Executive Director, Innocence Project Delaware

Executive Director, Innocence Project Delaware

Job no: 493396

Work type: Full-time

Location: Delaware

Categories: Administrators

Widener University is currently seeking a passionate, dedicated, and visionary leader to serve as its Executive Director with Innocence Project Delaware. The Executive Director is the organization’s chief executive and administrative officer, lead fundraiser, chief spokesperson, and primary advocate. They will provide energetic and optimistic leadership to a strong and committed staff and an engaged Board, supporting and advancing the Project’s crucial work and its ambitious plan for growth and increased impact.

Innocence Project Delaware, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2018 with the mission of providing pro bono services to investigate and seek relief for victims of wrongful convictions in Delaware. The organization also addresses and proposes policies to address common causes of wrongful convictions: official misconduct, bad science, eyewitness misidentification, and false confessions; provides post‑exoneration support to individuals who have been proven innocent;

and educates the public about potential criminal justice reforms related to wrongful convictions, exonerations, and access to justice.

Currently, the organization has four staff and an annual budget of approximately $550,000. In addition to the Executive Director, the staff includes a Staff Attorney, a DNA Legal Fellow, and a Community Engagement Manager. The organization is also in the process of hiring a part‑time investigator.

Innocence Project Delaware is a state‑wide organization housed at the Widener University Delaware Law School. Through the Law School’s Innocence Clinic, the organization is in the unique position of training the next generation of lawyers eager to work on these important issues in a clinical setting.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and directly supervises the Staff Attorney and the Community Engagement Manager. This role is responsible for advancing the Project’s mission by developing and executing strategic goals; leading all fundraising efforts; overseeing all staff; and managing the organization’s day‑to‑day operations. While the Executive Director does not handle individual cases or provide legal services, they may engage in advocacy related to legislative and policy reform.

• In collaboration with the Board and staff, create and implement organizational long‑term and short‑term plans, and develop strategies for accomplishing set goals and objectives.
• Develop and lead fundraising initiatives including working with the development staff and the Board to create and implement a comprehensive fundraising program, including identification and cultivation of donors, identifying and securing grants and foundation support, and planning events for fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Work with the Board Treasurer and accounting contractor to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and grant reports.
• Manage overall financial performance of the Project including creation and management of budget, IRS, State, and other filings, and providing the Board with financial data and strategic analysis.
• Oversee development and implementation of operational systems and processes that enable the staff to work efficiently and effectively, and ensure that the Project is in full compliance with all applicable requirements.
• Coach, mentor, inform and inspire a high‑performing team, and nurture the collaborative organizational culture of the Project.
• Coordinate with the Delaware Law School.

• Serve as the external voice of the organization.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community leaders, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
• Lead strategies for external communications, marketing, and public relations to raise the Project’s profile and maximize engagement and support of our work.
• Represent the Project in the Innocence Network and maximize the Network relationships for the Project and to further the work nationwide.

• Seven years of…