Advisor on Race and Wrongful Conviction

Innocence Project

(Special) Advisor on Race and Wrongful Conviction at the Innocence Project. Collaborating on racial justice and wrongful conviction issues.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $127,500 - $178,500 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide ongoing expertise, thought leadership, and strategic vision to various program directors and executive leadership on the role of racial bias and discrimination in the administration of the criminal legal system and the ways in which it contributes to the wrongful conviction of innocent people.
Build and maintain strong and effective relationships with organizations, academics, researchers, attorneys, organizers, policy advocates and other experts that specialize in the operation of racial bias and discrimination in the criminal legal system and decision making.
Continuously monitor state and federal court decisions addressing novel and/or significant claims of racial bias and discrimination in (and relating to) criminal justice and the wrongful conviction of innocent people.
Continuously monitor emerging legal, historical, forensic and social science research and scholarship, and policy landscape regarding the impact of racial bias on decision making especially as applied to the criminal legal system and the wrongful conviction of innocent people.
Provide regular verbal and written updates, trainings and resources to IP and Center staff regarding relevant research.
Produce lay and academic publications and original research on the role of race in wrongful convictions, including co-publishing with NYU Center and IP.
Collaborate with IP Departments on cases, campaigns and strategies involving race, racial bias/discrimination as they lead to wrongful conviction.
Collaborate with the NYU Center on research and thought leadership regarding race, racial bias/discrimination as they lead to wrongful conviction.
Attend relevant trainings, conferences and conventions regarding the ways in which racial bias and discrimination in the criminal legal system contributes to the wrongful conviction of innocent people, bring these learnings into the IP’s work and position IP as a participant in and contributor to these larger conversations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school is 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
8+ years of progressive responsibility in academia, policy advocacy and/or litigation in areas at the intersection of racial justice, civil rights and criminal justice
A sophisticated analysis and knowledge of racial injustice in America, its history and manifestations, and efforts to address it
Demonstrated history of collaboration with communities of color on race, criminal justice and civil rights
Demonstrated project and time management skill, including organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
Demonstrated experience in creative problem solving, strategic flexibility, and good judgment
Experience with strategic planning
Willingness to travel as necessary for speaking events, meetings, and conferences
Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Soft Skills

Creative Problem SolvingStrategic FlexibilityGood JudgmentCollaboration