Chief Exoneration Programs & Strategy Leader

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 298,000; Full time

Job summary

The Innocence Project seeks a Chief Program Officer, Exoneration Strategy & Support to oversee Post-conviction Litigation, Special Litigation, Social Work, and Intake programs. The role drives strategic alignment, budget oversight, and cross-program collaboration in a high-impact, mission-driven environment.

Hybrid work model with in-office days, strong emphasis on leadership, equity, and organizational health to advance exoneration efforts and policy impact.

Qualifications

• Senior leader with deep expertise in exoneration programs and post-conviction litigation.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and budgets.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and IP values.

Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership: implement IP strategy across program departments and report to the Executive Director.
• Program Leadership: guide Post-conviction Litigation, Intake, Special Litigation, and Social Work with senior directors.
• People and Team Management: coach directors, set goals, monitor progress, and allocate resources.
• Policy and operations alignment: ensure coherence and integration across programs to maximize impact.

Skills

Organizational leadership

Strategic planning

Litigation experience

Equity & inclusion

Job description

The Innocence Project seeks a Chief Program Officer, Exoneration Strategy & Support to oversee Post-conviction Litigation, Special Litigation, Social Work, and Intake programs. The role drives strategic alignment, budget oversight, and cross-program collaboration in a high-impact, mission-driven environment.

Hybrid work model with in-office days, strong emphasis on leadership, equity, and organizational health to advance exoneration efforts and policy impact.