Second Look Network Director

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Organization information
Organization name: 
The Sentencing Project
Street address: 
1705 DeSales St NW, Floor 8
City: 
Washington
State: 
District of Columbia
ZIP: 
20036
Job type: 
Policy Development/Advocacy
Position Description: 

The Sentencing Project promotes effective and humane responses to crime that minimize incarceration and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. Information about The Sentencing Project is available at www.sentencingproject.org.

Working in partnership with an advisory board of stakeholder organizations, litigators, advocates, and formerly incarcerated people, The Sentencing Project plans to build the Second Look Network which will provide support to lawyers and activists across the country who are dedicated to representing and supporting individuals seeking relief from long sentences, beyond the context of wrongful conviction claims. The Network would support litigators and advocates by 1) organizing online and in-person forums for members to share ideas, briefs, strategies, and experts; 2) helping shape a common narrative supporting the compelling case for returning people home who have served long sentences; 3) connecting these groups to policy efforts in the states and nationally to support expansion and implementation of second look mechanisms; 4) supporting network members with communications consultation to coordinate their individual efforts with the national effort; and 5) collecting and analyzing data on cases handled by network members in order to both strengthen network efforts and inform the advocacy community and others of strategic outcomes.

The Network Director has primary responsibility for the creation of the Network, including recruitment of membership, formulating committee structures among members that guide Network strategy and goals, and advancing the vision of the Network. The Director collaborates closely with the Network’s advisory board and reports directly to The Sentencing Project’s Deputy Director who oversees TSP’s Campaign to End Life Imprisonment activities, which the Network will be a part.

The ideal candidate will have strong management and administrative experience, a track record for legal acumen, an ability to move vision into action, and an aptitude to develop and support a highly effective Network support team.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordination of the Second Look Network
-Develops and spearheads the implementation of a strategic plan for the Network
-Works closely with the Second Look Network advisory board to advance the directives, goals and priorities of Network membership
-Works with The Sentencing Project Deputy Director to coordinate TSP resources that support the Network’s activities and projects
-Manages and oversees the work of the Second Look Network Program Manager
-Coordinates strategies for collaboration across member organizations
-Coordinates the work of the Network committees
-Develops and recommends new or revised program goals and objectives with the Network advisory board

Capacity Building for Network Member Organizations
-Consults with individual organizations to identify program or professional development needs and constructs opportunities and resources to share best practices and relevant materials to network members
-Identifies amicus strategies and support for network goals, including drafting and coordination of amicus briefs
-Builds a supportive community of practice among post-conviction litigators and sentencing reform advocates
-Oversees planning of Network’s annual in-person conference, as well as regular virtual meetings and workshops for Network members
-Working with TSP staff and allies, facilitates connection between Network members and sentencing reform movements at the national, state, and local level

Reporting Responsibilities for the Network Advisory Board and Membership
-Coordinates periodic Network and advisory board meetings; ensures follow-up as appropriate
-Prepares periodic reports on program activities, progress, status or other special reports for management or outside organizations
-Prepares Board Reports & budgets related to the Network’s financial statements in collaboration with TSP staff

COMPENSATION
The position offers a salary of $110,000 along with an employee benefits package that includes four weeks paid vacation, accrued sick leave, health, dental, life and disability insurance, contribution to 403(b) retirement plan and transportation benefits.

TSP provides up to $50 per month upon request for cell phone service charges incurred by full-time staff as part of their daily job duties. The $50 is not compensation but a direct employee benefit processed through TSP’s payroll firm. TSP reserves the right to reduce or discontinue the benefit with or without advance notice.

Paid Holidays

New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Inauguration Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Indigenous People’s Day
Election Day
Thanksgiving Day and following Friday
Veteran’s Day
Christmas Day
December 26 – 31

Requirements: 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-Law degree
-Deep knowledge of the criminal legal system
-Experience conducting post-conviction litigation, such as parole, clemency, resentencing, and/or habeas corpus work

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
-A minimum of 5 years previous experience working in a government or non-profit organization, including experience leading and managing projects
-Experience supervising staff
-Experience working in and building coalitions
-Experience working with communications professionals and the media
-Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

KEY COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
-Strong legal writing and analysis skills
-Ability to work independently, assess priorities, and take initiative
-Demonstrated commitment to ending mass incarceration and advancing racial justice
-High level of proficiency in administrative work, including organization and planning for self and others
-Strong interpersonal, diplomatic and communication (verbal & written) skills; able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds
-Ability to juggle multiple tasks
-Strong strategic and analytical skills
-Ability to manage staff and consultants and provide support, coaching, and mentorship

To apply: 

HOW TO APPLY
Candidates who are qualified by experience, skill, and personal motivation are invited to apply.

Candidates wishing to work remotely outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area will be considered.

The Sentencing Project is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer committed to cultural diversity and recruits without regard to gender identity, race, ethnicity, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, or prior conviction.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to: [email protected]

No phone calls.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$110,000