Job Description

Our organization works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair,

compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded

in antiracism.

The Chief Program Officer is responsible for oversight, management, and supervision of the following program areas: Data Science & Research; Intake & Case Evaluation; Post-conviction Litigation; Special Litigation; Strategic Litigation; Social Work; and, Policy.

The Chief Program Officer serves as a primary thought partner to the talented, creative, and hardworking team of experienced professionals that they lead. They are responsible for keeping the teams under their supervision aligned, focused, motivated, and high performing to ensure the effectiveness and quality of work in each area. The Chief Program Officer will

model the company values of an inclusive and respectful workplace and encourage the same

from their staff.

The Chief Program Officer reports to the Executive Director, and also works closely with all members of the Senior Leadership Team – including the Chief People and Culture Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Communications Officer, and the Chief Development Officer – to advance the vision, strategy, goals,

All 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.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed

virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three (3) days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP:

• Report to the Executive Director and work in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team to

implement the company’s strategic vision and plan for its substantive program

departments;

• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, with the Executive Director, Program Directors,
• and staff, articulating the company’s positions on a broad range of issues to the public and
• diverse stakeholder constituencies;

• Cultivate, build and maintain strategic relationships to advance the mission, to
• engage on shared priorities, and to exchange knowledge and information.

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP:

• Develop and maintain a broad and deep knowledge of all program areas and working closely with the Program Directors to provide strategic thought-partnership and guidance;

• Collaborate with Program Directors to identify relevant legal and policy issues to research, opportunities for amicus briefs, and follows current and pending litigation and legislation;

• Regular collaboration with Program Directors to ensure consistency and integration of policy and litigation goals and to improve operations, communications, and effectiveness;

• Plan and manage budgets with Program Directors and ensure effective use of organizational resources to ensure accountability and excellent stewardship;

• Cultivate and coordinate pro bono legal resources.

PEOPLE AND TEAM MANAGEMENT:

• Foster cross-Program and cross-Department collaboration, identify opportunities and create strategies for further integration, communication, and cooperation;

• In partnership with Program Directors and staff, set goals, monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, solve problems, and evaluate resource allocation;

• Effectively manage, coach and supervise a high performing program staff, including Program Directors who manage others;

• Develop and manage processes for teams as required to enhance clarity, efficiency, efficacy and morale.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 15+ years of professional experience, including at least 5 years managing teams involving complex tradeoffs and coordination;

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree preferred;

• Broad background in criminal justice, including familiarity with the company's program areas;

• A demonstrated commitment to criminal, racial and social justice and to the Innocence Project’s goals, mission, and values;

• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• A 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 with staff and externally, in the spaces in which the company operates

• Ability to listen, communicate effectively, coach, shepherd, and support people to achieve shared goals

• Ability to manage multiple competing demands and resources and make decisions in a fast-paced environment

• Effective internal and external communications skills and the ability to engage and appropriately mobilize and utilize the skills and experiences across departments

• Demonstrated success working effectively with external partners including donors, pro-bono law firms, and government officials

• Excellent research and writing skills

• Superior attention to detail

• Outstanding judgment and problem-solving abilities

• Flexibility, grace and a sense of humor

• Enthusiasm for the work of the firm and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest

• Shared commitment to the values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

Job Tags

Similar Jobs