Executive Director

About The Appellate Project

After seven years of operating as a standalone 501(c)(3), The Appellate Project (“TAP”) is excited to begin its next chapter as an initiative operating within the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at New York University School of Law. While TAP’s organizational structure is evolving, its mission remains the same: fostering emerging leaders as they work to build a more just, equitable, and representative appellate field through mentorship, professional development, community-building, and access to career pathways within the appellate profession. At TAP, we believe our highest courts should reflect all of our communities. Since launching in 2019, TAP has supported more than 600 law students through its award-winning programming, providing access to mentorship, clerkship support, skill-building opportunities, and networking pathways within the appellate bar. TAP’s growing network includes judges, law clerks, attorneys, alumni, and legal leaders committed to expanding access to the appellate profession and strengthening a judiciary that better reflects the diversity and lived experiences of communities nationwide. The Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law engages in research, advocacy, litigation, and public education to advance systemic change and address issues of race and inequality. Through this partnership, TAP is uniquely positioned to deepen its national impact while continuing to expand opportunities for future appellate advocates and legal leaders.

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. While TAP will operate within the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law, the Executive Director will lead TAP’s strategic direction, programmatic growth, external partnerships, and community engagement. Reporting to the Faculty Director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, the Executive Director will oversee TAP’s strategic and operational leadership, including program implementation, fundraising, partnerships, and organizational development. This individual will work closely with NYU leadership, funders, judges, alumni, law firms, volunteers, and strategic partners to strengthen TAP’s visibility, deepen partnerships, and expand opportunities for participants nationwide. The Executive Director will also serve as a public representative and thought partner within the appellate and broader legal community. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader with strong strategic instincts, operational experience, fundraising acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to expanding access and representation within the legal profession.

Key Impact Areas

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction

• 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

Program Leadership & Organizational Capacity

• 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

External Engagement & Network Leadership

• 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

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

• 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

Impact, Evaluation & Systems

• 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

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 About the Position

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. As TAP continues to grow, the Executive Director will play a central role in strengthening organizational systems, deepening partnerships, and ensuring the organization remains both mission-driven and operationally strong.

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. Additional information about NYU’s benefits offerings is available on the university’s careers and benefits website.