Career Center

Department: Law Legal Clinic
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

Working closely with the Clinic’s Executive Director and the Center on Wrongful Convictions (CWC) Co-Legal Directors, he/she will administer operational & communication functions in support of the CWC’s mission and brand. Implement existing policy & ensure the effective, compliant, & efficient completion of daily administrative/investigative operations.  May represent program/project on internal and & external business affairs.

Please note: Field work required for investigation and film production

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Evaluates and reviews request for council.
• Closely collaborates with the Executive Director and the CWC Co-Directors on operational decisions related to legal and non-legal events.
• Creates, develops, and manages the case evaluation system.
• Coaches and educates pro bono law firm partners on best practices in case evaluation.
• Oversees the further implementation of Salesforce to support student research and scholarship.
• Provides litigation support on CWC active cases.
• Works in partnership with the Director to develop and maximize the impact of the CWC mission.
• Conducts benchmarks with other peer law schools in the Innocence Network to deepen our understanding of wrongful convictions and support the student experience.
• Tracks CWC financial operations in collaboration with appropriate Clinic and University partners
• Manages case strategy and intake for the CWC, which involves the systematic review of letters sent by incarcerated individuals around the country seeking representation.
• Supports the Executive Director, Co-Directors, and Development team to manage relationships with CWC donors and prospective donors as needed.
• Manages subpoena responses on behalf of the CWC in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel.
• Builds and maintains a knowledge base about wrongful convictions and best practices in order to grow the CWC’s relationships inside and outside the Northwestern University community.

Communications & Outreach

• Collaborates with the Executive Director, Legal Director and Marketing team to develop communication strategy for CWC website and mailings and oversee and manage CWC website and social media outlets.
• Collaborates closely with Executive Director, CWC Legal Directors and Alumni Relations and Development to determine giving opportunities for alumni.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with external entities.
• Oversees CWC’s Justice Council board.
• Develops strategies for fostering relationships with NU recruiters for potential employment of clients.
• Optimizes the use of technology including social media for marketing, communications & data reporting & analysis. 
• Acts as liaison to Feinberg and NMH for CWC clients needing medical assistance.
• Plans multiple events throughout the year, ensuring all logistics are complete.
• Manages CWC photographic and production archives.
• Oversees technology and media goals and needs. 

Strategic Planning

• Collaborates with Executive Director and Center Directors to innovate operational efforts involving the CWC and other entities within the Northwestern Law community, peer school legal clinics, and regionally.
• Develops strategies to disseminate the mission and information about educational opportunities, special projects, and CWC achievements to the public, supporters, sponsors, and potential sponsors.
• Works with the Executive Director and Center Directors to recommend changes and improvements to processes, objectives, and goals based on evaluation of completed programs to dramatically increase engagement & participation & maximize & ensure most effective & efficient use of resources. 

Student Support

• Assesses and implements systems that will enable effective management of prospective law student communication in cooperation with the executive director, legal director, intake attorney and volunteer coordinator.
• Supervises CWC volunteers; manages roster of student applicants interested in summer internships.
• Trains and supervises students who assist with the case management database

Events

• Plans and oversees the Center on Wrongful Convictions annual fundraising event.
• Collaborates with the Executive Director and CWC Co-Directors to develop, plan & implement strategies, goals & approach for various CWC events that promote engagement & philanthropic opportunities.
• Identifies target audience(s).
• Develops innovative programming & associated web- & print-based marketing campaigns.
• Creates event plans & summaries.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Four years of development, marketing, communications or the equivalent experience is required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Minimum of 3 years of case evaluation and investigation required.
• Organization; analytical thinking; big-picture thinking; curiosity; ability to work independently, as well as collaborate as part of a team.
• Demonstrates significant writing and editing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• JD Degree

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience in a legal setting
• Highly proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, IMovie, Adobe Photoshop, Lexis & Accurint & Cascade Content Management System
• Communicates effectively both written & verbal.
• Knowledge of & experience with social media management.
• Ability to remain organized amidst multiple competing demands
• Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Demonstrates initiative and follow-through.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
  

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About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

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