Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO) Position Announcement

Program Assistant

Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO) is hiring a program assistant. It is a position funded by a three-year grant. This is a full time position. Staff are currently working remotely. The physical office is located in Mid City, New Orleans.

About IPNO and the Unjust Punishment Project:

Founded in 2001, IPNO frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison, supports them living well and fully in the world after their release and advocates for sensible criminal justice policies that reduce wrongful convictions. Started in 2019 through a grant from the DKT Liberty Project, IPNO’s Unjust Punishment Project (UPP) advocates for the release of people serving life or near-life sentences for non-violent crimes, and upon their release, supports them to live fully and well.

About the Program Assistant Position:

The program assistant’s role will be twofold. The program assistant will primarily work with the UPP team to free people serving long sentences for non-violent offenses in Louisiana. The program assistant will also assist IPNO’s director of communications in managing IPNO’s social media.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – UPP

  • Identifying incarcerated people eligible for relief under the mandate of UPP through analysis of Department of Corrections’ data and public records;
  • Drafting, sending and tracking requests for relevant court, prison, medical, education and other relevant records to facilitate client identification and advocacy;
  • Managing paper and electronic records on behalf of clients and potential clients;
  • Reviewing and summarizing clients’ records for the UPP team;
  • Corresponding and, when possible, meeting with incarcerated clients;
  • Working with UPP team to formulate sentencing mitigation and re-entry plans, including through correspondence with partner organizations and interviews with client’s family and others in client’s support network;
  • Researching criminal justice issues as needed to support UPP policy reform, public education, and fundraising efforts;
  • Assisting with legal filings; and
  • Providing other program support as identified by IPNO’s director of special projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – COMMUNICATIONS

  • Help plan and publish timely social media posts related to breaking news like exonerations and UPP client releases;
  • Optimize and maximize IPNO’s social media presence by regularly researching and posting relevant content in line with the mission and vision of IPNO and UPP;
  • Assist the director of communications with daily management of IPNO’s social channels, writing compelling digital copy, creating social posts, and reporting on the results; and
  • In coordination with the director of communications, research, identify and evaluate new digital channels and tools that will enhance IPNO’s social media reach and presence.

IPNO is a small nonprofit so, in addition to performing the programmatic tasks, the program assistant will be expected to assist as necessary with other aspects of IPNO’s work such as fundraising, public education and advocacy, special events, policy efforts, office administration, and post-release assistance of clients. IPNO is a client-focused and centered office where teamwork and collaboration to achieve IPNO’s overall effectiveness and success are expected and valued.

Requirements for the role:

  • Superior attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Enthusiasm for innovating systems of organization and information management.
  • Excellent communication skills, verbally and in writing.
  • Experience with and enthusiasm for social media.
  • The ability to communicate and work cooperatively with a wide range of people, including members of IPNO staff, government personnel and officials, law enforcement, attorneys, records custodians, students, incarcerated individuals and their families, and members of the community.
  • Computer literacy, including experience using common office software including Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Microsoft Excel.
  • Willingness to travel (largely in-state) and work irregular hours when necessary.
  • Ability to manage time and tasks on one’s own.
  • Ability to work in a team, communicate effectively with team members, and receive constructive feedback.
  • Valid driver’s license.

Preferences for the role:

  • Existing ties to Louisiana.
  • Knowledge/experience concerning:
    • Louisiana criminal legal system.
    • Creating organizational systems and managing documents and data.
  • Graphic design or social media management experience is a plus.

Salary and benefits:

The salary for this position is $35,000 – $40,000, commensurate with experience. IPNO offers a highly competitive and generous benefits package, including medical/dental/vision, six weeks paid vacation, federal holidays, 401k match, and cell phone reimbursement. IPNO provides a work environment that encourages health and self-care. IPNO is a family and pet friendly workplace.

Application:

Start Date: July 1, 2021. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to openings@ip-no.org. Please include the job title in the e-mail subject line. Do not call.

IPNO is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse work force reflective of the diverse communities we serve and support, with regard to race, culture, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status. IPNO works to advance racial justice and equity. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and legal system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.