Second Look Network Director

The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. The Sentencing Project engages in research and advocacy on sentencing and related issues, advocates for criminal justice policy and practice reform, and conducts broad-scale public education through media, online, and other communications. Information about The Sentencing Project is available at www.sentencingproject.org.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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: 1) organizing online and in-person forums for members to share ideas, briefs, strategies, and experts; 2) helping shape a common narrative supporting the compelling case for returning people home who have served long sentences; 3) connecting these groups to policy efforts in the states and nationally to support expansion and implementation of second look mechanisms; 4) supporting network members with communications consultation to coordinate their individual efforts with the national effort; and 5) 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 FUNCTIONS

Coordination of the Second Look Network

• Spearheads 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 Organizations

• Consults 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 Funders

• Coordinates periodic advisory board meetings; ensures follow-up as appropriate
• Provides support in communicating with funders, including preparing periodic written reports on program activities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Law 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 EXPERIENCE

• Experience 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 ABILITIES

• Strong 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

COMMITMENT AND COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $105,000 to $120,000, depending on experience. The Sentencing Project offers an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid vacation; accrued sick leave; parental leave; 100% employer-paid health, dental, life and disability insurance for employees (dependents covered at 65%); a flexible spending account; both a discretionary and a matching contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan; annual professional development stipend, and transportation benefits.

The position is full-time and based in Washington, DC; remote candidates will be considered, but not preferred. Current office policy allows for hybrid work, with at least two days each week in person.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and a brief writing sample by March 3, 2025 to: employment@sentencingproject.org.

The Sentencing Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to cultural diversity and ensures that applicants have equal opportunity for recruitment and selection without regard to their race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, prior convictions, or status as a protected veteran.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals with direct personal or familial experience with the criminal legal system. This position is not subject to a criminal background check.

If there are any parts of the application requirements that you cannot complete, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.