Chief of Staff

Job title:

Chief of Staff

Company

Freedom House

Job description

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief of Staff will direct the Office of the President, supporting the President in execution of Freedom House’s strategic plan, managing processes and information flow, and managing day-to-day activities of the Office. A key component of the Chief of Staff’s responsibilities will be Board strategy, recruitment, and stewardship, and supporting the President and Executives on all aspects of Board management. The Chief of Staff will be the primary point of contact for the Chair of the Board, as well as other trustees. The Chief of Staff is a trusted member of, and works closely with, Freedom House’s Executive Team. The Chief of Staff is a supervisory position.

Additional duties include ensuring strategic planning for and preparation of the President’s meetings and travel, working closely with the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead cross-pillar coordination on key organizational priorities, and facilitating coordination within and among Executive Team members. The Chief of Staff serves as an honest broker, working with the President and the Executive Team for continued organizational success and growth in service of Freedom House’s mission and vision.

The Chief of Staff will represent the President, ensure he is informed of key organizational developments, and make sure he has the information necessary to make decisions and, in general, advance the President’s projects and initiatives, working closely with the Executive Team and other Freedom House staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Office of the President

• Direct day-to-day operations of the Office of the President with a strategic approach, making sure to align the President’s meetings, travel, communications, and time with the organization’s priorities in service of its mission and purpose.
• Coordinate the executive team. Prepare substantive agendas for weekly meetings and ensure that the team is consulted closely on strategic decisions for Freedom House. Ensure that necessary information is shared across and with the executive team and with the President.
• Establish and implement a system of regular communications and engagement from the president to the staff, to the Board and other stakeholders.
• With the support of the executive assistant, make sure the President is prepared for strategic engagement in upcoming meetings by ensuring he has the information necessary to be productive and engaged, including working with Communications and the Executive Vice President to ensure proper preparation for speeches/panels, etc (such as talking points). Ensure follow-up from meetings, including communicating outcomes to relevant parties, and follow-up with internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Development and others to ensure that the president is focused on the larger strategic fundraising strategy for the organization, with respect to both private and public resources.
• Respond to inquiries on behalf of the President, coordinating with relevant Freedom House staff. Represent the president in meetings he cannot attend.
• Oversee special projects and initiatives at the President’s direction.

Board Management

• Serve as the point person on all matters related to the Executive Board and Board of Trustees, with the support of the president’s executive assistant. This includes working closely with the Governance Committee and counsel in ensuring proper governance, including reviewing by-laws and other governance documents.
• Provide support for the Board Co-Chairs, alongside the President.
• Strategically prepare the President and the Executive Team for Board and Committee meetings, including agenda setting, convening, and leading internal preparation meetings, and coordinating the substance and process of Board materials.
• Help identify, recruit and onboard trustees in coordination with the President, the chairs and the Governance and Nominating Committee. Work with the president and trustees to establish a recruitment process and implement it.
• Prepare and implement a board engagement and stewardship plan, working closely with the president, trustees and development team:

• Establish and implement a system to develop objectives for each trustee and to track interactions between the president, development team and other staff with individual Trustees. Work closely with the VP, development to make sure development needs are accounted for.
• Establish and implement a travel program for Trustees and major donor prospects.
• Work with president and staff to create and implement a plan to engage individual Trustees with events, opportunities for engagement and other tactics to make sure a) the executive board fulfills its fiduciary duties and b) each Trustee feels invested in Freedom House.
• Ensure that the President has “interacted” all Trustees throughout the year and identifying Trustees who might need attention.
• Track communications between staff and Trustees to ensure appropriate coordination and follow-up.
• In partnership with the executive assistant, maintain accurate electronic Board meeting files and governance documents.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, International Affairs, Public Policy or similar field; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Proven experience working closely and using expert judgment with executives and boards in a business or executive management role.
• Proven experience organizing and collaborating across multiple teams and departments, with the ability to build trusted relationships throughout the organization.
• Experience working on democracy and human rights issues desired.
• Proven success in a project management role.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Extremely versatile; able to prioritize and perform multiple tasks with excellent attention to detail and the ability to set and meet deadlines and drive projects to conclusion.
• Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions.
• Strong project reporting skills, with a focus on inter-departmental communication.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point).

Personal Attributes and Characteristics:

• Strong interpersonal skills, diplomatic, and responsive.
• Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. Demonstrable desire for personal excellence. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
• Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
• Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
• Freedom House provides a strong benefits package, including a 403(b)-retirement account, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision premiums, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. We offer a competitive salary range starting at $160,000 and dependent upon experience.
• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Working Conditions:

• General working office environment or telework.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Expected salary

Location

Washington DC

Job date

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 07:36:39 GMT

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