Executive Director

About the role

The Appellate Project seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase of growth, institutional development, and national impact. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial, and equity-driven leader who will strengthen TAP’s organizational infrastructure, expand partnerships and fundraising efforts, and help shape the organization’s long-term vision and sustainability.

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
• 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
• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Additional Information

This is a full-time exempt position operating in a hybrid environment. While the role is primarily remote, the Executive Director will be expected to work in person approximately 2–3 days per month from the Center’s office on NYU Law’s campus in New York City. Candidates based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area will also be considered. The role requires occasional evening and weekend commitments, as well as limited national travel to support programming, fundraising, partnerships, and external engagement efforts.

Benefits

Employees of New York University are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, generous paid time off, tuition benefits, commuter benefits, and wellness resources.