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.

All Freedom House employees possess a deep and unwavering commitment to nonpartisanship, with a sustained dedication to the mission of Freedom House. We have a strong work ethic and a keen desire for both personal and professional development. The team is also dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Freedom House is looking for an enterprising and entrepreneurial leader to direct Free Them All: The Fred Hiatt Program To Free Political Prisoners, an initiative aimed at freeing political prisoners in authoritarian countries and understanding the systemic causes that lead to political imprisonment. This work is done through a combination of advocacy, emergency support, and research and analysis. Authoritarian countries are increasingly constricting civic space, arresting activists, journalists and human rights defenders as part of their campaign to cement control of their countries. There is an urgent need for greater focus, coordination, and energy devoted to freeing prisoners and increasing global attention and engagement on the issue.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the “Free Them All” Program team

• Manage a team of 3 focused on supporting ten political prisoners and their families through advocacy, emergency assistance, researching and analyzing political imprisonment and other restrictions to freedoms, and liaising with key internal and external stakeholders.

Develop a strategy and workplan

• Working closely with colleagues across Freedom House, develop an updated strategy and workplan to grow the Program since its 2022 launch.

Advocate for the release of political prisoners and provide support to their families

• Advocacy work for this Program has historically been directed at policymakers in the US, EU, and governments with leverage on key cases. The director will update existing bespoke advocacy strategies for each political prisoner case as needed by adjusting to new case developments, changes in global trends impacting advocacy targets inside and outside of government, etc. This will include undertaking an ongoing landscape analysis of organizations and campaigns focused on political prisoner work and the variety of approaches taken by different organizations to feed into existing case strategies for the political prisoners supported under this Program.
• As needed, develop and maintain partnerships and workplans with law firms, communications firms, and other NGO partners to do pro bono work/collaborative campaigns on prisoner release and advocacy.
  As appropriate and based on available funding, identify and begin work on additional cases.
  Coordinate the execution of the strategy in close cooperation with other regional and subject matter experts across Freedom House and with relevant external partners.
   

Oversee research and analysis on trends in political imprisonment

• In close cooperation with Freedom House’s Research Team, oversee research and analysis in key trends in political imprisonment around the world, including other tactics used to restrict human rights defenders’ freedom such as travel restrictions, physical and digital monitoring, blacklisting, and asset freezes. 
  Research products advance Freedom House’s policy recommendations and may include policy briefs, special reports, and other materials. 
   

Liaise with Key Internal and External Stakeholders 

Keep PPI Advisory Board members up to date on key achievements and developments.
Connect with key external activists and advocates working on political prisoner issues to maintain a strong network of partners and an understanding of the experts engaged in this area.
Coordinate all case, research, and advocacy work with other departments at Freedom House as relevant, including the Policy & Advocacy, Research, Programs, and Communications Teams.
Serve as a focal point within Freedom House for global political prisoner issues, not just on the Program’s existing political prisoner cases but also for external inquiries on political prisoner issues and for political prisoner issues that arise in other Freedom House reporting, programmatic, and advocacy work.
·       Work with Freedom House’s Development Team to engage and update the program’s donors and potential supporters and update and execute strategies to raise funds for the Program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, political science, human rights, or related. 
  Advanced post-graduate degree preferred.

Experience:  

• 12+ years of experience working in institutions in government relations, democracy studies, human rights, law, advocacy, or justice issues.
• Senior leadership role in leading campaign, movement, or program in the human rights, democracy, or justice fields.
• Experience in managing and leading a team.
• Significant experience with advocacy, government relations, or communications, with demonstrable track record of advocacy success.
• Significant experience in multistakeholder or multilateral efforts.
• Understanding of effective research for advocacy.
• Familiarity with emergency support work.
• Knowledge of international law a plus.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to effectively interact with people holding a wide range of political and social views.
• Deep commitment to nonpartisanship and working in a cross-partisan fashion.
• Deep commitment to the mission and work of Freedom House.
• Skilled in establishing trusted partnerships, maintaining and managing highly-confidential information, using expert judgment when dealing with internal and external constituents, and maintaining unquestionable integrity and honesty.
• Strong ability to balance individual and team responsibilities.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with Freedom House staff at all levels, external partners, and funders, while driving work forward.
• Ability to raise funds, with track record of fundraising success a plus.
• Superb attention to detail, balanced against consistent production of timely, high-quality work.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, and prioritize under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to respond promptly to stakeholder needs and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality.
• Ability to assess own strengths and weaknesses, pursue training and development opportunities, and strive to continuously build knowledge and skills.
• Commitment to good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources.
• Commitment to comply with all Freedom House policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Freedom House established core values are belonging, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and respect. Through these values we prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, emphasize collective efforts for success, are dedicated to high-quality impactful work, uphold trust through courage and honesty, and treat everyone with dignity while appreciating their unique contributions.
• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse experiences and perspectives connected to the various jurisdictions in which Freedom House has programming are a welcome asset.
• Applicants should complete our online application form and submit a resume and a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications for this position. 
• Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship.  

COMPENSATION & REWARDS: 

• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. Salary range for this role is $130,000 to $150,000 annualized, dependent upon experience. 
• We are consistently working to retain and attract top talent to contribute to our continual growth. We are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:  
• Multiple medical plans, dental, and vision insurance available on the first date of hire
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to a 10% employer match
• $1,500 yearly professional development reimbursement for work-related trainings courses or memberships directly related to employee’s position.
• Generous Leave Programs
  • Annual paid time off that grows with your employment: 15 days for 0-2 years, 20 days for 3-5 years, 25 days for 6+ years. Director level and above start at 25 days. 
  • Sick Leave: 10 days per year, unlimited roll over year to year
  • 4 paid holidays with the ability to float the day later within the same calendar year
  • Parental leave: 20 days paid 
  • Bereavement: 3 days paid 
  • Jury duty: 30 days paid 
• Flexible, hybrid work culture with slow down weeks and “no meeting Fridays” 
• Supply annual allocation benefit: $210 for the purchase of home office equipment
• Mental health and well-being services through KonTerra Group 
• Free gym at the DC office 
• Flexible spending accounts 
• Short-term and long-term disability 
• Supplemental/Voluntary life insurance
• Employee assistance program

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work.
• May require long hours including evenings and weekends to complete tasks. 
• 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. 
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Requisition Number: 1456