Freedom House promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, advocacy, and programs that support frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, and Nations in Transit. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.
At a time of growing restrictions on democracy, civil society, and free expression globally, the President of Freedom House leads a unique organization that offers widely-recognized analysis, policy advocacy, and assistance programs to human rights defenders.
The President serves as the chief executive officer and has the overall responsibility and decision-making authority for strategic leadership, program direction, general staff management, and the financial integrity of the organization.
The President manages the large Freedom House staff and promotes the goals of the organization. S/he provides overall leadership to the organization; serves as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, and provides information on organizational progress toward agreed strategic priorities; ensures Freedom House’s financial solvency and compliance with applicable requirements; advances Freedom House’s independence through strong fundraising from diverse sources, including foundations and the private sector; and takes the lead as the spokesperson and representative of Freedom House, and appoints appropriate staff to represent Freedom House effectively.
It is preferable for the President to have experience in areas that are critical to Freedom House’s mission; proven leadership and managerial experience, including in organizations with multiple offices; and familiarity with financial statements and policy.
The President and Board have joint responsibility for developing and maintaining a strong working relationship and a system for sharing information that enables the Board to effectively carry out its governance role.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXPECTATIONS:
Leadership
- Sets overall Freedom House strategic direction and policies, in consultation with the Board;
- Facilitates the setting of Freedom House’s annual objectives, develops and implements work plans to address priorities, and reports progress regularly to the Board of Directors;
- Appoints executive management and oversees implementation of strategic priorities;
- Motivates employees and the ability of the organization to attract and retain talent; and
- Represents Freedom House and its mission to outside audiences and advocates and promotes the organization and its core mission.
Management
- Establishes goals and priorities for staff and ensures effective implementation;
- Oversees management of human resources to attract and retain top talent;
- Oversees the Chief Financial Officer in ensuring that Freedom House’s fiscal function and performance meet all standards and requirements;
- Ensures prudent financial management and practice within the organization, ensuring that expenditures do not exceed the overall financial resources;
- Communicates necessary financial information to the Board and others on a timely and regular basis;
- Works with Board members, senior executives, and advisors to produce and implement a short- and long-term fundraising plan to secure private resources necessary to achieve organizational goals;
- Acts as principal fundraiser to ensure strong private sector revenue and diverse support for Freedom House programs and publications; and
- Travels, as required, to meet business needs.
Board Liaison
- Advises the Board, and formulates policies and planning recommendations to the Board;
- Provides Board members with appropriate information on the budget and other matters needed to support informed decision making and effective governance;
- Works with the Board Chair on focusing Board meetings on topics of highest priority that need Board attention and involvement;
- Engages Board members (directly or through delegation to other executive staff), collectively and individually, in understanding and making sense of the organization’s environment, challenges, and potential; and
- Assists in the selection and evaluation of Board members.
Communications
- The President, along with the Chairman of the Board, serves as the primary spokesperson and public face for the organization;
- Establishes and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups that affect the success of the organization;
- Serves, with the Board and other Executive staff, as liaison to foundation, government, corporate, and individual donors; and
- Interfaces between the Board and employees and ensures that both have sufficient and up-todate information.
Key Qualifications
- 15 years minimum of progressively responsible positions in complex organizations;
- Experience in international affairs and democracy/human rights issues is preferable;
- Evidence of the ability to balance creative thinking, strategic planning, and tactical execution;
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with senior management teams, Board members, staff, donors, prospective donors, and other key stakeholders;
- Experience planning for, leading, or participating in a fundraising campaign is preferable;
- Exceptional communication skills, including listening, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to deliver compelling presentations to internal and external audiences;
- Ability to anticipate opportunities and to act quickly and resourcefully to take advantage of them;
- Good judgment and integrity necessary to serve as an internal role model and brand ambassador;
- Sound fiscal management skills; and
Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferable.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work may include some long hours, including evenings and/or weekends as reasonable to complete essential tasks or attend important events.
Disclaimer: This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and that other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
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