Director of Grant-funded Criminal Law and Actual Innocence Programs

The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) seeks a self-motivated and goal-oriented Director of Programs with experience managing multiple work streams and prioritizing tasks while creating and developing multiple programs simultaneously. The person hired for the position will be the lead member of a team producing Criminal Law Programs and Actual Innocence Programs, as well as supporting other professional education programs of the Center.

CAIL was formed in 1947 by Robert Storey after his service as a prosecutor at the Nuremberg (Nazi War Crimes) Tribunal. Storey recognized the need for an organization to provide continuing education for lawyers and to promote the rule of law. CAIL has fulfilled this mission by training attorneys and law enforcement professionals from over 130 countries on a broad range of issues.

Among its programs, CAIL provides courses on criminal justice issues for lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other professionals. These programs aim to enhance professionalism, improve the administration of justice, and address causes of wrongful convictions. These courses are designed primarily, but not exclusively, for professionals in the State of Texas. These courses are supported by grants provided by the Office of Judicial Education of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Candidates must be dedicated to quality customer service and enjoy working with people with diverse backgrounds. CAIL programs reach institute members, donors, stakeholders, and participants from around the world.

Key Responsibilities:

In cooperation with the Office of Judicial Education of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the Director leads long-range visioning, planning, and strategy for the grants-funded programs. The Director determines topics of programs in Criminal Justice and Actual Innocence as requested, needed, or desired by the Court, and warranted by current events. In consultation with the planning committees and other stakeholders and informed by research findings and review of historic evaluations, the Director will develop overall programs. The Director will lead efforts to identify and recruit appropriate top-notch experts in the field and other experienced presenters.

The Director will evaluate similar criminal justice programs produced by other organizations to identify issues such as duplication of programs or gaps in teaching available to constituents. Other roles will include evaluating CAIL’s programs for strengths and opportunities to reach fresh audiences; developing marketing strategies; determining targeted constituents; and overseeing travel assistance requests from Public Defenders. In sum, the Director is responsible for all aspects of the successful execution of Grant programs.

As a senior member of the Center’s staff, the Director may be called upon to assist in organizing and administering selected professional education courses in topics outside the scope of the grants. (To the extent this occurs, prorated portions of the Director’s compensation and other expenses will be supported as appropriate by CAIL resources other than the grants provided by the Court.)

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in law, management, and/or education required. A law or legal studies degree is not required but is a significant plus factor.

Preferred experience:

• Developing and tracking financial budgets and periodic reporting on financial results and resources
• Developing educational programs in cooperation with advisory committees
• Coordinating adjunct teaching or professional development
• Working in the legal profession, nonprofit, or grant-funded organizations

Skills and Traits

• The ability to work effectively with a team to accomplish common objectives and build positive relationships
• High proficiency in oral and written communications skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently without constant direct supervision
• Recognizes problems and identifies potential alternative solutions
• Willingness and ability to guide and manage volunteer participants to accomplish organizational goals
• Strong calendar, organizational, and document management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Desire to be part of a values-driven organization

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to sit for long periods of time at a computer, be able to use a computer and be able to speak with customers and members via telephone.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Terms

This is a full-time, exempt position with our nonprofit organization. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications in a range beginning at $80,000 annually.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, spouses, and dependents is available with CAIL providing a partial benefits supplement. Short-term and long-term disability is offered at no cost to the employee. CAIL offers participation in a 403(b) retirement plan, with CAIL making a 100% matching contribution of up to 6% of eligible compensation. Vacation accrues at two days per month up to a maximum of twenty-two days annually.

Benefits:

• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• 403(b) matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off for vacation and sick leave

This position is located at our offices at 5201 Democracy Drive, Plano, TX 75024.

Some of the job may be performed remotely, with supervisor approval.

Ability to commute/relocate:

Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work. (required)

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to:

Joan Copeland, Director of Operations and Chief of Staff, at jcopeland@cailaw.org

CAIL is an equal-opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person