Investigator, National Prison Project

ACLU - National Office • Washington, DC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks a full-time Investigator for the National Prison Project in its National office, with work locations in Washington, DC; San Francisco, CA; or New York, NY. This is a hybrid role requiring in-office work two days per week or eight days per month, and is a two-year term-limited position represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).

The National Prison Project works to ensure that conditions in prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers, and immigration detention facilities comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and international human rights principles. The Project litigates conditions-of-confinement cases nationwide and focuses on reducing overcrowding, improving health care, eliminating violence and maltreatment, increasing oversight and accountability, and reversing policies that contribute to mass incarceration and the disproportionate incarceration of people of color.

Reporting to the Deputy Project Director for Immigration Detention, the Investigator conducts investigations, interviews, facility visits, and research to support litigation and advocacy, with a particular focus on immigration detention. The role also involves analyzing records and other evidence, preparing reports and advocacy materials, supporting experts and attorneys, and coordinating logistics for investigations and facility visits.

Requirements

• Excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, review, and synthesize information from multiple sources and identify key findings.
• Effective interpersonal and interviewing skills, including the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and navigate sensitive conversations.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to document findings clearly, prepare reports, and adapt writing for different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to accurately manage large volumes of information, records, and correspondence.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and manage competing priorities while collaborating effectively with colleagues and external partners.
• Ability to receive and incorporate constructive feedback and maintain respectful, professional relationships with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Salesforce, and other standard computer applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to detention facilities and other locations for investigative assignments.
• Commitment to advancing the ACLU's mission, and to embedding equity, inclusion, and belonging in one's work while respecting and valuing multiple perspectives.
• Commitment to collaborating respectfully to resolve obstacles and conflicts.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with issues related to conditions of confinement.
• Proficiency in Spanish.
• Prior experience conducting research, investigations, interviews, or related work.
• An associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations of conditions and compliance in detention facilities, including facility visits and inspections.
• Interview incarcerated individuals, facility administrators and staff, and other stakeholders in person and remotely.
• Correspond with people in detention facilities, jails, and prisons; identify issues related to class action cases and areas of concern; suggest responses; and, under attorney supervision, draft outgoing correspondence and advocacy materials.
• Draft surveys and interview guides to assess detention facility conditions and programs.
• Locate, review, and analyze correctional and medical records and other documents, and conduct factual research to support investigations and litigation, including reviewing government document productions in Freedom of Information Act cases.
• Draft and edit reports on investigation findings.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of case details.
• Attend and participate in case meetings.
• Work with attorneys to support experts in the Project's matters.
• Review and provide feedback on draft correctional policies, memoranda, and other documents.
• Draft advocacy letters on behalf of clients and class members under attorney supervision.
• Provide training and onboarding support for employees as needed, including training attorneys or co-counsel to conduct class member interviews.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for investigations and facility visits, including coordinating travel, organizing documents, preparing materials, and assisting with outgoing mail and surveys.

Benefits

• Generous paid time-off policy.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, parental leave, gender-affirming care, and fertility treatment.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs, and workshops.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed