Amnesty International (AI) is a movement of people across the world speaking out and acting up in defense of human rights. We investigate and report on human rights violations, and we educate and mobilize the public until we make a difference.
Under the banner of Amnesty International 2.2 million members and activists in more than 150 countries work to protect human rights worldwide, with complete independence from corporate or government interests. Through our research and action, laws have been changed, death sentences commuted, torturers brought to justice and prisoners of conscience have been released.Founded in 1965, Amnesty International of the USA (AIUSA) is the largest Amnesty section, with 360,000 members, almost half a million on-line activists, and more than a thousand community and student activist groups. AIUSA maintains six US offices with headquarters based in New York City.
In 2011, Amnesty International will mark its 50th Anniversary with a year-long recognition of its powerful legacy of defending human rights around the world. Coordinated, high-profile global events will provide a myriad of opportunities to reach new audiences and galvanize membership. This is an opportunity for celebration as well as the impetus to further realize Amnesty’s mission to protect people wherever their freedom or dignity are denied or threatened.
At this unique time, AIUSA seeks a top tier, senior international human rights expert for this Washington, DC based Deputy Executive Director leadership position.
Deputy Executive Director, Advocacy, Policy and Research (DED)
The DED reports to AIUSA’s Executive Director, Larry Cox, and is a member of the six-person Executive Team. The DED directs the Advocacy, Policy and Research Department, comprised of three organizational units: Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations, and Research and Advocacy Development. This Department’s work is organized to support AIUSA’s work to protect and advance the freedom and dignity of individuals around the world and directs US government and grassroots advocacy, thematic and regional expertise and research into human rights abuses in the US.These goals are accomplished through individual case work, responding urgently to human rights crises, and long-term and large-scale campaigns carried out by our members. AIUSA’s current campaigns include: Individuals at Risk which seeks to protect and free prisoners of conscience and other human rights defenders; Demand Dignity, the campaign to advance the rights of those who are poor; andCounter Terror with Justice; whose goal is to end torture and other abuses carried out in the name of fighting terror; Crisis Response, quickly mounted efforts to respond to actual or threatened outbursts of massive human rights violations.
As an Executive Team member, the DED assists in the broad oversight of AIUSA , contributes to shaping the organization’s overall direction as well as its international movement through close collaboration with Amnesty’s UK-based International Secretariat and its 70 branches around the world.
Position Responsibilities
The DED provides strategic insight and support for AIUSA’s mission-based priorities including campaigns, external relations and fundraising strategies as well as the organization’s overall administration and budget. S/he represents the organization internally and externally and serves as a key spokesperson for AIUSA on our full range of human rights issues with governments, the media, coalition partners, donors and members.
The DED must embrace AIUSA’s unique strength and character as a grassroots organization and respect the expertise and passion of its membership. As a result, s/he is committed to empowering, growing and diversifying AIUSA’s grassroots members and initiatives.
The DED regularly develops and assesses long and short term goals and strategies to cohesively build and strengthen the Department and AIUSA as a whole. Ongoing interdepartmental collaboration assures that efforts and output are aligned and coordinated.
The DED is responsible for the Department’s overall administration including its budget and ensures accurate and timely reporting. S/he possesses the ability to navigate competing priorities and overall complex economic scenarios in a fast-paced environment with an entrepreneurial spirit, agility and integrity.
The DED is an effective builder of cohesive teams, leads by example and strategically supports the Department, its three Managing Directors and a committed departmental staff. The DED communicates with staff regarding the Department and AIUSA overall in an on-going manner and maintains an open door management style. S/he is a natural listener and mentor, regularly provides ongoing professional feedback and assesses staff performance on an annual basis.
Qualifications
- A demonstrated commitment to AIUSA’s core mission, values and members.
- A prominent leader in the international human rights field with a breadth and depth of global professional experience.
- A distinguished human rights track record that will provide strong credibility with the highest levels of US government.
- An accomplished and resourceful strategist with the personal insights and professional knowledge and experience to forge common ground with diverse constituencies.
- Intellectual depth and curiousity, appropriate academic credentials and strong analytical skills with the ability to regularly exercise good judgement.
- An innovative senior manager as evidenced by a proven track record of positions of increasing management scope and responsibility. Embraces management challenges including the opportunity to build cohesive teams through staff mentoring and the recruitment and retention of top talent. Delegates with ease and motivates collegues at all levels resulting in top team performance.
- Exceptional oral communication skills with a high degree of comfort in making presentations to a vast array of audiences including prominent human rights leaders, related coalitions, the media, funders and members.
- A highly organized multi-tasker with superb written communication skills and the ability to produce and respond in a timely manner.
- Willingness and ability to regularly travel to AIUSA’s New York City Headquarters as well as any additional travel as required.
To apply for this position, please use DED in the subject line and send a cover letter with salary requirements , resume and the names and contact information for three references as soon as possible to: Joyce Munn, Global Nonprofit Network, Email: jmunn@globalnonprofit.com
This is an immediate hire and qualified applicants will contacted and interviewed prior to advertised
application deadlines. No telephone inquiries, please.
AIUSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities encouraged to apply for this leadership opportunity.