Advisor on Forensic Science Policy

About The Organization

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 and federal laws. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit https//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 position of Forensic Science Policy Advisor came into being once we realized that the mis-application of forensic science and forensic medicine was a significant contributing factor in more than 50% of the DNA exonerations. The Advisor on Forensic Science Policy, contributes to the Innocence Project's efforts to ensure accurate, reliable, just and equitable implementation of forensic science and forensic medicine in criminal investigations and adjudications. 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 and procedures. The Advisor on Forensic Science Policy will also stay abreast of new developments – such as artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies – and advocate for their implementation, when they are demonstrably reliable, safe and equitable and do not diminish civil liberties or oppose their implementation when they are not. 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. 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.

The Advisor on Forensic Science Policy leads a team of two Forensic Science Policy Associate and Forensic Science Policy Specialist. The team works closely with state and federal lobbyists and other Innocence Project department heads including Strategic Litigation, Data Science & Research and Post-Conviction Litigation.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

Forensic Science Leadership

• Serve as an organizational thought leader on forensic science and forensic medicine used in criminal investigations and adjudications and, as needed, serve as a visible spokesperson of the Innocence Project in public forums and meetings
• Monitor forensic debates and issues and provide regular updates, trainings and resources to Innocence Project staff, regarding relevant topics and research, to ensure the team has accurate and up-to-date knowledge of the field
• Maintain regular collaboration with colleagues in other departments, such as 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 and state forensic science and forensic medicine reform
• Provide interdepartmental support by coordinating information resources on forensic science methods, forensic medicine and technologies used for investigation and adjudication, external messaging, and networking
  
  

Forensic Science Advocacy and Outreach

• Act as lead staffer on federal and state forensic science and forensic medicine policy campaigns
• Plan and direct advocacy strategies relating but not limited to accuracy, reliability, ELSI, racial justice, civil liberties, etc. to improve the use of forensic science and forensic medicine used for investigation and adjudication
• Develop and nurture partnerships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, academic researchers, as well as leaders of forensic science organizations and crime laboratories
• In collaboration with the policy team and other departments, draft legislative testimony, public comments, press statements, research memos, digests, and advocacy materials for forensic reform issues
• Identify, cultivate, maintain and nurture grass-tops and high-level relationships in the scientific and criminal legal community in support of science and technology reforms, including converting adversarial relationships into productive working relationships in service of forensic science goals
• Liaison with federal and state contract lobbyists and serve as a key participant in the team working on federal and state level policy reform efforts, setting annual forensic science campaign goals, providing input into strategies, and assisting with implementation
• Support federal and state 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 forensic commission and oversight body meetings. Provide testimony at legislative hearings and other local, state, or national forums or groups addressing reform efforts
• Provide technical staff support to 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 the success of national reform efforts that 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 laboratories and medical examiner offices and encouraging independent investigations into these events
• In collaboration with other departments, serve as a coordinator and educator on forensic science and forensic medicine both internally and with respect to Innocence Project publications, materials, and resources
• Participate in the development and maintenance of Innocence Project position materials on forensic science and forensic medicine used in investigations and adjudication
• Responsible for 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
  

Candidate Requirements

• 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 public policy reform). If more than 12 total years of experience, a 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 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.
  
  

Location 40 Worth S. 7th Floor New York, NY 10013

Compensation And Benefits

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

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.*

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.

https//www.on-ramps.com/open-positions/3181

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

Like The Innocence Project, On-Ramps is deeply committed to equity. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose.

On-Ramps is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact info@on-ramps.com.