Executive Director

About the Midwest Innocence Project

The Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to correcting and preventing wrongful convictions in the criminal justice system. Serving Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Arkansas, MIP investigates claims of innocence, provides direct legal representation, advocates for systemic reform, and fosters public awareness of injustice within the legal system.

Position Overview

MIP seeks a collaborative and experienced Executive Director to lead finance, administration, operations, and fundraising—while also contributing to the organization’s public presence and outreach. This role will partner with the current Executive Director—who will become the Chief Legal Officer—to guide legal programming, strategic alignment, and public thought leadership. Together, the Executive Director and Chief Legal Officer will drive MIP’s mission, sustain its strategic growth, and expand its impact in criminal justice reform.

Why This Role?

The Midwest Innocence Project is in a period of exciting expansion, with growing community support and demand for legal and advocacy services. With the addition of a new Executive Director and transition of the former to a Chief Legal Officer position, MIP can ensure the organization maintains strong public engagement while supporting essential leadership functions. The Executive Director will bolster the organization’s operational foundation, diversify revenue streams, and serve as a visible advocate for MIP’s work. The Chief Legal Officer will focus on legal strategy and broader public advocacy, allowing MIP to operate more effectively and sustainably on all fronts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Develop and implement the organization’s strategic goals in collaboration with the Board and Chief Legal Officer.
   • Maintain oversight of the organization's non-legal functions to ensure mission alignment.
   • Collaborate with the Chief Legal Officer to align fundraising, operations and promotion with legal and programmatic work.
   • Serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Director.
2. Financial Stewardship
   • Develop, oversee, and manage MIP’s annual budget, ensuring responsible resource allocation.
   • Maintain compliance with financial regulations and ethical practices, including audits, tax filings, and accurate reporting.
3. Fundraising & Development
   • Lead diverse fundraising strategies, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, events, and corporate sponsorships.
   • Cultivate donor relationships in collaboration with the Board and Chief Legal Officer.
   • Represent MIP at fundraising events, conferences, and community gatherings to expand the organization’s supporter base.
4. Operations & Administration
   • Oversee day-to-day administrative functions: human resources, technology, vendor relations, and policy implementation.
   • Implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and support future scaling.
5. Staff Management & Development
   • Recruit, lead, and mentor administrative, operations, and development staff, fostering an environment of professional growth and accountability.
   • Coordinate with the current Chief Legal Officer to ensure cohesive leadership, clear team communication, and well-defined roles across departments.
6. Public Engagement & Outreach
   • Collaborate on communication strategies with the Chief Legal Officer to ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging.
   • Attend and present at public forums, conferences, and donor events to strengthen MIP’s reputation and outreach.
   • Forge strategic partnerships with community organizations and thought leaders to broaden MIP’s influence and impact.

QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

• • Collaboration & Inclusion: Strong interpersonal abilities to partner with the Board, Chief Legal Officer, staff, donors, and community stakeholders, while fostering a diverse and equitable workplace.
  • Leadership & Management: Demonstrated experience in nonprofit or organizational leadership, with particular strengths in finance, fundraising, administration, or operations.
  • Financial & Fundraising Proficiency: Ability to manage budgets, analyze financial reports, and create strategies to achieve fundraising goals from diverse revenue sources.
  • Operational Excellence: Skilled at building and refining processes, adopting best practices, and guiding organizational change in a growing nonprofit environment.
  • Public Engagement: Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking and donor relations, with a track record of influencing external audiences.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Comfortable navigating a rapidly evolving nonprofit landscape, maintaining flexibility, and prioritizing organizational and mission-driven needs.
  • Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required. Equivalent experience in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field will be considered.
  • Criminal Justice Reform Knowledge (Preferred): Familiarity with legal advocacy, wrongful conviction issues, or related fields is a plus but not required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range is $130,000-150,000 per year DOE. MIP offers a competitive benefits package, including PTO and health insurance, and a positive, anti-racist, engaging, and flexible work environment.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@themip.org with the subject line: “Executive Director Application.” Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Midwest Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer and strives for diversity among its applicant pool as well as within its staff and board. We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, especially racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and smart people with non-linear/non-traditional experience and educational backgrounds to apply for this position. Most importantly, no matter their background, the person selected for this position must embrace, advocate for, and deeply value equity, diversity, and inclusivity.