Executive Director of Innocence Project Delaware

Executive Director of Innocence Project Delaware

7/6/2026

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.

The ideal candidate will be an inspirational and collaborative leader, an outstanding fundraiser, an engaging and credible spokesperson, and a creative problem solver with both high emotional intelligence and strong analytical skills. They will bring a deep commitment to the mission to correct and prevent wrongful convictions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to) :

• 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