Overview
Administrative Assistant, Post-Conviction Litigation
ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
The Innocence Project was founded in 1992 by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University to assist the wrongly convicted who could be proven innocent through DNA testing. The Innocence Project’s groundbreaking use of DNA technology to free innocent people has provided irrefutable proof that wrongful convictions are not isolated or rare events but instead arise from systemic defects. Now an independent nonprofit organization closely affiliated with Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, the Innocence Project’s mission is to free the staggering numbers of innocent people who remain incarcerated and to bring substantive reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Administrative Assistant for the Director of Post-Conviction Litigation (“PCL”) is responsible for providing administrative support and logistical assistance to the PCL director. In addition to supporting the PCL director, the Legal Assistant will also be responsible for providing support to the PCL paralegals by assisting them with administrative tasks. The Legal Assistant reports to the PCL Department Head(s) and works closely with the staff attorneys and paralegals.
All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.
The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed in-office. Until the Innocence Project fully returns to office, and after the Legal Assistant has been fully trained, some at-home work may be possible in the role.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate has a keen eye for detail, is an independent self-starter, and is enthusiastic about learning new skills related to the position. In addition to being organized, the ideal candidate is a flexible, versatile professional who can successfully multitask and manage competing priorities. They are personable with excellent communication skills. They have a demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or criminal justice reform with an understanding and passion for the mission of the Innocence Project.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
SUPPORT PCL DIRECTOR
- Schedule meetings
- Assist with correspondence, including email and written correspondence
- Assist with submitting reimbursements requests and purchase orders
- Make travel arrangements
SUPPORT OF LEGAL DEPARTMENT:
- Provide administrative support for time-sensitive legal tasks
- Assist with scanning projects
- Assist with mail & other administrative tasks such as filing and data entry.
- Assist with answering client phone line
- Handle registrations for conferences, trainings, bar, etc.
- Schedule meetings and reserve meeting spaces
- Prepare requests for reimbursements, submit purchase orders, and provide other administrative assistance to paralegals.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year of related experience required
- Some professional administrative and clerical experience; preference given to individuals with demonstrated experience providing support to multiple staff
- Proven ability to successfully manage multiple, various tasks
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word, and ability to learn new software systems quickly, experience with Google mail and printing and scanning hardware preferred
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information about clients and cases.
- Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, and communication (verbal & written) skills: the ability to interact effectively and sensitively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. (Interpersonal Skills; Communication Skills; Embraces Pluralism and Diversity of Perspectives)
- Superior skills in organization and attention to detail (Quality Focused)
- Flexible and collaborative work style, resistance to stress, and ability to function effectively in a demanding environment (Flexibility/Adaptability)
- Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative and reliability (Initiative/Self Motivated)
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments provided by numerous individuals simultaneously (Project Management)
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and/or criminal justice reform (Organizational Awareness)
- Must be able to work with groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways.
- Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
- Shares values of equity, excellence, collaboration, humanity, integrity, respect, and accountability
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
The salary for this position is highly competitive, and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with company-match. The office is currently operating on a hybrid schedule (partly remote, partly in office). While on this hybrid schedule, the Innocence Project provides company-paid transportation benefits.
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.
**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**
SALARY RANGE
$25 per hour
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