Second Look Network Director

Working in partnership with an advisory board of stakeholder organizations, litigators, advocates, and formerly incarcerated people, The Sentencing Project manages the Second Look Network , which provides support to lawyers and their defense teams across the country who are dedicated to representing individuals seeking relief from long sentences, beyond the context of wrongful conviction claims.Founded in 2023, the Network supports litigators, mitigation specialists, and social workers by : Organizing online and in-person forums for members to share ideas, briefs, strategies, and experts;Helping shape a common narrative supporting the compelling case for returning people home who have served long sentences;Connecting these groups to policy efforts in the states and nationally to support the expansion and implementation of second look mechanisms;Supporting network members with communications consultation to coordinate their individual efforts with the national effort;Tracking and reporting on relevant legal issues.The Network Director has primary responsibility for the daily management of the Network, including : identifying and reporting on relevant legal issues; developing relevant training and networking opportunities; 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 Director of Research who oversees TSP’s Campaign to End Life Imprisonment activities, of which the Network is 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, be nimble in responding to opportunities and Network members’ needs, experience with media, and an aptitude to develop and support a highly effective Network support team.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSCoordination of the Second Look NetworkSpearheads yearly strategic plans for the Network and develops and recommends new or revised goals and objectives throughout the year;Oversees yearly budget;Works with the Second Look Network advisory board to advance the directives, goals, and priorities of Network membership;Works with The Sentencing Project Director of Research to coordinate TSP resources that support the Network’s activities and projects;Works with other team leads at The Sentencing Project to help coordinate the overall work of TSP;Manages and oversees the work of the Second Look Network Program Manager as well as fellows;Coordinates strategies for collaboration across member organizations.Capacity Building for Network Member OrganizationsConsults with Network members to identify program or professional development needs and creates opportunities and resources that share best practices and relevant materials with network members;Recruits new members and screens applications for membership;Tracks and reports on relevant news, cases, and issues;Oversees community communication and document-management platform;Supports development of communication strategies to uplift members’ work;Builds a supportive community of practice among post-conviction litigators and other defense professionals;Supports 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 levels;Presents on relevant second look issues at conferences and training events.Reporting Responsibilities for the Network Advisory Board and FundersCoordinates periodic advisory board meetings; ensures follow-up as appropriate;Provides support in communicating with funders, including preparing periodic written reports on program activities.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSLaw 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 AND EXPERIENCEExperience 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;Experience in knowledge management of legal issues;Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.KEY COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESStrong legal writing and analysis skills;Ability to work independently, assess priorities, and take initiative;Skill in seeking and incorporating input from members and advisors;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.#J-18808-Ljbffr