(Special) Advisor on Forensic Science Policy

Job description

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 (url removed).

ABOUT THE POSITION

The (Special) 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 policy changes, including legislation, that support research, national standards, oversight, and the development of valid, reliable, transparency, and equitable practices.

 

The (Special) Advisor on Forensic Science Policy leads a team (Forensic Science Policy Associate and Forensic Science Policy Specialist), reports to the Director of Policy, and works closely with federal and state advocates and  lobbyists, Innocence Network members, and staff from other Innocence Project departments, including Strategic Litigation, Data Science & Research, and Post-Conviction Litigation.

The Policy Department is hiring for one position, which will be filled at either the the Advisor level (for candidates with 9–12 years of relevant experience) or the Special Advisor level (for candidates with 12+ years of relevant experience), depending on qualifications and experience.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.

However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

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 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.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

For the Advisor position, the Innocence Project seeks a seasoned science policy expert with a strong background in forensic science and at least 2 years of experience in criminal justice policy and reform for a total of at least 9 years of experience (see below*).

They bring proven leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and driving national-level advocacy strategies.

With exceptional communication skills, they can translate complex scientific issues into actionable policy and public education efforts.

The candidate excels at building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, lawmakers, and justice advocates.

For the Special Advisor position, the Innocence Project seeks an experienced leader in science policy with a strong background in forensic science and at least 4 years of experience driving reform at the intersection of forensic science and the criminal legal system for a total of at least 12 years of experience (see below*).

They possess deep expertise in shaping and executing high-level policy strategies and are a confident public spokesperson on forensic science issues.

This individual excels at leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and advancing systemic change through evidence-based advocacy.

They bring a strong track record of building and managing strategic partnerships with scientific institutions, academic leaders, and government agencies.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and lived experience of our staff.

We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

FORENSIC SCIENCE LEADERSHIP:

• Supervise the forensic science policy team consisting of Forensic Science Policy Associate and Forensic Science Policy Specialist
• Serve as an organizational thought-leader on relevant scientific methods and technologies used in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, 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 resources on scientific methods and technologies used for investigations and adjudications, share relevant research and recent publications, and assist with the creation of public statements and other external messaging.

FORENSIC SCIENCE ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH:

• Act as lead staffer on federal forensic science policy campaigns;
• Plan and direct advocacy strategies to improve the scientific techniques,  forensic medicine practices, and technologies used in criminal investigations and legal proceedings;   
• Develop and nurture partnerships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, academic researchers, and leaders of forensic science organizations and laboratories;
• Manage drafting of legislative testimony, public comments, press statements, research memos, digests, and advocacy materials for forensic science reform issues;
• Identify, cultivate, and nurture high-level relationships in the scientific and criminal legal community in support of science and technology reforms and convert potentially adversarial relationships into collaborative partnerships to advance forensic science objectives;
• Coordinate with federal contract lobbyists and key participants on federal level policy reform efforts by setting annual forensic science campaign goals, providing input into strategies, and assisting with execution of campaigns;
• Support federal appropriations efforts and criminal legal reform efforts as they pertain to forensic science and technologies;
• Represent the Innocence Project at conferences and meetings; at select state-level forensic commission meetings; and 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 and resources to policymakers, Network colleagues, and other organizations interested in advancing forensic science and technology reform;
• Identify and collaborate with state policy advocates on state and local forensic science efforts that can enhance the success of national efforts to promote transparency, mandate ethical and just practices, and improve forensic science services; 
• In collaboration with other departments, serve as a coordinator and educator of forensic science and medicine methods and technologies used in criminal investigations and adjudications, both internally and publicly, by releasing publications, materials, and resources;
• Participate in the development of and maintain Innocence Project position materials on forensic science and medicine methods and technologies used in criminal investigations and adjudications; 
• Provide background research and project management, including developing objectives and plans, projecting resource needs, tracking progress, and supervising volunteers or other personnel needed for initiatives relating to forensic science reforms

Special Advisor on Forensic Science Policy

The Special Advisor on Forensic Policy will be responsible for all of the duties of the Advisor on Forensic Policy.

In addition, they will have over 12 years of experience and will independently lead national initiatives to strengthen the integrity and use of forensic evidence in the criminal legal system.

They will shape and execute high-level policy strategies and serve as a primary spokesperson on forensic science reform.

This leader will cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with scientific organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies, while overseeing complex advocacy efforts.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Advisor on Forensic Science Policy
• Master's degree plus 9 years experience* 
• (minimum 5 years of work experience in a scientific field and minimum 2 years of experience working on science policy in a legislative, government agency, national academy, nonprofit, industry, or think tank setting) 
• Special Advisor on Forensic Science Policy
• Master's degree plus 12 years experience* 
• (minimum 5 years of work experience in a scientific field and minimum 4 years of experience working on science policy in a legislative, government agency, national academy, nonprofit, industry, or think tank setting) 
• Degrees should be in forensic science, biology, chemistry, physics, neuroscience, and/or a closely related scientific or engineering field
• A strong understanding of the scientific standard development process
• A strong understanding of scientific methods and the ability to explain scientific concepts to policy makers and laypeople
• Demonstrated ability to establish relationships with a broad variety of stakeholders, including scientists, researchers, and other  relevant professionals
• 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
• At least 1 year, preferably 2-3 of 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
• Shared commitment to the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

Benefits

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 click 'Apply for this Job' below.

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.

SALARY RANGE

For candidates considered at the Advisor on Forensic Science Policy level (9-12 years experience): $127,500 - $150,000

For candidates considered at the Special Advisor on Forensic Science Policy level (12+ years experience): $151,725 - $178,500

Required Skill Profession

Other General