to crafting successful policy advocacy efforts

Goals and Objectives

It is expected that the Policy Advocate will, in the first two years, focus on the following goals and objectives.

• Shepherd specific pieces of legislation through the process
• Enable IP to meaningfully support innocence-related policy efforts nationwide
• Build relationships with local and national policy advocates; instill confidence and gain trust
• Work to enhance the Innocence Project presence in each state; establish formal roots and allies for the work
• Increase the number of states in which the Innocence Project is simultaneously collaborating with local partners on significant innocence-related policy advocacy efforts
• Establish productive working relationships with and earn the respect of the  Innocence Project Policy Staff and Innocence Network Policy Network

Qualities and Qualifications

The following are required qualifications and qualities:

• Demonstrated success advocating for progressive policy change, including shepherding a bill from introduction to passage and fostering appropriate implementation of law after passage
• The skill and motivation to work collaboratively with a diverse range of people – with diverse political views - including Innocence Policy Network members, local advocates, politicians, criminal justice personnel, legislators, and attorneys simultaneously, across various states and issues
• The ability to work as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary policy team
• Experience building, leading, and/or motivating the productive work of legislative coalitions
• A high level of personal and professional confidence and presence
• Social and political savvy as well as diplomacy
• An autonomous self-directed work style with a  proven commitment to working collaboratively
• Ability to travel extensively around the country
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple, various tasks
• Passion for the mission and commitment to the values of the organization
• Drive, energy and creativity as well as an entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity
• Ability to handle stress and ambiguity

Deeply appreciated but not absolutely essential qualities

• Outstanding writing ability
• Experience simultaneously advocating for policies in multiple states.
• Graduate degree in law, policy, administration, or political science
• A sense of humor

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive public interest salary and excellent paid health benefits, including health/dental/vision, 401k, Flex Spending Account, fully paid transitchecks, and generous allocation of vacation and personal days.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to the attention of Stephen Saloom, Policy Director, at hr6@innocenceproject.org.  Please include “Policy Advocate” in the subject line.  Please do not send .zip files; they will be deleted.

Please, no telephone calls regarding this position.

The Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.