Advisor on Forensic Science Policy

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project 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 anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Advisor on Forensic Science Policy will join a talented and creative Policy department that leverages the lessons of the wrongful convictions to advocate for changes to law and policy to prevent future injustices. The policy department works in all three branches of government to achieve reform, including federal and state based forensic science reform, and has enacted over 250 court rules, executive orders and federal and state-based legislative reforms since its inception in 2004.

The Advisor on Forensic Science Policy, contributes to the Innocence Project’s efforts to improve the quality and just and equitable implementation of forensic science methods, investigative technologies, and forensic medicine. These goals are accomplished  through the adoption of legislation and policy changes that support research, national standards, oversight, and the development of valid, reliable, transparent, and equitable practices.  

The Advisor on Forensic Science Policy leads a team (Forensic Science Associate and Forensic Policy Specialist) that reports to the Director of Policy and works closely with federal lobbyists and other Innocence Project department heads including Strategic Litigation, Data Science & Research and Post-Conviction Litigation.

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.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. While the Innocence Project has supported remote work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently committed to a hybrid workplace with mandatory three days per week in-office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strong relationship builder, collaborator and communicator. They are a dedicated leader and mentor. The ideal candidate is research and data-driven with a deep understanding of forensic science. Skills in diplomacy and discretion are key. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

FORENSIC SCIENCE LEADERSHIP:

• Supervise the forensic science policy team consisting of Forensic Policy Associate and Forensic Policy Specialist
• Serve as an organizational thought-leader on relevant forensic science methods and forensic medicine used for investigation and adjudication, and as needed, be a visible spokesperson of the Innocence Project in public forums and meetings
• Provide regular verbal and written updates, trainings and resources to Innocence Project staff regarding relevant topics and research
• Maintain a leadership role at the Innocence Project, including regular collaboration with colleagues in other departments, including Strategic Litigation, Data Science & Research and Post-Conviction Litigation, to achieve mutual goals and to further communication and cooperation
• In collaboration with the Director of Policy, with input from other departments, set annual goals for federal forensic science reform
• Provide interdepartmental support by coordinating information resources on forensic science methods and forensic medicine used for investigation and adjudication, and developments, external messaging, and networking

FORENSIC SCIENCE ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH:

• Act as lead staffer on federal forensic science policy campaigns
  • Plan and direct advocacy strategies to improve the forensic science methods and forensic medicine used for investigation and adjudication
  • Develop and nurture partnerships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, academic researchers, and leaders of forensic science organizations and crime laboratories
  • Manage drafting of legislative testimony, public comments, press statements, research memos, digests, and advocacy materials for forensic reform issues
  • Identify, cultivate, and nurture grass-tops and high-level relationships in the scientific and criminal legal community in support of science and technology reforms and convert adversarial relationships into productive working relationships in service of forensic science goals
  • Liaison with federal contract lobbyists and serve as a key participant in the team working on federal level policy reform efforts, setting annual forensic science campaign goals, providing input into strategies, and assisting with implementation
  • Support federal level appropriations efforts and criminal justice efforts as they pertain to forensic science
  • Serves as organizational liaison to the forensic community on policy issues
• Represent the Innocence Project at conferences and meetings including select state-level forensic commission meetings; provide testimony at legislative hearings and other local, state, or national forums or groups addressing reform efforts
• Provide technical staff support to all federal and state initiatives to improve the validity and reliability of forensic evidence
  • Provide general staff support, materials and support information to policymakers, Network colleagues, and other organizations interested in advancing forensic science reform
  • Identify and collaborate with state policy advocates on state and local forensic science efforts that can enhance success of national reform efforts to promote transparency, the fair and ethical application of forensic science methods and forensic medicine used in investigations and adjudication, and to improve the delivery of science and technology services, such as strategies to address prevention, detection, and remediation of errors; this can include tracking adverse events in forensic science service providers, and encouraging investigations into these adverse events
• In collaboration with other departments, serve as a coordinator and educator of forensic science methods and forensic medicine used for investigation and adjudication, both internally and with respect to publications, materials, and resources
• Participate in the development of  and maintain  Innocence Project position materials on forensic science methods and forensic medicine used in investigations and adjudication
• Responsible for background research and project management, including developing objectives and plans, projecting resource needs and tracking of progress, and supervising volunteers or other personnel needed for new initiatives relating to forensic science reform
• Develop materials and implement approaches, in collaboration with other departments, to educate internal staff, media and the public

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Graduate degree in life, physical, applied, or clinical science.
• 9 years of relevant experience (minimum 5 years work experience in forensic science and minimum 2 years experience working on policy reform). If more than 12 total years of experience, Senior title will be considered. 
• A strong understanding of the forensic science standard development process.
• A deep knowledge of biometrics would be an asset.
• A strong understanding of the scientific method and the ability to explain scientific concepts to non-experts.
• Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with a broad variety of stakeholders, including forensic professionals and unusual allies.
• Familiarity with the political process (both the rules and the realities), and experience engaging in legislative and rule-making processes. 
• Proven ability to successfully manage multiple, various tasks.
• Minimum 3 years supervisory experience and experience mentoring early career professionals.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES VALUES

• Research and data driven.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively relay scientific concepts to lay audiences. 
• Flexible and collaborative work style, and ability to function effectively in a demanding environment and as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary policy team.
• Superior skills in organization, planning and attention to details. 
• Skills and motivation to interact effectively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds and political views, including, forensic practitioners, scientists, lawyers, judges, and legislators in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways. 
• A willingness and ability to travel (roughly 33% of the time).
• Willingness to serve various roles in support of team advocacy efforts.
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest.
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including 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, and 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 upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (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

$127,500 - $178,500 (commensurate with experience)