Policy Co-Op (Spring 2026)

Policy Externship

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 240 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 230 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org .

ABOUT THE POSITION :

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in antiracism.

The Policy Co-op will work to support the Policy Department and report directly to the Policy Counsel. The Policy Department works with Congress, state legislatures, and local leaders to enact laws and policies that prevent wrongful convictions and protect the constitutional rights of all who come in contact with the American criminal legal system.

The primary focus of this co-op will be to track the 2026 elections, assist the Policy Counsel with nonlegal research in preparation of 2027 state campaigns, and track litigation relevant to innocence policy reform. The Policy Co-op will also be assigned tasks, as needed, to support the 2026 state campaigns.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.

The duties of this position require approximately 35 hours of work per week. This will be a four-month hybrid co-op starting Jan 19, 2026 and concluding May 29, 2026.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this co-op is passionate about racial justice, is a self-starter, motivated, organized, a diligent researcher, intellectually curious, and detail-oriented with a dedication and interest in the mission of the Innocence Project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Job duties include, but are not limited to :

• Perform research related to wrongful convictions and the protection of the innocent;
• Compile and draft resources related to legislative bodies and judicial elections;
• Conduct legal research on databases such as WestLaw and Lexis Nexis;
• Write memos concerning criminal justice reform; and
• Collaborate with the Policy Department on projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization's success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization's work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter / resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.

SALARY

$19 per hour for undergraduate students