Cold Case Investigations Lead – Missing Persons/OSINT

Help Stand Up a Cold Case Investigations Program Using OSINT & Modern Investigative Techniques

Commitment: Flexible Engagement, 1-5 Hours per Week

Who We Are:

Night Owl Reconnaissance (NOR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in OSINT-driven missing persons investigations. Our mission is to detect and prevent disappearances, support active investigations, and provide resources to those who have been recovered.

We are launching a dedicated Cold Case Squad to reexamine unsolved missing persons cases and are looking for a Cold Case Investigations Lead to help develop and oversee this initiative.

About the Role:

As the Cold Case Investigations Lead, you will play a key role in designing and managing NOR’s Cold Case Investigations Program. You will provide strategic guidance, implement investigative best practices, and work alongside volunteers and OSINT professionals to generate new leads in long-term missing persons cases.

This is a leadership role ideal for someone with expertise in cold case investigations, OSINT methodologies, and case analysis. You will have the opportunity to shape the process, policies, and strategic direction of NOR’s Cold Case Squad while mentoring investigators and collaborating with law enforcement and advocacy groups.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development & Strategic Leadership

• Establish and refine NOR’s Cold Case Investigations Program, setting its mission, benchmarks, and investigative structure.
• Develop best practices for case intake, OSINT research, and investigative collaboration.
• Advise on key challenges and opportunities, incorporating modern investigative techniques and ethical OSINT use.
• Foster collaboration between investigators, data analysts, and advocacy teams.

Case Review & Investigative Oversight

• Conduct in-depth case assessments on long-term missing persons cases to identify potential leads.
• Apply OSINT techniques to extract, analyze, and verify case-relevant information.
• Work with investigators to reconstruct case timelines, assess digital footprints, and explore new angles in unresolved cases.

Tactical & Investigative Support

• Recommend tools, technologies, and methodologies for conducting cold case investigations.
• Provide guidance on OSINT applications in sensitive missing persons cases, ensuring ethical and legal compliance.
• Offer mentorship and training to NOR investigators, equipping them with skills in data analysis, digital forensics, and case assessment.

Stakeholder Engagement & Public Awareness

• Develop strategies to engage victims' families, media, and law enforcement to gain support for case efforts.
• Guide public-facing communication strategies, ensuring that NOR’s work maintains transparency while respecting privacy concerns.
• Contribute to NOR’s advocacy and outreach initiatives by sharing insights from cold case investigations.

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Assess program effectiveness and recommend refinements based on investigative successes, technological advancements, and case outcomes.
• Promote a culture of innovation and strategic problem-solving in cold case investigations.

Why Volunteer with NOR?:

• Build and lead a dedicated Cold Case Investigations Program from the ground up.
• Work on real-world missing persons cases and apply modern investigative techniques.
• Gain experience in OSINT-driven investigations, cold case methodology, and law enforcement collaboration.
• Shape NOR’s approach to cold case investigations by developing strategy, policies, and training resources.
• Make a lasting impact by bringing attention to unsolved cases and generating new leads.
• Work remotely with flexible engagement based on your availability.