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Investigator

Investigator

Expires: 2024-02-07
Organization
Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project
Salary
$50,000 - $65,000
Job Status
Full Time
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Washington, DC

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Intake and Screening

  • Work with the Screening and Intake Manager to determine which cases may need
    preliminary investigative support, such as document searches and/or witness interviews.
  • As necessary and appropriate, participate in conversations and decision-making about
    cases that are in the intake/screening process.

Investigation & Litigation

  • Work with attorneys to develop case theories and investigative plans on assigned matters.
  • Communicate in a timely and effective manner with attorneys as you are implementing
    those plans.
  • Perform all tasks related to witness interviews. Those may include: reading case material
    related to the witness, researching information about the witness’s background and
    personality, using databases to locate the witness, preparing for the interview with the
    attorney, following up on difficult-to-locate witnesses, conducting the witness interview,
    drafting a memo about the interview, and/or taking a statement from the witness.
  • Perform non-interview tasks such as evidence retrieval, crime scene visitation, document
    tracking, etc.
  • Help generate investigative ideas by, among other things: reviewing case files,
    interviewing defendants, talking to community members, canvassing crime scenes, and
    searching for non-documentary evidence.
  • Manage relationships with witnesses after they’ve made statements and through hearings.
  • Be prepared to testify in hearings as needed.
  • Regularly update our case management database about investigative activities, case data,
    and witness information.
  • Help keep thorough files by ensuring that notes and memos are part of both the paper
    files kept by attorneys and the electronic files.

Organizational & Team Responsibilities

  • Attend and be prepared for weekly case meetings, monthly Legal Team meetings, and
    weekly staff meetings.
  • Promptly acknowledge and respond to requests from team members.
  • Attend and participate in MAIP events and fundraising/development
    activities. Other MAIP duties, as appropriate.

Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (we pay 50 percent of premium on a platinum plan); retirement plan with employer match; Metrochek participation; generous leave and vacation policies; and a flexible, family-friendly environment.

How to Apply:

No later than November 30, 2023.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please send a cover letter and resume:
James Moody
Legal Director
jobs@exonerate.org

The Mid-Atlantic 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.

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.

Requirements
ABOUT US The Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP) is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to prevent and correct the wrongful conviction of innocent people in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.  MAIP has one of the highest success rates in the country for exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted, helping to secure the release or exoneration of 44 men who spent more than 800 years in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. MAIP has also helped pass 19 laws that would prevent or make it easier to correct wrongful convictions. ABOUT THE POSITION MAIP’s Staff Investigators play an integral part of our mission, conducting critical field investigations in our client’s cases. The Staff Investigator will primarily perform field investigation into promising cases: interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents, canvassing crime scenes, and gathering evidence. Investigators work on a day-to-day basis with the legal team, which will direct their work in specific cases and will participate in evaluations of their work. The Staff Investigator will work closely with MAIP’s staff attorneys, who assign their cases and investigation tasks, manage workflow, and set internal deadlines. ABOUT YOU You are curious and comfortable talking to people from all walks of life. Your personal integrity is unimpeachable. You are detail-oriented and love to be prepared, but you’re comfortable with the unexpected and would rather be out in the field than at a desk. You love to collaborate with your team and have great organizational and communication skills. You are empathetic and passionate about criminal-justice reform. You are comfortable with extensive and frequent travel, sometimes on short notice. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • At least two years of investigative work experience.
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. High school graduate with significant work experience will be considered.
  • Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and access to a car.
  • Willing/able to travel throughout the DMV and to federal prisons around the country.
  • Demonstrated experience working as part of a team.
  • Technological savvy/demonstrated ability to learn new systems.
  • You must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and be able to provide proof.
KEY COMPETENCIES
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to interact with diverse populations and vulnerable/traumatized individuals.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in an intense and highly charged setting.
  • Honed organizational skills, problem solving, and the ability to prioritize tasks.
  • Can work independently but understands the value of teams and can work collaboratively.
  • A positive attitude, a love of problem solving, and sound judgment.
  • Client-centered approach to legal representation.
  • Enthusiasm for social justice and for MAIP’s work, including a demonstrated commitment to public-interest work and criminal-justice reform.
  • Ability to develop creative solutions to surmount apparent roadblocks
  • Openness to feedback and enthusiasm for learning new skills
  • Consummate workplace professionalism
Job Contact
James Moody
202-888-1766 jobs@exonerate.org