Widener University is currently seeking a part-time (12-15 hours per week) Investigator for a two-year position with Innocence Project Delaware. Innocence Project Delaware, housed at Widener University Delaware Law School, is a nonprofit legal organization committed to exonerating individuals wrongfully convicted of crimes in Delaware and advocating for reforms to prevent future injustices. Through strategic litigation, advocacy, and public education, we seek to advance a fair and effective criminal legal system.
The Investigator is responsible for conducting and overseeing all investigations at various stages during the case review and litigation process.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Perform Research and Field Investigation
- Review case files and interview applicants/clients to gather more information about their cases.
- Locate witnesses and gather background information on cases using public or specialized online databases.
- Conduct witness interviews in cases at the screening, investigation or litigation stage of IPD’s case acceptance/litigation process.
- Create investigative memoranda that document all investigative actions and submit those memoranda to IPD attorneys.
- Correspond with courthouse or law enforcement personnel in an effort to locate evidence from cases of interest.
- Assist IPD attorneys with court hearings (review filings, serve subpoenas, prepare witnesses for their testimony, provide transportation to witnesses to hearing, and attend hearings).
- Sign affidavits to support court filings and testify under oath if necessary.
- Provide training and assistance to IPD's students in their investigative and case review efforts.
- Prepare and notarize witness affidavits.
- Collect DNA samples.
- Write comprehensive fact investigation memoranda.
Develop Protocols/Conduct Trainings
- Provide training and assistance to IPD's students in their investigative and case review efforts.
- Develop protocols and work with staff attorney to develop best practices and training materials for student and staff attorney conducted investigations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor of Art/Bachelor of Science degree.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collegial non-profit environment.
- Seven (7) to ten (10) years of investigative experience within the criminal legal system, including at least three (3) years focused on postconviction cases. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
- Experience designing and implementing investigative protocols.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Successful completion of a thorough criminal background check is mandatory.
- Current Delaware Notary Public commission, or willingness to obtain one.
Preferred:
- Experience investigating postconviction innocence claims.
- Comfort working with scientific and forensic evidence.
- Experience training or supervising students, interns, and legal staff.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Frequent in‑state travel, with occasional trips to neighboring states. Travel includes visits to county jails and state correctional facilities. Periodic overnight travel may be required.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, operate a computer and phone, and lift up to 20 pounds (e.g. case files or evidentiary materials).
- Willingness to travel to and work within correctional facilities, which may involve long drive times and limited on‑site amenities.
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
