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About the Role

The Appellate Project (TAP) seeks an Executive Director to lead its next phase of growth, institutional development, and national impact. This leadership opportunity is for a strategic, entrepreneurial, and equity-driven individual who will strengthen TAP's infrastructure, expand fundraising and partnerships, and shape the organization's long-term vision and sustainability. The Executive Director will lead TAP's strategic direction, programmatic growth, external partnerships, and community engagement while operating within the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law.

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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.

Requirements

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.
Familiarity with CRM systems, project management platforms, and technology tools that support engagement and organizational operations.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, representation, and expanding access within the legal profession, including an understanding of systemic barriers impacting historically underrepresented communities.
Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader energized by mentorship, relationship-building, and mission-driven leadership.
Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, strategic flexibility, and a collaborative leadership style grounded in transparency, accountability, and relationship-building.

Skills

Strategic leadership
Organizational management
Program development
Operational oversight
Fundraising
Donor engagement
Partnership development
Relationship management
Communication
Project management
Organizational planning
Problem-solving
Systems development
Evaluation frameworks
CRM systems
Project management platforms
Technology tools
Appellate law familiarity (preferred)
Judicial clerkships familiarity (preferred)
Legal pipelines familiarity (preferred)
Legal advocacy work familiarity (preferred)

Location

Remote
NYC
DC

Work Type

Hybrid remote
Full-time
Exempt

Experience Level

10+ years of progressive leadership experience

Salary/Compensations

$135,000-$150,000 annually

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Retirement plans
Generous paid time off
Tuition benefits
Commuter benefits
Wellness resources

About the Company

The Appellate Project (TAP) fosters emerging leaders to build a more just, equitable, and representative appellate field through mentorship, professional development, community-building, and access to career pathways.
TAP supports law students through programming, providing access to mentorship, clerkship support, skill-building, and networking within the appellate bar.
TAP's network includes judges, law clerks, attorneys, alumni, and legal leaders committed to expanding access to the appellate profession and strengthening a diverse judiciary.
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 its partnership with the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU School of Law, TAP is positioned to deepen its national impact and expand opportunities for future appellate advocates and legal leaders.

Equal Opportunity

The Appellate Project, housed at NYU School of Law, is committed to building an inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
New York University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Research shows that individuals from historically underrepresented communities often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every qualification. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every listed qualification.