East Coast Staff Investigator

About the Exoneration Project: The Exoneration Project (EP) investigates and litigates post-conviction cases for individuals who are innocent and have been wrongfully convicted. We are one of the largest and most successful innocence organizations in the country. The EP has a unique, collaborative structure: we work with law students at multiple law schools in the United States and are staffed with attorneys from the civil rights firm Loevy + Loevy. We operate offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Columbus, and Chicago, and are a member of the Innocence Network.

Job Description: The EP is seeking a full-time Staff Investigator based on the East Coast. Prior investigation experience is not required. Candidates with backgrounds in criminal or social justice will be seriously considered. Must have a reliable car (travel expenses reimbursed as explained below). Essential functions of the Staff Investigator position include:

• Handling investigations at all stages of the litigation process
• Locating witnesses through database searches, door-knocking, and other investigative techniques
• Reading and absorbing contents of police reports and court transcripts to help prepare investigative plans
• Thoroughly preparing for and interviewing witnesses
• Taking written statements from witnesses
• Communicating comfortably and adeptly with individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds
• Working and regularly communicating with EP attorneys, staff, and law students
• Being extremely well-organized
• Possessing an ability to recall details of conversations well after the fact
• Locating and obtaining documents and information at courthouses and other locations
• Occasionally testifying at court hearings
• Regular travel throughout New York, New Jersey Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., and other places, including to prisons required. Occasional travel to further destinations expected.
• Candidates must either already be a Notary Public or able to become one upon hiring
• Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly preferred

The EP is a client-centered, nimble advocacy organization that aspires to produce the best possible legal product for our clients. As a staff, we accomplish work quickly and efficiently and do whatever justice demands for our clients. For this reason, an ideal Staff Investigator must be client-focused, motivated, and able to work independently. A Staff Investigator can expect to be very busy, but must also be able to deliver exceptional results.

The Staff Investigator position is based in the EP’s New York City office, but we are open to the right candidate working remotely from elsewhere in the Northeast. Frequent travel is required. EP Investigators typically engage in local travel to locate and interview witnesses almost every day, regional travel to interview witnesses or clients at least once a month, and occasionally travel long distances via airfare to locate and interview witnesses Authorized business travel including mileage, tolls, parking, lodging, etc. is fully reimbursed.

Application Process: The EP is now accepting applications for the Staff Investigator position. To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to apply@exonerationproject.org with the email subject line “East Coast Investigator Position.” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis starting immediately. The position is available until filled.

Exoneration Project Hiring Policies: The Exoneration Project is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or national origin. We strongly encourage candidates with lived experience with the criminal legal system to apply.

Compensation/Benefits: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $60,000–$80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employees are also eligible for annual performance-based bonuses.

EP offers a comprehensive employer-funded benefits package with significant additional value beyond base compensation. The EP pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent health insurance premiums, currently valued at approximately $13,200–$30,000 annually depending on coverage level. Employees also receive an employer-funded HRA covering 100% of eligible deductible expenses, providing up to an additional $6,000 in annual benefits for employee-only coverage and $12,700 for family coverage. Additional benefits include optional dental and vision coverage, company paid life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

Spanish-speaking candidates are strongly preferred