Program Director - Project Commutation

Description

Project Commutation, which began in 2018, is a program of JusticeLink. Project Commutation provides legal representation and reentry case management for incarcerated individuals appearing before the Pardon and Parole Board. In addition to its direct service work, Project Commutation focuses on system-level improvements, advocating for changes that increase access, fairness and transparency in the parole and commutation process. Project Commutation remains the first and only organization offering indigent parole and commutation defense in the state.

Position Summary:

The Program Director leads the day-to-day operations of Project Commutation. The Program Director supervises Project Commutation staff and serves as the liaison to external partners including the Pardon and Parole Board and Department of Corrections.  

Responsibilities / Essential Job Function:

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position. The description is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary: 

• Define, implement, and continuously improve the structure, processes, resources, and culture to build a sustainable operating model for successful execution of the program.
• Create annual operating plans for the program, including clear objectives, timelines, resources required and appropriate metrics to assess progress and outcomes.
• Create and maintain a high functioning team, including selection & hiring, onboarding, training & development, performance management and accountability. 
• Supervise all Project Commutation staff of seven people including legal, reentry and support staff. This includes responsibility for leading the weekly staff meeting, one on one weekly meetings, and other internal communications.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on creating and maintaining a budget. 
• Support program data collection and grant reporting.
• Liaison to the Pardon and Parole Board to coordinate any issues with monthly hearings or ongoing issues with PC clients.
• Liaison to the Department of Corrections to coordinate monthly client visits. 
• Manage client packets for monthly Pardon and Parole Board hearings.
• Attend monthly Pardon and Parole Board meetings.
• Attend monthly visits to Department of Corrections facilities.
• Determine client eligibility for parole and commutation representation. 
• Approve each commutation application that is filed on behalf of clients.
• Oversee Filevine case management system.
• Represent clients as needed at monthly parole and commutation hearings.
• Represent clients in legal reentry matters as needed.
• Represent clients in OK Survivors Act cases as needed. 
• Lead all efforts impacting systemic change in the parole or commutation process. 
• Manage all media requests regarding PC clients. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active Oklahoma bar license in good standing. 
• Minimum of 5 years of criminal defense practice experience. 

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills with a proactive, collaborative, and data-guided management style to create change and achieve results.
• Demonstrated success in building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, a keen ability to convene and engage diverse stakeholder groups around common initiates and drive action. 
• Strong organizational and management skills, prioritize strategic goals and action plans, effectively leading execution – setting clear expectations, ensuring alignment and accountability, tracking & sharing comprehensive outcomes and community impact.
• Intrinsically motivated with a continuous-improvement mindset; uses data and best practices to strengthen program design, partnerships, and policy efforts.
• Cultural competency and deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Conducts all activities with integrity in alignment with principles and values of the organization, Tulsa Community Foundation, and George Kaiser Family Foundation.
• Ability to travel throughout the state and occasionally work non-traditional hours as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Communication: Frequent phone, in-person, and messaging communication via various platforms. Must be able to exchange information effectively and accurately in all elements of verbal and written communication. 
• Operation: Constant opera