Executive Director, The Appellate Project at NYU School of Law

Charity Search Group•New York, NY

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Appellate Project (TAP) is transitioning to operate as an initiative within the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at New York University School of Law. TAP's mission is to foster emerging leaders and build a more just, equitable, and representative appellate field through mentorship, professional development, community-building, and access to career pathways. Since 2019, TAP has supported over 600 law students with mentorship, clerkship support, skill-building, and networking. The Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law focuses on research, advocacy, litigation, and public education to address race and inequality. This partnership aims to deepen TAP's national impact and expand opportunities for future appellate advocates and legal leaders.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience within nonprofit, legal, educational, advocacy, or other mission-driven organizations.
Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, partnership development, and institutional relationship management.
Strong strategic leadership and organizational management experience, including program development, operational oversight, and organizational growth.
Experience leading within lean, dynamic, and evolving environments with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and serve as a compelling public representative.
Strong project management, organizational planning, and operational problem-solving skills.
Experience developing systems, evaluation frameworks, and organizational infrastructure that support long-term impact and sustainability.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, representation, and expanding access within the legal profession, including an understanding of systemic barriers impacting historically underrepresented communities.
Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader who is energized by mentorship, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CRM systems, project management platforms, and technology tools that support engagement and organizational operations.
Familiarity with appellate law, judicial clerkships, legal pipelines, or legal advocacy work.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of TAP’s long-term strategic vision and organizational priorities.
Guide TAP through its next phase of organizational growth and integration within the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law.
Translate mission and strategic priorities into actionable plans, measurable goals, and sustainable operational practices.
Partner closely with NYU leadership and key stakeholders to strengthen organizational infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountability-driven organizational culture grounded in transparency, relationship-building, and mission alignment.
Serve as a strategic thought partner on opportunities to strengthen TAP’s long-term impact, visibility, and influence within the appellate field.
Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of TAP’s mentorship, clerkship support, alumni engagement, and professional development programming.
Ensure programming remains innovative, participant-centered, equity-driven, and aligned with organizational priorities.
Manage program operations, logistics, timelines, and participant engagement across virtual and in-person initiatives.
Develop systems, processes, and operational structures that support effective program delivery and organizational growth.
Supervise future staff, consultants, vendors, volunteers, mentors, and program partners.
Serve as TAP’s primary ambassador and public representative within the appellate and broader legal community.
Cultivate and strengthen relationships with judges, law firms, alumni, funders, law schools, bar associations, and strategic partners.
Represent TAP at conferences, convenings, panels, and external events.
Build partnerships that expand opportunities for TAP participants and strengthen TAP’s national visibility and influence.
Support communications, convenings, and thought leadership efforts that elevate TAP’s mission and impact.
Engage diverse stakeholders with credibility, diplomacy, and a strong commitment to collaboration and relationship-building.
Lead the development and implementation of TAP’s fundraising and revenue strategy in partnership with Center leadership and NYU Law’s development team.
Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, institutional partners, and philanthropic stakeholders.
Support ongoing fundraising campaigns, donor engagement efforts, and development initiatives.
Oversee programmatic budgets, grant reporting, and responsible financial stewardship.
Help build a diversified and sustainable funding base to support TAP’s continued growth and impact.
Develop evaluation frameworks and performance metrics to assess program effectiveness and organizational impact.
Use participant feedback, data, and outcomes to strengthen programming and inform strategic decision-making.
Track and report key organizational and programmatic indicators.
Oversee technology platforms, CRM systems, and project management tools that support organizational operations and engagement.